Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

New guy here, but have been reading and searching. Sorry I know theres been questions on this subject before regarding IFS, but heres my story. So after 30 years Im finally getting into my parents 49 5 window thats been sitting since we moved into the house 30 years ago. The truck ran when we parked it in the garage and so everything is in pretty good shape. With that being said, my dads getting up in age, and so the i6 is getting thrown out for a lsx and 6spd or auto trans, and the safety is getting put on via 4 wheel discs, and power steering. I am also going air bags as we like the height adjustablity so that we can get up our steep driveway, yet can have a lower stance when parked or driving. I was at the Good Guys show today, and visited Scotts and TCi and looked at their chassis, IFS and 4 link kits. I ended up getting the ride tech air suspension kit minus the bags or shockwave, have yet to decide on which one we will be getting. While talking with the ride tech guy I was pretty set on getting the TCI kit as it was cheaper than Scotts which looked really nice, but it was 1k more and the kit wasnt as complete. He said that he has done a few of these AD trucks and that he likes Fatman. He also asked me to think realisticly how much I would have in the IFS and 4link which came out to 4800 for the TCI and over 5 for the Scotts WITH the show pricing. Not to mention my time doing the cutting, and welding. He then had me go and search Fatman fab for their builders special chassis which is 6400 http://www.fatmanfab.com/product/194...-truck-chassis

for an extra few hundred I wouldnt even have to worry about setting all the angles up for the front end conversion, and while my frame is pretty solid in terms of rust, and i dont believe it has been in an accident having a new solid frame build does sound like a very nice option. I am looking for opinions on what I should do. Was ride tech guy steering me in the right direction, or should I just do the IFS/4link bags? If so Fatman, TCI or Scotts? Or sack it up work some OT shifts and get the chassis.

TIA

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

My opinion only, so take that for what it's worth. I have a '57 that I purchased and was fairly complete. It has a TCI MII front end and TCI 4 link in the back. With that said, if I were going to keep the stock frame, I would look at Flatout Engineering or No Limit Engineering. If you are going with the full monty frame upgrade, I would look at https://www.canadianhotrodsinc.com/

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

x2 for flatout...

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

There is a big advantage to the Flatout setup in that it uses all Corvette chassis parts with their crossmember making repairs later very simple. No hunting for that one off special bushing that only works in the tube A arm of the outfit that built the A arm stuff.

You would have to talk to them about the air bag thing though. That may or may not be simple to do. I'd rather run the coil overs if I had that setup as I am not an airbag fan.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

I see both the Canadian and flat out run the c4 suspension, Im kind of worried that shipping across the border would be super expensive. Air bags are also going to be a need item as we have a pretty steep drive way, and i dont really want the truck to ride high when cruising.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

who's border?..flatout is in cali..http://www.flatout-engineering.com/products.html

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Canadian border for the the Canadian hot rod frame. Flat out doesnt have an option for air bags, and I would prefer to buy it all in one big kit so I know everything will fit.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Considering the dollar is stronger than Canadian money, currently, you might be surprised. It might be worth a call at least.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

i was assuming ca stood for california....i guess your from canada instead...
if your considering a complete chassis check into art morrison..
although flatout doesn't offer air there are several builds here using their kits with air..

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Take a look at Industrial Chassis Inc and see what he has to offer for these A D trucks

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

The industrial kit looks interesting, I would have to assume that a Dakota IFS is way stronger than a Mustang 2 one. if only it was more complete. I want something that has everything set up, and all i have to either A weld the crossmembers in place, or if the price is right just drop my body onto the new chassis.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Update, well in between dispatches I was able to call TCI and Evan told me that in the end I was looking at 14k for a new chassis an extra 800 for a clutch pedal. So a full chassis from them is out of the question. Hopefully I dont get deployed out of state for Texas, as then I will be busy for a few weeks straigh, and I can get my research done.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

You are right , that is too much !
I would find a good fab/builder in your area and have your chassis built IF it is straight and rust free

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

My recommendation would be C4 Corvette IFS using the Flatout crossmember. It's GM factory engineering adapted to your stock frame and I feel that's a very solid approach.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

If you are looking at a complete chassis you might check with https://www.artmorrison.com/homepage2.php They have several levels of chassis and their "shop truck" sits on the first one they designed and built for an AD and the speak bagged fluently. Those guys drive what they build too and drive them hard.

On the Scotts front end, the thing looks super strong but the only thing that bugs me about it is that a front end man might kick you out of his shop when he sees what has to be done to adjust the caster and camber. From the looks of it you have to take the upper A arm loose and screw the ends of the arms in or out to do the adjustment and then put it back together to check it and then repeat if you need to adjust more.

