irs shocks

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by 1951 chevy blue, Nov 30, 2014.

  1. 1951 chevy blue

    1951 chevy blue Member

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    I noticed that ol chebby is using an irs in his 3100. I have just installed ford irs in my 51 3100 and am interested to know if you used the factory springs and also what shocks you used. I am using the springs that came out of a cougar hoping to get close to a factory ride height. I am thinking I need to use 300 lb. coilover shocks. Any thoughts from anyone would be appreciated.
     
  2. coilover

    coilover Member

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    We used a Mark VIII Lincoln IRS (same as Cougar) and the wheels tilted in at the top so added air shocks. Don't like doing this as it stiffens up the ride and gives another thing to cause trouble. Many Lincolns had factory air bags with a complex leveling system so this is out also. On the next one we will have higher rate springs or coilovers. The tilt (camber) was too far off to be brought back within specs. Go to Factory Five and look at their approach to using the Ford IRS.
     
  3. 1951 chevy blue

    1951 chevy blue Member

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    Thanks Evan,
    I think I am OK with ride height. I bought a kit from team 321 and told hi what I was installing. At this point I have a bare frame with a Total cost involved ifs installed with factory ride height spindles. I had four beefy guys sit on the rear cross member to simulate cab and body weights, the best measurement I could get was about 13" for a compressed shock. Cougar springs seem real light even at the height I have the frame set to. I have looked for shocks but can't seem to find the spec's for fully compressed and fully expanded. That is what I am really looking to find. I may use your suggestion and just use air shocks to adjust height and ride. Thanks again.
     
  4. coilover

    coilover Member

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    Google "shock absorber specs" and Monroe has 82 pages of lengths, compressed, and end style data.
     
  5. 1951 chevy blue

    1951 chevy blue Member

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    Thanks again Evan
     
  6. ol' chebby

    ol' chebby Member

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    I run bags on mine. as far as the tire lean, I set mine at ride hight and then redrilled the upper arm mount hole to stand upright, tires wear evenly.





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