One of the people who continues to have a huge impact on our hobby is Brent VanDervort of Fat Man Fabrications. He's sort of street rodding's everyman, is down to earth, straightforward, and the products he produces reflect that as well. Brett builds components that are simple, affordable, and work as they should.
While Fat Man has built his reputation on independent front suspension kits, there's a traditional side to the man, too. He likes solid axles; he just wants them to work more like independents. So by doing a little mechanical cross-pollination, Fat Man developed the Vintage IFS. The reasoning behind it is simple: those rodders who choose an axle like the traditional looks, while those who choose IFS like the improved ride, and the Vintage IFS provides both.
Basically, the Vintage IFS splits the axle in two, much like Ford did with the twin I-beam under trucks. The advantage to this is that when one wheel hits a bump, the other isn't affected, just as with an IFS. In addition, unsprung weight is reduced, which makes it easier for the suspension to react, thereby improving ride quality.
Installing a Vintage IFS requires cutting a tube axle in the middle, welding bungs in place, and installing the included 3/4-16 threaded urethane ends. The modified axles are then attached to the center bracket. This ingeniously designed piece not only anchors the ends of the axles, but by varying the spring pack and utilizing the shims that are included in the kit, the camber can be adjusted (0- to 1-degree positive is recommended). Caster adjustments are made in the same manner as a solid axle; Ford calls for 4 to 9 degrees for '28 to '46 Fords, but Brent suggests 6 degrees.
With the axles in place, all that's left is to hook up the steering. The Vintage IFS requires a cross-steer configuration, as with a Vega box. A short draglink runs from the pitman arm to the bellcrank. From there, individual tie rods attach to the spindles, and that's all there is to it.
Fat Man's Vintage IFS is a combination of the old and the new. It offers the look of a classic tube axle with the ride and handling qualities of a contemporary suspension system. All that and it's easy to install, too. But then, what else would you expect from Fat Man?
Brett VanDevort's Fat Man...
Brett VanDevort's Fat Man Fabrications is known for independent front suspension kits. He has now applied his know-how to solid axles with the introduction of the Vintage IFS.
Basically, the Vintage IFS...
Basically, the Vintage IFS splits the axle in two and makes them into a long pair of swing axles. The advantages are an improved ride with vintage style.
The complete Vintage IFS kit...
The complete Vintage IFS kit provides everything needed for a new build-up or to retrofit an existing chassis.
At the center of the system...
At the center of the system is this pivot plate that anchors the ends of the axles. Also mounted on this assembly is the bellcrank for the steering.
To turn one tube axle into...
To turn one tube axle into two, 8" are removed from the center, and then steel bungs for the pivots are welded into place. Note the holes for the rosette welds.
With axles modified and attached...
With axles modified and attached to the center pivot, the assembly can be installed on the front crossmember. Shims are used between the pivot and spring to adjust the camber.
Like any other solid axle,...
Like any other solid axle, hairpins, split radius rods, or four-bars can be used. In this case, it's the latter.
To connect the steering, a...
To connect the steering, a short drag link runs from the gear box to the bellcrank. As the tie rods pivot with the axles, bump steer isn't a problem.
The steering bellcrank tucks...
The steering bellcrank tucks under the engine in the same position as a tie rod on a solid axle would. For longevity and smooth operation, the bellcrank is supported by two large, tapered bearings.