Had already figured that as I mentioned many times already.
Like I said earlier, it has been done successfully before. As for welding it, of course I would have a pro do it as I have zero TIG experience. As for why I believe Gerst and Denny wouldn't even consider the Crown Vic cradle is the fact there is no way to make it a bolt in deal without some pretty significant alterations to the A-body chassis. I mean, seriously, how many of you would cut their A-bodys frame and inner fenders along with welding in the necessary reinforcements?
Track width would be narrowed down to match the stock A-body spec. That's 1.9" per side (3.8" total). While it would have less roll stability than a stock width CF suspension, can you say it would be less than the Mopar suspension it would be replacing? Stiffer springs shouldn't be a problem. I think the stock springs would at least get it in the ball park considering they're meant for a 4000+ lb CV and not a 3000-3500 lb A-body.
I'm not seeing how the load changes that much from horizontal to vertical. With the same spring rates (torsion vs coil), and the same fulcrum point, and plane of motion, the front end should see the same loads as long as the coil spring is not being directly supported by the inner fender itself. The CV suspension loads everything right on the frame rail and not the inner fenders. I really would like to see some actual mathematical calculations that show there is a difference. Regardless, I was already planning to stiffen the entire chassis no matter what suspension I run so I guess it's a moot point.
The big advantage to the CV brakes (and the rest of the front end) is that I can literally go to any auto parts store and find replacement parts in stock locally. In addition, there are quite a few more rotor and pad options available for it over anything Mopar. BTW, I already have SSBC disc conversion for it but the replacement parts for it cannot be sourced locally at all. Remember, this would be a daily driver so parts availability is a concern.
Already have a properly setup torsion bar suspension with heavier bars, rebuilt front end, Addco 1-1/8" sway bar, and SSBC disc conversion. It could be better but it is decent.
Now, for the cost side, there is no way it would cost anywhere near $3000 or more. That's just ridiculous to even think it would be near the cost of a HDK or Gerst setup. I can see that you're doing your best to discourage me from this path. That's cool. Never said I was going this way. It was just something I was spitballing and is purely academic at this point. While I do think the CV suspension does fit the bill in some respects, a lot more research in to it would be necessary before I would actually move forward with it. I was really hoping this thread would enlighten me to some other possibilities. I guess there really isn't any unless I come up with something on my own.
Eh, just would like things to be better. That's all. What's wrong with that? If the stock suspension was so great people like Denny, Gerst, etc. wouldn't be in business selling complete upgrades for it now would they? Lastly, I just like to think outside the box and of other possibilities. There is no harm in that!
