Fatman Fabrications is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket suspension systems for classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. Their parts are designed to replace outdated factory components with modern engineering, giving your vintage ride the handling and ride quality of a contemporary vehicle. Whether you're building a show car or a daily driver, understanding the range of Fatman suspension parts available can help you make informed choices.
Why Choose Fatman Suspension Parts?
Fatman has been in the business for decades, specializing in bolt-on suspension upgrades that require minimal fabrication. The company offers complete front and rear suspension kits, as well as individual components, for a wide variety of makes and models. The key benefits include:
- Improved Handling: Modern geometry, such as rack-and-pinion steering and tubular control arms, reduces bump steer and increases cornering stability.
- Better Ride Quality: Coilover shocks and progressive-rate springs absorb road imperfections better than original leaf springs or tired coils.
- Safety: Disc brake conversions, stronger spindles, and heavy-duty tie rods enhance stopping power and reliability.
- Ease of Installation: Many kits are designed to bolt directly to the original frame, reducing cutting and welding.
Popular Fatman Suspension Parts
Front Suspension Kits
Fatman offers several front-end solutions, from basic dropped spindles to complete independent front suspension (IFS) kits. The most popular is the Fatman IFS Kit, which replaces a solid axle or worn-out independent suspension with a modern coilover setup. These kits typically include tubular control arms, shock mounts, sway bar, and tie rod assemblies. They are available for classic Fords, Chevys, Mopars, and many others.
Dropped Spindles
For those who want to lower their car without altering the suspension geometry, Fatman's dropped spindles are a direct swap. They lower the front end by 2 inches while maintaining the original wheel travel and spring rates. They are compatible with most disc brake conversions.
Rear Suspension Kits
Fatman's rear suspension options range from simple leaf spring upgrades to complete four-link or three-link coilover conversions. The Fatman Four-Link Kit is a popular choice for hot rods and muscle cars, providing adjustable ride height and anti-squat characteristics. It comes with pre-welded brackets and all necessary hardware.
Coilover Conversion Kits
For a smoother ride and better weight transfer, a coilover conversion replaces rear leaf springs with coilover shocks and a panhard bar or Watts link. Fatman's kits include shock mounts, brackets, and spring rates tailored to your vehicle's weight.
Complete Chassis and Subframes
For full custom builds, Fatman offers complete chassis and subframes. These are fully welded assemblies that accept your existing body mounting points. They come with installed suspension, brakes, and steering. The Fatman Mustang II Front Clip is a common base for many street rods and trucks.
Steering Components
Rack-and-pinion steering is a major upgrade from older recirculating ball systems. Fatman supplies steering racks, power steering conversion kits, and universal steering shafts. Their Fatman Flaming River Rack is a direct fit for many of their front suspension kits.
Brake Upgrades
Fatman produces disc brake kits with drilled and slotted rotors, aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads. These are engineered to fit their spindles and hubs, ensuring proper offset and clamping force. Brake kits often include stainless steel lines and proportioning valves.
How to Choose the Right Fatman Parts for Your Project
Selecting the correct parts depends on several factors:
- Vehicle Make and Model: Fatman offers application-specific kits. Always verify your year, make, and model before ordering. Their website provides a cross-reference tool for many classics.
- Intended Use: A street cruiser may need a softer spring rate and less aggressive alignment than a track-day car. Consider coilovers with adjustable dampening for versatility.
- Wheel and Tire Size: Lowering the car or changing wheel offset may require backspace considerations. Fatman's spindles and control arms are designed to clear most popular wheel sizes (e.g., 15-20 inches).
- Brake System Compatibility: If you plan to upgrade to power brakes or add a booster, ensure the master cylinder and booster fit under the hood with your chosen suspension kit.
- Installation Skill Level: Full IFS kits require moderate welding and fabrication, while bolt-on dropped spindles and simple rear kits are more DIY-friendly.
Installation Tips
- Use Proper Tools: A floor jack, jack stands, and a good torque wrench are essential. Many components require specific torque spec values from the instruction manual.
- Check Clearance: Before final tightening, cycle the suspension through its travel to ensure no binding or contact with the frame, exhaust, or steering linkage.
- Align After Installation: After installing any front suspension components, a professional wheel alignment is mandatory. Fatman provides target alignment specs for each kit.
- Bed in Brakes: New disc brakes need a break-in procedure to maximize pad-to-rotor contact and prevent glazing.
Final Recommendation
For most classic car owners, a Fatman IFS Kit paired with a rear four-link coilover system is an excellent combination for improved handling and ride comfort. It modernizes the vehicle's dynamics while retaining its classic look. If budget is a concern, start with dropped spindles and a disc brake conversion—these two upgrades significantly improve safety and stance without a complete redesign. Always purchase from authorized dealers to ensure warranty and correct fitment. With the right Fatman suspension parts, your classic will drive better than it did when it was new.