I've already bought the Dakota Donor for mine. to run the Industrial chassis crossmember. 92 four banger truck. I'm going to use the AX15 trans with an adapter in the 48 too. Adapter isn't cheap but the trans is a lot stronger than a T5. It will shake up the troops because I will run a 5 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern when I use the Dodge van rotors I have in the shed and a Ford truck nine inch. I'm running 15 inch wheels and hubcaps so it isn't an issue. The thing with the Dakota suspension is that it is the right width and not that spendy for the suspension pieces.

There are so many aftermarket suspension setups out there that it actually does boggle the mind more than a bit.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

"On the Scotts front end, the thing looks super strong but the only thing that bugs me about it is that a front end man might kick you out of his shop when he sees what has to be done to adjust the caster and camber. From the looks of it you have to take the upper A arm loose and screw the ends of the arms in or out to do the adjustment and then put it back together to check it and then repeat if you need to adjust more."

Just a note for information here. That is how to adjust the camber. You keep the sides of the A arm even and adjust both the same. To set caster you use washers between the upper pivots. The good thing is that the suspension parts all mount to the cross member so should rarely require adjustment once set.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

You are right on all counts !

The upper arms (L&R) will need to be adjusted at least 3 times and my front end man charges by the hour!
We have had two of these "adjusted" to get proper castor and camber & toe
And be sure and tell the front end guy about the set screws locking in the bolts
As solid as the A arms are I don't think there is much room for wear so it may be many miles before it needs adjustment again
Scott's does build "some" castor into the x-member and even setting up the suspension plumb and level it will still need to be dis assembled to make it exact (3+ hours)

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

They look quality made though. Although i we hoping to get a wheel works oye Americas tie to do the alignment. So knowing that it's a pain too do is great too know. The more i look into it the more promising fatman is looking. I will try and look into Chris Alston as we used him 20 years ago or so for my buddies mustang in college.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

The best part of Scotts front suspension is it installs very fast so you save a lot of time getting it in, plumb and level on your wheel center line and stitch it in DONE !
It is a very STOUT front end

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

So any of these kits come with the master cylinder? Or is thay something i will have to add on? With the ls1 im going to use that pump to go with the power rack and pinion

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

No master cylinder or brake lines, calipers and rotors only

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

My Scotts suspension is the bolt-in model which I think might be the only TF bolt-in setup that they ever sold. I installed it at home in my garage and aligned it myself. It drove fine and had no apparent tire wear. If I were building another truck, which is highly unlikely at my age and health condition, I would probably get another Scotts front and rear suspension. It's not the cheapest but It's definitely good stuff, and USA made.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Just got my 46 on the road with a Scott's front end. I had a few hicups along the way, but I can tell you the customer service is second to none. At one point Justin even called me Christmas day to make sure everything was Ok with his front end.
I havn't had mine professionaly aligned yet but it does trac perfectly straight. And thats saying alot seeing s how I did the install by myself and was a total newbie at the time. TOTALLY CLULESS!

I am currently looking at another truck for my next project and my first call wil be to Scott's!

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Mr 48. looked those up when i got off shift 15k is pretty dang expensive for an AME chassis. Way out of my budget. Im trying to get the motor trans and chassis/ifs and rear suspension for about 16-18k all said and done if possible. Paint and wheels can come later.

With those that did the ifs conversion kit, did you guys do the rear kit too? How did you guys set up the steering and the brakes? Did the steering mount up to your original? Did you guys buy a new master cylinder and brake set up?

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

With those that did the ifs conversion kit, did you guys do the rear kit too? How did you guys set up the steering and the brakes? Did the steering mount up to your original? Did you guys buy a new master cylinder and brake set up?[/QUOTE]

I used a TCI rear leaf spring kit i bought from Speedway for about $500 for my 46. It bolted right into the existing holes. Super simple. I used an under cab frame mounted master cylinder. Disc front/ drum rear.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Here is the truck. Been in the garage since 1981 so the rust isn't to bad there's some right above the side skirt with cracking thay i just sar when i wnt to look for the mater cylinder

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Thats great to hear Paintman. He did seem to help alot more when i first met him, but when we went around the second time less so. His product does seem to be really really well made. I do have second thoughts on the alignment though.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

I do have second thoughts on the alignment though.[/QUOTE]

I havn't had my front end aligned professionaly yet. But I have had my front end apart about 5 times during my build. It gets easier each time but I can see why a guy at a n alignment shop will scoff at it. It's a little more involved to move the spacers around with the Scott's front end, compared to just loosening up a few bolts a taping things with a hammer to get a standard MII aligned.

