AMC Pacer IFS

The Pacer IFS unbolts from the donor car and falls out with no torch work. After a little cleanup to remove the front mounting brackets and most of the rear mounting brackets it is ready to install. The amazing thing is how well it fits into an F1. It slips over the frame tightly with less than 1/8" gap between the spring/shock towers and the rails as if it was made for the application. We notch the bottoms of the rails to inset the IFS cross-member up into the frame for a low stance, but it can be installed under the rails to make a truck sit higher. We gusset the spring/shock towers to the outside of the frame rails for strength and a very finished look. The Pacer IFS is an easy install for a home garage with a Mig welder and basic tools as it maintains the geometry of the IFS during the installation process along with the integrity of the F1 frame. Just line up the spindles on the original axle centerline, adjust for 4 degrees of permanent caster on the spring/shock tower tops relative to the frame, and weld. As with any IFS the inner fender panels will need some trimming to clear the upper A-arms.

My Pacer IFS cost $75 from a dismantler, and there seem to be plenty of Pacers in the wrecking yards. This is a great value when you consider the expensive brake and steering upgrades people do to the Mustang II IFS. All the good stuff comes standard on the Pacer IFS including 5-lug 11" ventilated discs, Bendix calipers, TRW power rack-and-pinion steering, full lower A-arms that don't require struts, and a fat anti-roll bar that fits the F1 like it was made for it. The track width is about right, and no rack extenders or frame notching are necessary as with the Mustang II IFS. The Pacer IFS cross-member is beefier than a Mustang II and stiffens up the frame nicely. It and the steering box are low-profile and don't interfere with engine mounts or headers. The Pacer IFS works particularly well with my rear-sump 355 SBC but would accommodate a front-sump Ford engine at stock height. I mounted my SBC low and rearward for better handling. Stores carrying the Moog-Carquest line of chassis parts have inexpensive replacement ball-joints, shocks, rack mounts and other rubber parts for the Pacer IFS.

Courtesy of Larry Esau

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Copyright 1996-2004 Dan Wentz