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Wont an IRS from a car have too low a roll centre for a truck?
Shouldn’t be a problem, I’m aiming for about a 6-7” rear dropWont an IRS from a car have too low a roll centre for a truck?
That might be close enough in design to work well, but it's a lot of effort when you could probably get better value tackling a real deficiency.Might be easier to weld in the back half of a new suburban frame. No idea. Assuming you can find one.
I have a few reasons I’m debating doing the IRS. I’ve seen it done on c10s and the results seem to be great as far as handling and ride quality. Yes it would be heavier than just doing a 4 link but it is significantly less unsprung weight. It’s far cheaper than doing a 4 link and building the axle, disk brakes etc… as I can get a complete subframe with all suspension components, 14” Brembo brakes and drivetrain for under $2000.Why? The only reason I can see to do this would be to make a "show truck" where the "Wow" factor of what you've done matters more than how well it actually works.
For a truck that does truck things, the rear suspension GM put in these trucks is the most efficient way of gettin' it done.
If I were building a race truck, I'd put a 4-link and coilovers on the solid axle before I'd swap an IRS from another vehicle in. If the IRS isn't designed for the vehicle, you're likely to make the handling worse. Also, that IRS with the subframe is heavier than a solid axle, so you're facing diminishing returns on the work required.
That might be close enough in design to work well, but it's a lot of effort when you could probably get better value tackling a real deficiency.
...but...
If it's your dream, go for it. I think the TIXX Suburban IRS would be the best option, provided you have room to get the wheelbase near the same.
EDIT: I highly suggest reading this book before attempting an IRS swap. www.amazon.com/Chassis-Engineering-Building-Performance-Handling/dp/1557880557/
EVH's truck sat beside his home studio/converted garage for years. Tires flat, paint cracked & faded, covered in leaves from the trees it was parked under. It was in pretty sad shape.Whoa, I had no idea about that truck. Pretty cool! I wonder if Eddie still has his, or well now, his son Wolfgang. Which truck was left outside to rot? -Probably Eddies. I imagine the dude who in Lansing who won the other one has cherished it.
Why? The only reason I can see to do this would be to make a "show truck" where the "Wow" factor of what you've done matters more than how well it actually works.
For a truck that does truck things, the rear suspension GM put in these trucks is the most efficient way of gettin' it done.
If the drop is done correctly, a 6" dropped truck can do all the truck things it was intended to do from the factory.How many "truck things" do you expect a truck with a 6" drop like OP mentioned to do?
Yeah, and also with the idea that manufacturers have specific goals when they engineer things, if a person's goals differ from those of the manufacturer, modifications are better than stock. The Mercedes folks are the worst. "Why do you think you know better than a Mercedes engineering team? Leave it stock." Uh, no.A lot of folks on this site seem to really struggle with the concept of a truck not being used for cargo.