I think what I am going to do is take mine to my local shop that I have dealt with for years. Have them put the lasers on it and tell me where its at. Then take it home and tinker with it myself until I think it's close and then go back and have them check it again. This way there not trying to learn the whole process.

hell theres some guys that just do there own alignments with chaulk and a couple pieces of twine in there own garage.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

I did the Flat out kit a couple of years ago. I would suggest really doing your homework on this before going that route. The few things I did not like was the lack of directions. About 7 pages of hand written and photo copied info. Some of the measurements on it were incorrect. They send a bag of bolts and nuts that are not labeled like most other kits. I think if you had installed one before you would be familiar enough to work through it. The front kit is movable but unless you have you cab on, you will not know the correct location to center the wheels. (unless you mark the center before removing cab/bed) The instructions only place it in the original location.(and Flatout would not give me any specific measurements for moving it) Most people move the suspension to center the wheel. You can't move the rear without modifying the original kit thereby reducing the reason to buy the kit. Does not have provisions for sway bars. After removing the sway bar and original springs replacing with coil overs, I have to wonder if there is an advantage to the corvette suspension. I do like the like that you can buy parts but even now you can't buy a rubber bushing kit for the C4. has to be poly.) I don't think I would buy the rear kit again.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

454 did you do full chassis or a front and rear set up? That's a lot of good insight i didn't think about not having the exact locations to mock everything up. On the plus side the ride tech showed up today!! Didnt get to open it up cause i had to go on shift. But i will when I'm done with this tour.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Got a great price on an ls1 with auto today. Couldn't pass it up so i guess i will not be going the t56 route. Good thing i didn't buy a new chassis yet. The guy i picked it up from said to look at stoner speed shop. Had anyone used them before? Nobody has mentioned them yet.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

ended up getting the chassis from TCI today. there goes all my money

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

It was nice to meet you yesterday Jonathan. I'll get some pics of the chassis being built and post them up.

-J

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Did you get the whole chassis or just the front IFS?

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

I cheated and ordered a complete chassis with air ride since I ordered the ride tech stuff already.
Evan sold me into doing the complete chassis instead of cutting up my frame even though its in pretty good condition. By the time I ordered front and rear kits, and boxed everything it would be about 2-3k difference, plus a lot of work in getting all the rust and grime off. A lot of money for sure, but then its done right, with a warranty, and I can hopefully finish it faster and spend more time with my dad driving it, as this is the whole point of the project. The unsuspecting thing is that it did cost more than the 3k spread I was thinking because of tax, and all the other things that we wanted. Mainly the air ride and having them do all the assembly, which in my mind 400 for them to assemble everything and get all the angles and rear end set up for the amount that I am already spending is small. I realize that I am going to have to take it all apart to paint it, but this way all I would have to do is count the threads, and take pictures to get it to where they had it instead of starting from scratch.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Getting the entire chassis is often a good decision as you've laid out in your post above. It often takes so long to properly update the existing one.
Looking forward to fabrication pictures and ...hopefully you will do a build thread?

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

GOOD CHOICE !!
Be sure and do as much as you can Before you remove any sheetmetal from the truck
As I have gotten older I have learned that my time is very valuable so I did the same thing with my new project

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

since you spent all that money why not get a print out of the proper driveline angle for the pinion and front end alignment specs. then set the frame at level and assemble with a digital level. the front end will need to go to a shop for alignment when done but you wanna let the weight sit on the frame for a bit to settle the springs in before that happens. I would say just have them include those numbers with the bill as well as what replacement parts are from. eg, front rotors are from xxx donor car, ball joints, brake pads, park brake cables etc etc. you have the right to know since you lightened your wallet into theirs. haha.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Cool, now for the build photos. Keep us posted on the progress.

I'd go along with getting the chassis all squared away as far as possible before pulling the body off the original frame. If you have done a number of them you tend to know and remember where those odd looking pieces go after it has been apart for a length of time but the first time around you want it all fresh in your memory or it starts to be that 5000 piece red puzzle you heard about when you were a kid.
The only rub in waiting to take it apart is that you do have to take the time to do the cleanup and paint work before transferring the part. If I had a big designated work area where I could pull it apart and do all the work on the body that I had planned to do and have it all ready to drop on the chassis when the chassis is ready that could really speed the process up.

Re: Fatman, TCI, or Scotts IFS/Chassis on 49 AD
 

Curious to know........Where is TCI located, and what is shipping charges on a whole frame?