0
0
The Crown Victoria Independent Front Suspension (IFS) is one of the most popular choices for people looking to improve the handling and performance of their older trucks and cars. The reason for its popularity is its durability, availability, and ease of modification. Originally designed for the Ford Crown Victoria, this IFS system has become a favorite for custom builds, especially in the hot rod and truck communities. The IFS is a complete front-end suspension system that can significantly improve steering, handling, and ride quality.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at why the Crown Vic IFS is ideal for swaps, what makes it the best option for many enthusiasts, and how you can successfully integrate it into your project. We will also discuss important considerations such as narrowing the track width, choosing the right control arms, and ensuring compatibility with other components like coilovers.
Introduction
The Independent Front Suspension (IFS) system from the Ford Crown Victoria has earned a stellar reputation in the automotive modification world for its ability to provide improved ride quality and handling in older trucks and muscle cars. Since the Crown Vic was used as a police vehicle and taxi for many years, its front suspension system is known to be both robust and readily available in junkyards and parts shops. This makes it a cost-effective choice for many automotive enthusiasts looking to upgrade their rides.
Swapping the Crown Vic IFS into older trucks, such as the Ford F100 or Chevrolet C10, provides numerous benefits, including modern steering and suspension geometry. It’s particularly appealing because it offers rack-and-pinion steering, which is a significant improvement over the older, less efficient steering systems found in classic vehicles. Additionally, the Crown Vic IFS comes with disc brakes, giving the vehicle better stopping power. As we explore this swap in more detail, we’ll uncover why it’s such a popular and effective modification for enhancing performance and comfort.
Why Choose Crown Vic IFS?
The primary reason people choose the Crown Vic IFS for their project cars or trucks is its ability to drastically improve handling while remaining affordable. The entire front suspension system, including the crossmember, can often be sourced from salvage yards at a fraction of the price of aftermarket IFS kits. For many, this is a no-brainer, especially considering that the Crown Vic IFS was designed for a heavy sedan, making it more than capable of handling the weight of full-sized trucks.
Another key feature of the Crown Vic IFS is its versatility. It can be adapted to fit a wide range of vehicles with minimal fabrication. For those who want to lower the ride height of their trucks, this swap offers the benefit of dropping the front end significantly while maintaining ride comfort and suspension travel. In addition, the modular nature of the IFS allows for easy upgrades. You can swap out components like the control arms, coilovers, and brakes to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a smooth daily driver or a high-performance track machine.
Components to Consider
When performing a Crown Vic IFS swap, one of the most important considerations is ensuring that all components work together seamlessly. The control arms, for instance, play a huge role in the suspension geometry and steering performance. Some builders opt for aftermarket control arms, such as Fatman’s narrowed versions, to adjust the track width and improve the fitment in narrower vehicles. This modification can help avoid issues with tire clearance and ensure that the stance of the vehicle looks correct.
Another critical component is the coilovers or struts. While the stock Crown Vic IFS was designed to work with its original struts, many builders prefer to upgrade to adjustable coilovers to fine-tune the ride height and stiffness. However, it’s essential to check for clearance issues, especially around the lower control arms and spring seats. Proper mock-up and testing during the installation phase will help identify any potential problems before they arise.
Additionally, the rack-and-pinion steering system that comes with the Crown Vic IFS is a significant upgrade over older steering boxes. However, you need to ensure that the steering linkage is compatible with your vehicle’s setup. In some cases, custom steering shafts or adapters may be needed to achieve smooth, responsive steering.
Installation Tips and Challenges
Installing the Crown Vic IFS can be a straightforward process if you have the right tools and skills, but it does come with its challenges. The most common challenge is ensuring the correct placement of the crossmember. The crossmember, which is the part of the frame that holds the IFS components, needs to be carefully aligned and welded into place. If this step is not done accurately, it can lead to misalignment of the suspension and steering, resulting in poor handling and uneven tire wear.
Another challenge is adjusting the track width. While the Crown Vic IFS is relatively wide, it can be narrowed with the right aftermarket components, such as custom control arms. It’s important to measure carefully before and after the installation to ensure that the track width fits your vehicle. Additionally, you may need to modify or replace parts like the motor mounts or the sway bar to accommodate the new suspension geometry.
Performance and Ride Quality
Once installed, the Crown Vic IFS provides a massive improvement in performance and ride quality. Drivers will immediately notice the difference in handling, as the IFS allows the front wheels to move independently over bumps, reducing body roll and improving stability. The rack-and-pinion steering also provides a more direct and responsive feel, making it easier to maneuver the vehicle, whether in city traffic or on the highway.
For those who enjoy spirited driving, the Crown Vic IFS swap transforms an older truck or car into a more capable machine. With better weight distribution and modern suspension geometry, the vehicle will feel much more planted, especially in corners. The improved braking system that comes with the Crown Vic IFS is another bonus, providing more confidence when stopping in emergency situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Crown Vic IFS swap is one of the best modifications you can make to an older truck or car if you’re looking to improve handling, steering, and ride comfort. The swap offers a balance between affordability and performance, allowing you to modernize your vehicle without breaking the bank. With its durable design, availability, and versatility, the Crown Vic IFS has become a go-to option for automotive enthusiasts looking to enhance the driving experience.
However, like any modification, it’s important to carefully plan and execute the swap to avoid common issues like clearance problems or improper alignment. With the right components, tools, and patience, the Crown Vic IFS can be successfully integrated into a wide range of vehicles, providing modern suspension benefits for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What vehicles are best suited for a Crown Vic IFS swap?
A: The Crown Vic IFS swap is commonly used in older trucks like the Ford F100, Chevrolet C10, and hot rods. It can also be adapted to fit other classic cars and full-sized vehicles.
Q: Do I need to narrow the track width for a Crown Vic IFS swap?
A: In some cases, you may need to narrow the track width, especially if the swap is being performed on a smaller or narrower vehicle. Aftermarket control arms can help with this adjustment.
Q: Can I use coilovers with the Crown Vic IFS?
A: Yes, many builders upgrade to coilovers for better adjustability and performance. However, it’s essential to check for clearance issues with the lower control arms and shock mounts.
Q: How much does a Crown Vic IFS swap cost?
A: The cost can vary, but you can typically find a Crown Vic IFS at salvage yards for around $300 to $600. Additional costs include modifications, new components, and labor.
Q: What are the main benefits of a Crown Vic IFS swap?
A: The main benefits include improved handling, rack-and-pinion steering, modern suspension geometry, and better braking performance.
