IFS without removing cross member?

[Richie15]

Hi, I'm asking about 1939-47 Dodge Plymouth pickup 1/2 ton....Does a IFS added need to remove the stock cross member? From pictures of these IFS kits it almost looks like the new new cross member that comes with the kit WILL clear the existing cross member...which I would like to keep that for the engine, radiator mounting points AND keep all that extra bulk/support of the frame AND the new added member will have mounting points for the rack, pinion steering assy.

Any info. how  should I move forward before buying a kit appreciated.  Thanks Rich

[Dave72dt]

Best way would be to make some phone calls to the manufacturers or if you can find someone who has installed one of those kits in their truck.   Whose kits were you looking at?

[Ram Man 02]

My truck is a 49 so not what your asking about but i have a Fatman IFS and the new crossmember does indeed clear the existing crossmember that holds the radiator. I bought a generic front sway bar kit and i know that does interfere with the original front crossmember and my plan was to some day make a new radiator support so i can install it. Not sure if that helps but like Dave said try calling who you want to buy from and see if they know.

[Richie15]

Thanks Jeremiah, I will look at Fatman. There are many suppliers, Helix seem s to have best price then send 20% off message...only complaints about sloppy welds.

Both cross members is a big plus to me but don't wish to unnecassarily  welds and cutting. Neat and way strong! I do have an experiance shop but not with the Dodge/Plymouth trucks.

Regards, Richie

[DJ194950]

Have read  Many negative reviews on Helix products!

Buyer beware! Check carefully.

 

DJ

[Ram Man 02]

i bought my ifs about 6 or 7 yrs ago and there wasnt more then 2 or 3 companies at the time that had an actual pilothouse application. most companies wanted to sell me a universal kit that i had to tweek to my frame. i wasnt interested in that because i originally had intensions of doing the work myself. fatman wasnt the cheapest option but they had a good reputation (plus ive walked through their booth at Back to the 50s show several times) and the crossmember itself was 5/16" thick box tubing compared to the others at 3/16". probably wouldnt have mattered either way since im just looking to make a nice weekend cruiser out of the truck but I drug my feet for several years on starting this project and in 2019 finally just paid a shop to weld the ifs in along with a few other little things. now i work on the rest of the drivetrain upgrades as money permits 

[Ram Man 02]

I should probably also note that my plan is to modernize my entire drivetrain. so i dont have a problem with chopping, welding, and changing any bracket or brace on my frame to fit my needs. 

[Richie15]

You and I on same page....I have ordered an A833 adapter for D30 engine, I think a 2000 Cherokee 3rd member will bolt to stock springs, etc. etc.

But will be making some phone calls for the IFS application to the '39-'47 frame...see if Fatmans' quality with Helix prices exists!