Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

The whole install will actually run in print later, so here's a quickie on just how easy an ifs install really is. I know a lot of you guys balk at the thought of cutting and welding, but really, it's not all that bad. Remember, if you aren't a competent welder you can always hire a mobile welder to buzz it all up once you have it tacked in. It won't take him more than an hour for final welding.

Now naturally I am leaving out a few steps to save space...

First things first, the entire front end was removed. When I arrived it was already pulled; but I don’t think I need to show you guys how to remove front sheet metal or a stock suspension. In this case, the frame was previously boxed, but it was done quite poorly so it was being redone also. One thing I wish I would have been there to photograph was how to measure the front axle centerline. In this case it was marked on the frame table where we will transfer it to the frame later.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06157.jpg

In addition to removing the front sheet metal and suspension, the boxing plates were also removed with a plasma cutter. For those of you without a plasma, a die grinder with a cut off wheel would have worked just fine. As a matter of fact, I’ll show you a bit on that later. Ultimately the goal is to create two smooth frame rails so the crossmember and airbag brackets are easy to weld in straight.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06152.jpg

Like I said, the boxing plates originally welded in were done with 18g sheetmetal. Not exactly what I’d call strong enough to hold a crossmember in, so after it was all cut out it we took a square to mark the inner frame rails. Here the goal is to grind the top and bottom of the frame rails level to each other. When the boxing plates are welded in we want them to be straight and level and not all cock eyed.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06161.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06166.jpg

Once we were satisfied with the fit of the rails, a template was made for the boxing plates. I tell everyone to box it all from the firewall forward, but for time sake, we boxed just where we needed to.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06171.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Severy takes a lot of time making his templates to save a lot more time later. Excessive trimming later is a bore.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06174.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06175.jpg

Only a bit of 1/8” plate is needed. The template is transferred to the plate and cut with a plasma.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06180.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06187.jpg

Now what happens for the guys that don’t have a plasma? Or how about when your plasma cutter takes a crap? Well, again, just bust out the cut off wheel. You really don’t need a slew of expensive equipment for this kind of install.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06191.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

A little bit of touch up and you should be good to go.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06195.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06196.jpg

No need to weld it in here (unless you are welding this yourself) If not, go ahead and tack the plates in.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06202.jpg

In our case, we decided to weld it in.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06206.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06225.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Not really anything, I just love this pic, LOL...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06224.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Next we ground the welds down and cleaned things up a bit.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06231.jpg

Okay, here is the outside of the frame rail. Because this is an airbag install we need to make sure this part of the frame rail is smooth too. Because the plasma was on the fritz we used the cut off wheel again. Typically I like to smooth the entire outside of the rail, but it’s not necessary, so we opted to just cut out the detents and weld in some plate.
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06216.jpg

Again, it’s a good practice to clean things up after you cut them out. If you start clean, your piece will fit clean, and it’ll finish clean.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06228.jpg

This is kind of a combo shot. You can see here where the patch is stitched in, but also a plumb bob is hanging to get the centerline of the wheels that was marked on the table. There are several ways to get the centerline marked so I won’t go too deep into it, but I do want to point out that it is very important that even when welding on plate to not let it get too hot. Just like sheetmetal, plate and frames can warp very easy. So stitch pieces into place and weld them in a bit at a time.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06232.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06245.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

This is what happens when you work too much.......

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06249.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Skip forward a bit. The frame rails are straight and smooth, and the crossmember is here ready to install. This is just how you receive it from Scott's. It is one piece and ready to install. There will naturally be a little bit of final trim fit, but it's basically ready to go.
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06153.jpg
A little grinding and it’s a tight fit and ready to line up.
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06248.jpg
So where does the crossmember go? That’s easy….dead center of the wheel centerline.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06256.jpg

