Page 68 - Issue 48

II
II
Tinman Kustoms

Ditching the Straight Axle:

Part 1 (IFS)

PHOTOS AND WORDS BY LUKE MERRILL (TINMAN 2 KUSTOMS)
Keywords

Graft: To combine two into one

Independent Front
Suspension
Caster: The angular difference
between a vertical line and an
imaginary line between the upper
& lower balljoints

Bumpsteer: The amount of
steering change as the suspension
travels through its range of motion

Fishplate: A steel plate that is
welded over the top of existing
weld joints; usually diamond
shaped.

fairly common modifi cation
done in the street rod world
Ais to “front clip” your car.
What that means, is taking a axle/leaf spring confi guration of Independent Front Suspension,
complete subframe off of a newer out front. The newer style as well as execution of an IFS or
vehicle (like a 70’s Nova/Camaro, “Independent Front Suspension” subframe graft on your ride.
70’s pinto, 80’s jaguar, 80’s (IFS) is, functionally, a much better In short summary, why chose
mustang, 90’s crown vic, etc.) and alternative to a traditional straight IFS? With IFS, each wheel works
transplanting (grafting) that onto axle. While the straight axle has independent of each other, therefor
the front rails of your classic car. worked for many years and has you have less negative effect on
“Classic” is just a general term I proven its value, like anything else, one side if you hit a dip or bump
am using to group together most there are always ways to improve on the other. Versus with a straight
American made cars (from 1920- on old ideas with new technology. axle each side is affected. Thus
1960) with the factory straight I’ll outline the basic pros & cons the IFS will ride better and stay

68 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE FORTY-EIGHT

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