Re: [AMC-list] AMC/Jeep J-10 Five Speeds & other mods

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Yeah, but the early Jeep and most of the Ford "IFS" suspensions aren't really IFS to me, they are "break axle" or "swing axle" designs. Camber doesn't change as the wheels go up and down, or rather it DOES change. A true IFS with upper and lower control arms (or the driveshaft acts as the upper arm) that changes camber as the suspension moves like the new model Chevys (and I think Fords) is the only one I'd consider -- more similar to the Eagle front suspension. I'm not lifting or anything, want to keep it near stock height.

You mean move the springs outboard on the stock Jeep front end? That would cut down on turning radius. I was thinking about reversing the shackles (putting them in the back on the front springs) and maybe using sliders instead of shackles. I just went out and looked at the front frame and the way the shocks are mounted. I might just get a good set of HD front shocks but make the mounts for a pair before putting the truck back together (only cab and engine are on the frame now). I'm a long way from starting reassembly, but hope to have it all together NLT this time next year... well, really sooner.

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Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2010 09:17:50 -0700
From: Jim Blair<carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx>

IFS on a 4x4 is a REAL PITA! Jeep tried it in the first year of FSJ production and wisely abandoned it. If you haul loads, the front tires change angle so radically that tire wear is accelerated. (ask anyone with a Ford how often the fronts need replacing vs the rear) Doing the front springs outboard the frame helps a LOT with the ride.

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
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