A quick tack, and booyah, it’s in.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06258.jpg
Somewhere is a really cool picture with a level on the crossmember to show how to level it……but instead I’ll explain.
In short, you want to install the crossmember level to the ground with the truck sitting at ride level. Look at that sentence carefully. The truck is at ride level, not necessarily ride height. If you want a 2” rake in the truck, then level the truck with a 2” rake, and install the crossmember level to the ground. If you want the truck straight level, then level the truck, and level the crossmember to the ground.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06268.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06269.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06272.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06273.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06276.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06281.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06292.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06297.jpg

In a lot of cases the upper arms hit the top of the frame rail at full inflation. In this case because of hos the crossmemebr was set up, it did not hit. But, we do include a set of cut outs for the top of the frame to clearance for the a-arms.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06301.jpg


http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06304.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06305.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Okay, back to some more of the technical stuff.

Because there is not real set way to tell you where to place your air bag, we use this method:
Holding you’re a-arm at ride height (the bottom a-arm level to the ground) measure from the bottom bag plate up 3-1/4” and make a mark on the frame.
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06306.jpg

Make the same mark the full width of the bag plate and draw a line. This is where your upper bag mount will sit.
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06307.jpg

The center mark here is the center of the crossmember which is also the center of the lower bag bracket, and the center of the upper bag bracket.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06308.jpg

Another near impossible dimension to give is the location of the upper shock bracket. So rather than try to taken a dozen different reference points, how about if we just put it in the only place it can go…

Bolt on the shock to the lower shock mount and bolt on the upper shock mount to the shock. When you compress the shock the upper bracket will lay on top of the frame in the natural position. Tack it there in place. Then simply match the other side.
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06309.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06312.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

You can see here it is already trimmed to sit at the correct angles.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06314.jpg

At this point you can go ahead and tack in your upper bag mounts. Before you weld it in though, give it a quick eyeball to make sure it lines up with the lower bag bracket on the lower a-arm. We found that on our frame a previous plug protruded just a hair on the drivers side, so we went ahead and trimmed the bracket just a hair to line it back up.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06319.jpg

Don’t try and level the upper bag bracket. Just make it parallel the bottom bracket.
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06321.jpg

Here Severy is marking the frame for the rack cutouts. Not all frames require this, but the height on the 67-72 frame is so tall it needs one. He just used the cutout as a template
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06324.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06327.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Ugly!!!
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06335.jpg

Okay, not ugly anymore. Now it’s ready to weld in place.
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06341.jpg

See, all better..

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06351.jpg

Now a lot of bolting on parts happens and I highly doubt I need to retell the story on how a rotor bolts to a spindle, so here’s the short version:
Spindle, inner seal, bearing/race, rotor, bearing/race, washer…LOL…..
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06362.jpg

Our caliper bracket

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06379.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

good install so far jeph

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

J-Body caliper

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06383.jpg

Crossmember’s just about welded in

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06386.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06388.jpg

A-arms are bolted on per the instruction sheet
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06390.jpg

Bags go in

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06397.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Spindles are attached along with the correct provided spacers.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06399.jpg

Rack goes on along with the out tie rods

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06421.jpg

And well, as far as this part goes……the front ends installed and done.

See, pretty simple

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06412.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

this is everything here less shocks and brakes

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...l/DSC06176.jpg

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

looks good,great pictures on the install Jeph
Justin

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Jeph, thanks for the nice write up. It doesnt look too bad.

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

It's really not. I hope that with enough pictures and a detailed walk through, people can see that a weld in unit really is a fairly simple installation.

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Looks very nice. :cool:

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

I don't think people really balk at the fact that its a weld in job. Its probably becasue a bolt in job everything is figured out and its simply a matter of putting a few bolts in a few holes thats so attractive to those like myself without the skills.

With welding you have to well use a tape measure and more thought because it comes in pieces and figuring out angles and locations can mean the difference between riding correctly and well having your alignment all out of wack. ;)

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Sweet write up. I enjoyed reading it all! Looks like a nice setup and love the way your control arms look. I like that custom built look. One question though. In those pics i didn't see any sway bar mounts on the lower control arm. Is that something you add later or let the person who purchases them add the mounts? Just curious. Anyways nice explanations and beautiful tig welds!

