Printable View
Seems I recieved good info on the rear suspension, so lets try the front.
I have been researching Hub to Hub kits for mustang 2 suspension install on my 37 chevy coupe.
Most (TCI, Heidt's) all seem pretty close to the same pkg, I am wondering if anyone has used a Jim Weimer Rod Garage kit?
They do not seem to be a big name, and as far as I am concerned, a name is only as good as the product, but true credibility comes from a product that performes.
Their site : JW ROD GARAGE
Quick suggestion. If you put the www. in front of the site name you put up it will create a hot link so folks won't have to do a cut and paste.
There are a lot of good suspension packages besides Heidt's and TCI. I used to be a dealer for Heidt's, till I found other companies making equal or better packages for a lot less money. I do like the Heidt's for open wheel cars cuz they offer everything either chromed or polished but for a fendered car, paying a couple hundred extra for the name just doesn't do it for me....
I've been looking at Heidt's Deluxe MII kit (not the Superide). I want some shine under my fat fenders, but I don't need everything shiney. The Heidt's Deluxe MII is less than $1800 with chrome coilovers. That is the same as JW Rod Garage and with Heidt's you get a good name and customer service. I haven't heard of JW Rod Garage though...
I started out looking at the Speedway kit when I came across it for ~$1600 (tubular control arms, chrome coilovers,etc.), but a few of the parts are rebuilt and for not much less why not go for a name more commonly used that specializes in IFS? That was my reasoning...
I will look at the Heidts delux kit......and Uncle Bob, thanks for the tip....we are always learnin' around here !!
Well, many companies specialize in IFS. I have nothing against Heaidts, still use them on some projects... I guess on a one time purchase $100 bucks isn't that big of a deal.... Having installed many types, I've just found certain things about all of the kits that I like and don't like.. This one comes with QA-1 coilovers, powdercoated arms..... All comes down to what you are looking for, I guess.
Dave, is this a heidts kit in the photo?
Mine came from Progressive automotive out of Baltimore Ohio. Been very pleased with it and it's been under the car for about 18 years. They have more options today than then and prices are reasonable with good customer support. Mine doesn't have a lick of shiny stuff on it, but then again you can't see it tucked under those big fenders anyway.
Here's a link to Heidt's site; Mustang II Crossmembers
Not pushing Heidt's per se, but admittedly I tend to their product. One reason is the finish quality of their welds. Another is a small issue from a performance/functionality point of view, but IMO speaks to the overall quality and that's the upper shock mount cup. I like the look of the stamped "cone" rather than a fabbad cup that looks something like a piece of pipe with a plug in the end. Just suits my sense of esthetics better. Lastly, and this could be argued too, I like that Heidt's spindle is steel rather than cast. In most of these apps the cast probably lasts as well and as long as most hot rods require. Again, it's a personal choice thing for the more durable steel, to me.
Nope, not a Heidt's, but it is a forged spindle and the powdercoated control arms are just like they come out of the box. As Bob said, that may or may not even be a consideration. I've never broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged either type of spindle.... As for the upper coil over mount, yeah, it could be a stamped cone shape. But I gotta ask if that alone is worthy $100 or so bucks more? Good point Bob, just not sure how many customers would pay the extra $$$ to get a couple Heidt's decals on the control arms...that they have to scrape off when they paint anyhow.......
Thanks....I am still mulling over using a coil-over front end kit vs. the std coil/shock frt end .....have heard that they can be ride height adjusted where a std front end would only have the drop from 2"drop spindles.....decisions....decisions !!!!...
a question about the components used. Could you use stock M2 spindles,ball joints, brake calipers, rack, tie rod ends, control arm bushings etc. and just buy a set of bare tubular a-arms and coilovers and save a pile of money. Just fab up the mounts. All of the components look to be stock, exept the mounts and a-arms.
...I don't know....sounds likely, but I will be needing crossmember,A-arms, 2'' drop spindles, and then go and get everything else gathered up. you are probably correct, but to have it all in a pkg and with support from the mfgr if (when) I have questions is probably worth the added expense.
[QUOTE=37ChevTxCoupe]...I don't know....sounds likely, but I will be needing crossmember,A-arms, 2'' drop spindles, and then go and get everything else gathered up. you are probably correct, but to have it all in a pkg and with support from the mfgr if (when) I have questions is probably worth the added expense.[/QUOTE
agreed...not to mention MOST of those MII kits come with all NEW parts where as gathering a bunch of junk parts you never know what you are getting...
I hope I won't get off topic here, but I think this may be valuable for more here in this thread than just me...I was hoping to have my crossmember welded in by a nearby shop then installing the rest on my own, but the shop told me today that they wouldn't feel comfortable installing the crossmember without installing the rest to ensure that the crossmember is positioned correctly....which makes sense i guess. I was under the impression that the measurements supplied would be enough to get the crossmember set, but I guess you never know for sure until it goes together. I'm a little disappointed to hear this as I want to install it myself not to mention the labor they will charge....Opinions?? thanks
A shop here in Ft.Worth told me that they would be happy to install just the crossmember...or install the entire kit, whichever I decided. My Frame is still rolling with stock suspension, so proper placement should not be an issue (knowing the origional placement of the spindles). I am like you and want to do as much myself as possible, but I know that the crossmember placement is critical. I am a good welder and have the proper equipment to do the job, but putting that sucker in the right spot, I am going to get a little help !!!