Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

I am still in the planning stages for this project, but I figured I might as well document all the info I am digging up!!

I know this has been done before, but I could find very little documented in regards to a Chevy install.

http://kustomcreations.smugmug.com/O...earSwap001.jpg

ol' chebby over at Classic Parts Forum has one in his 3600 and I have spoke with him numerous time about it. Below is his truck....and another truck he built.

http://kustomcreations.smugmug.com/O...DSCN8201-M.jpg

Good donors are 1989- 1997 Thunderbird/ Cougars and 1993 - 1998 Lincoln Mark 8. The Fords were on coil springs, the Lincolns are all on bags. Fords are available in 7.5" and 8.8" with drums and discs available. The Lincolns were 8.8 only, and only disc brakes. Depending on your location, they can be bought pretty cheap. I found a 8.8" in 3.23 ratio with discs locally for $250.00.

My plan is to put it on air. With this set up, you can lay frame without a huge notch, or relocating the height of the bed floor.

Below is a picture of the IRS in a TF truck.

http://kustomcreations.smugmug.com/O...M/59%20c-M.jpg

http://kustomcreations.smugmug.com/O...tachment-M.jpg

more later..........

Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck
 

A few more pictures of them installed.

Ol' Chebby's 3600.

http://kustomcreations.smugmug.com/O...DSCN5960-M.jpg

http://kustomcreations.smugmug.com/O...DSCN5961-M.jpg

Ford Install

http://kustomcreations.smugmug.com/O...-26-30_9-M.jpg

http://kustomcreations.smugmug.com/O...-26-30_0-M.jpg

Team 321 makes mounting brackets for the Ford IRS system to mount to Ford trucks. A link to their website is below. Dave at Team 321 is a great resource for IRS info.

http://team321.com/truckirs/truckirs.html

Below is a picture of a 56 Ford installed with the Team 321 kit.

http://team321.com/truckirs/NewImage...ruckIRS066.jpg

Another Ford Install

http://kustomcreations.smugmug.com/O...60016d0d-M.jpg

Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck
 

Below is a great build thread on step by step install in a 1951 F1

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/81...ll-how-to.html

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/IRS25.jpg

Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck
 

I had looked into that once because I have one those rear ends. My plan was to leave it as a bolt in unit. But didn't when I became disillusioned with the Danforth kit and went to the dakota chassis.

Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck
 

I have my heels dug in on staying with the stock frame, so I really like this option.

Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck
 

Not sure if titles can be modified, but looks like all Rear installs instead of ifs right? Or are you going to do the front as well?

Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck
 

Darnit......should be IRS. I sent a message to the Moderator.

Thanks for the heads up.

I have not decided on IFS yet.

Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck
 

Had I kept the stock frame I would have used the T-bird rear. The dakota was sitting there, my son quit driving it.

Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck
 

That looks interesting and you had me wondering with that Thunderbird IFS in that I was trying to figure out what you were going to do with the struts.

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

Obstacles:

Rear end bolt pattern is 5 x 4-1/4. New hubs can be bought for 5 x 4-1/2 which would allow a much better wheel selection. Redrilling the stud holes is also an option. I am hoping there is enough room to redrill them 5 x 4-3/4 so I can keep my existing wheels. I won't be able to determine that until I pick up the rear end.

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

My neighbor just finished a 52 Chevy AD truck and he installed a 300 ZX IRS and it fits great and rides great the bolt pattern is a 4 1/2 Ford, this is the only pic I have.

There is a rod builder in Washington that is all he uses is 300 ZX

Just as a thought, have you heard about these?

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

Found another one !

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

Awesome truck. I have heard of the 300z IRS....but have never seen one installed.

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

Wonder why ford did that? Figure it would have been cheaper to have everything 5 x 4.5...

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

Very good question.

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

LOL...cuz its ford...
I've owned a few in the day and I have caught myself asking myself, usually when under the hood, "why'd they do that? What where they thinking..."

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

Making it even more stupid..........the Lincoln version of this has 5 x 4-1/2.

I spoke with two people regarding re drilling the hubs 5 x 4-3/4". One person said it is not possible....the other said it is.

I guess I will take the hubs to a local machinist and ask.

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

I looked at some in the junkyard. With a quick look and a tape measure, I didn't think there was a big enough flange to re-drill to 4-3/4". I know that a lot of people have successfully re-drilled to 4-1/2". Some people buy the cobra 4-1/2" hubs to swap. But, they are expensive. I think there are a lot more wheel choices in 4-1/2" vs. 4-3/4", especially positive offset that you will need with the wide rear end.

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

I did some checking and Cobra (or Lincoln) hubs are about $95.00 each......and brake rotors are cheap. From $18.00 to $100.00 depending on what you want.

Cragar wheels like I am running now are available on 4-1/2". Just need to figure out what offset I will need. I think this rear end is 63" wide.

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

A friend is using one in a Street Rod 29 Essex. He likes it and hasn't blown it up yet- 351w and automatic.

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

That is good to know!!

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

T-Bird Install in a Ford F100.

http://forums.truckinweb.com/70/8877...0-irs-install/

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

Thanks for the link. A friend has one to build and this is very helpful.

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

Your welcome!!

Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck
 

Any updates? been a while.

Bill