Josh

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

we do offer sway-bars with our frontends they are a upgrade to the frontend.We do weld a bung on to
the lower part of the a-arm.We have had customers in the
past order sway-bars after they installed the frontend.We
can make them and send them to you.You will have to weld
the bungs on your self.You can send the lower a-arms back
yo us and we can weld them on your self.
justin

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

On thursday at the shop
we will be installing our
polished scotts superslam ifs on a 68 chevy frame.
We will post some pics on this when done.You guys can see what it looks like.
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

I wasn't trying to imply at all that the folks here are not skilled enough to do a weld in ifs, rather, there is a ton of misinformation on just how the installs actually go, so I wanted to show how simple they are.

On a regular basis I actually get calls with people ask how they weld the a-arms together, or how the crossmember needs to be welded into one piece.

Yes, a weld in will be much more basic as far as installs go, but you will still need to do just as much measuring with that new fangled tape measure, LOL. the only real extra work is going to be the bit of welding. Even the bolt on kits that I am familiar with require you to cut in your rack notches.

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

That was outstanding. I love step-by-step documentation with photos, and your post did a great job explaining the process. Nice work, too.

Justin- I've been a big fan of your stuff for a long time. Keep us posted with your shop projects.

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Justin you should make a DVD of this to give to your customers when they order to use as a reference guide along with instructions. It will do away with alot of confusion with us simple rednecks from Tennessee. LOL

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Yeah if not a DVD at least host a few videos on YouTube or on your site because after reading your photo writeup its something I would take a stab at with the help of a buddy who knows how to weld. Hes helped me before and I feed him well. ;)

There are a few companies out there in the Jeep world that started doing it like Currie and Rokmen and I'm absolutely positive they are getting more business and exposure because the installs look simple and its something that is on their mind and their buddies when they recieve and email saying "Hey Check this out" They even do it Truck, Hotrod, Muscle Car style so its segmented and gives them personality. Unless of course your a wacko and don't want customers to know that hahahahaha

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Great idea just got off the phone with our web guy.Says that will be very easy to do.We will be posting the install on our website and we will be doing
a dvd to.
Justin

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

thanks. Mr. Stink Bug

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

thankyou for the idea,


For the stink bug comment that is funny,when you told me you did not
want your truck to sit to low in the back.I asked you why you told me
your wife or cow would not be able to ride in it anymore.


I said fine so keep it like a stink bug:lol:

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Hey don't bring back painful memories my daddy just sold my first true love the brown and white face cow out back. I still am very sensitive about the subject I lose sleep about it to this very day. Thanks as always

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

You guys are too much :)

A youtube vid is a great idea. I'll talk to Justin this week and see about filming an install. I have all the equipment and we can shoot it in HD for the dvd..now that would be sweet :)

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

thanks for the order today 98% packed almost ready to
ship.Your card you sent to us today very funny.
one more thing the I feel bad about your cow
I will pay for you to see a doctor to help you
out with your emotions.
justin

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Thanks for the write-up, sweet setup!

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

glad you guys liked it
justin
www.scottshotrods.com

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Nice! Now do a IFS coil-over install.

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

if you understood how the install went and how easy it is.
The scotts standard ifs is even less work.This is how,
It will be the same style crossmember but it will not
have any airbag brackets or shock mounts you have to weld
to the top of the frame.You will not have to knotch out the
frame for rack and pinion clearence.

The crossmember will have the upper coil-over mounts welded to the top of the crossmembr.The lower a-arm will have
a lower shock mount welded to the lower a-arm.The coil-overs we use are Alden coil-overs fully adjustable on the
spring rate and the rebound.They are nitrogen charge.
You can go to www.scottshotrods.com and go to scotts custom ifs and you can view the scotts standard ifs.
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Oh, well that clears up a bunch.

Re: Complete Scotts IFS install (how to) with pictures...
 

Actually you can also go to our website www.scottshotrods.com and download the ifs installation instructions. It's in the ifs section. It's not for the same truck, but the installs the same way.