Pin drives vs. five lugs - what did you guys opt for?

[Stangrob]

Hi gents,

I'm looking into building a 289 USRRC car in the near future (well, once I check one out at the FFR Open House next month) and I'm going through the usual pin drive vs. five lug debate. I really like the pin drive FIA wheels from Triago and Vintage Wheels but I also wanted to run IRS. On top of that I've been reading about all the complications of getting the front suspension to play nice with the pin drives from a control arm length/spindle/geometry perspective. So I'd really appreciate some input from the guys who've actually gone through this internal debate and hear what you decided to do...

I'm wondering:
- is there a big difference between running the solid vs. IRS rear suspension (since it seems the narrowed Moser rear seems to support the pin drive wheels)?
- was it as hard as it seems to get the front suspension to work with the pin drives?
- or did you just opt for a more "standard" wheel and avoid all of the complexities?

Thanks a bunch for your input!

Rob

[Jphoenix]

I went with pin drive Trigos on my 289 because I really like the look of them. The front suspension was no problem - just make sure you get the shorter LCA's. I used the shortened 3 link axle, just for simplicity than anything else. My Coupe has IRS, so it's an improvement for handling, but not sure how the pin drives work with the IRS and FFR brake package etc. There are threads on here about the pin drives.

[FRM]

I went with 5 lug. At the time it seemed less complicated with part matching, but maybe not. FWIW a neighbor who owns a number of sports cars commented how much he liked the "knock offs" and I didn't correct him. It could be only we who have to choose, or very shrewd and observant persons, will know the difference. I did see a buddy's cobra that had real knock offs and safety wires and it looked very cool. Another thought is 5 lug wheel removal is a two stage process with the spinners and then lugs. Not an issue, but a fact of life for me.

[Chainsaw]

I went with 5 lug since I wanted the big Wilwood brakes and more choices in tires with the 17" rims.