IFS Questions

[clockmaker]

Hi all I am new to the site and new to the world of hotrodding and auto restoration....I know another one of those I have a 1940 Chevy Master Deluxe that I am just beginning to rebuild. It already has an independent front suspension which was an option on my car in 1940 (so I've been told). Chevy called it the Knee Action or Independent Front Wheel Suspension. I plan to install a chevy 350 engine in my car. After having read about all the update kits out there and looking at the prices of them, I began to wonder if I need to replace the whole existing suspension. Can someone tell me if I can update my existing suspension with replacement of certain parts rather than replacing the entire suspension, or do I need to go ahead and install say a Mustang II suspension from the wrecking yard or one of the available kits. My objective in updating the front suspension of course is to update to disc brakes, power steering, and to gain stability and a good ride. Thanks for your time and any suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated by this over-the-hill newbie ;>)

[Dave Severson]

Welcome to CHR. You don't have to replace everything, but it is certainly the best way to go on the project. The IFS kits are designed to work all together, making the geometry correct, improving the ride and braking qualities, etc. Another plus is the rack and pinion steering with the kits is much more adaptable to power steering than your stock unit. With all those years and miles of use, abuse, and metal fatigue, do you really want to trust any of the stock suspension components when wheeling your pride and joy down the road????

[Bob Parmenter]

What Dave said, plus...............
For it's time, the knee action suspension was an innovation. But, quite frankly, it left a lot to be desired. The hard core restorers (if you can imagine ) will fix them because "it's the proper thing to do". For people who like to actually drive, and enjoy, their cars, an update would be in order. Probably the "pioneer" in old Chev disc brake kits is Butch's Rod Shop in Ohio 513-746-1113 (doesn't have a website ) if you're dead set on keeping the knees.
Otherwise, Chassis Engineering www.chassisengineeringinc.com has an excellent setup for your particular car. Just keep in mind that the stock MII 9" brakes would be marginal.

Which brings me to emphasizing what Dave said. Too often in rodding we tend to focus on appearance and power before the basics. After all, that's what strokes the ego (look at SOME of the rat rod stuff as an example). But brakes first, and suspension second, are basic to the pleasure, reliability, and safety of our rides. As much, or more, thought, effort, and financial commitment should go into the undercarriage as anywhere else on the car. And related to that, some will recommend doing a "front clip", say from a camaro or nova (same thing in many years). This has been done a lot, often times wrong. Hacking off a front frame section from your existing chassis, and burnin' on a "new" one from another car is not a novice level deal (see comment above about wrong). To do it correctly is much harder than a lot of people make it sound, and definately harder than it looks. And a botched job here ruins the whole chassis, and ultimately the car.

[clockmaker]

Thanks Dave and Bob. You both gave me some more insight and no, I don't want my pride and joy riding on those old components, after spending the bucks and time to create my dream ride. I will look at your recommended sources and hope to get in the main stream soon.
Thanks again guys I really do appreciate your time and comments