Thread: Kugel IFS

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Hi,
I'm building a late 20's Cadillsac streetod that weighs over 4200 pounds.
I'm interested in the Kugel IFS.
Amy thoughts on this setup for this vehicle?

Thanks.............

Don't see any problems other then to get the right rate springs. I've put IFS on some heavy cars and haven't had any problems. As with anything, an extra gusset or two and some good strong welds should be fine....

The best person to ask is Jerry Kugel. There aren't many guys who know more about suspensions in hot rods than him.

I spoke with Jerry during the week. I liked speaking with him, and his front IFS. i just need to get him some measurements.
I am planning to use his IFS, and just wanted to get some real world feedback.

Thanks............

I've used some of the Kugel kits, both front and rear independent suspensions. Good solid components and plenty strong for highway use and cruizin',,,,...

Kugel is one of the premier IFS (and IRS, for that matter) builders in the business.

I'm pleased about using Kugel.
I have only seen ads, pictures, cars for sale, etc with the Kugel IFS mostly on smaller lighter cars. I was wondering if anybody with a large heavy car has one.

Thanks......

I put one on a '54 Buick convertible about 5 years ago for a guy. He loves it, rides like a million bucks, and he's had no problems..... On that heavy of a car, I will usually use either Kugel or Heidt's, mainly cuz their arms are all tigged, and really first rate spindles. Some of the lesser quality units are fine on the light cars, but I don't like the idea of a 4500 pound car cruizin' on cast import spindles!!!! The guys at both places are really straight with you (once you get past the phone salesmen!), as long as you tell them what the car is and it's weight and they think it's ok, then it's ok!!!! Jerry Kugel is super straight!!! If he sez it's ok, then it's ok. I've also ran Heidt's on some 4000+ pound cars with no problems.....

Thats what I wanted to hear .
Thanks........

I spoke with Kugel. He has declined to provide an IFS for my project.

My total vehicle weight is approx 4000 to 4200. He is concerned with the car weight, and the integrity of the OEM bushings, balljoints, etc. You have to appreciate his integrity. I was all set on his IFS.

I thought if it fit the 54 Buick that Dave worked on, my car would be no problem.

Now I'm not sure what IFS to use.

Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated...............

Try Heidt's.

I called the following manufacturers:

Kugel, Says he is concerned with the vehicle weight., will not supply
Progressive, Only front steer
Morrison, Only front steer
TCI, Their max weight is 3800#-4000#
Heidts, Only 28” frame width
Fatman, A 33 LaSalle owner not happy, already broke two bushings.

What was the weight of the 54 Buick?

Originally Posted by powerplay

I called the following manufacturers:

Kugel, Says he is concerned with the vehicle weight., will not supply
Progressive, Only front steer
Morrison, Only front steer
TCI, Their max weight is 3800#-4000#
Heidts, Only 28” frame width
Fatman, A 33 LaSalle owner not happy, already broke two bushings.

What was the weight of the 54 Buick?

4400 and change..... I did do some extra gusseting on the crossmember and the coilover mounts, I always do regardless of weight... The rear steer could be a problem... Not a lot of rear steer units out there. What width are you going to need on the crossmember???
I have some sources for crossmembers, and also I do business with a smaller company that could possibly be talked into making the A-Arms out of chrome moly.... At least I was able to talk them into it a couple years ago for a "special project" that was going to be subject to some heavy cornering loads on a road course... Could do some checking for you if you want?????

Dave,
Yes I would appreciate anything you could come up with.
.
Some preliminary measurements/ information:
Frame height at wheel centerline, 3.5” high (The frame gets progressivelly larger moving towards the rear).
Frame width at wheel centerline, 1.75” wide
Frame outside dimensions at centerline, 30”
Wheelbase 150”
Weight, +/- 4000 # (without passengers)
Needs to be Rear Steer

I dont understand why Kugel sold an IFS for the 4400# project but not mine.............
Anyway, thanks for your help.

Originally Posted by powerplay

Dave,
Yes I would appreciate anything you could come up with.
.
Some preliminary measurements/ information:
Frame height at wheel centerline, 3.5” high (The frame gets progressivelly larger moving towards the rear).
Frame width at wheel centerline, 1.75” wide
Frame outside dimensions at centerline, 30”
Wheelbase 150”
Weight, +/- 4000 # (without passengers)
Needs to be Rear Steer

I dont understand why Kugel sold an IFS for the 4400# project but not mine.............
Anyway, thanks for your help.

Probably because I didn't tell them the weight!!!! Wasn't real concerned about it, I'd used them before and didn't have any doubts as to there strength with some extra gussets... I do understand their position on it....Guess they wouldn't sell me one for big old heavy pickups and stuff either if I expected them to assume the liability for the build.......