Well the F100 has landed and I've almost rebuilt the Rochester carb now it's on to decisions about the front end suspension, brakes, and steering.

Being in the UK sourcing parts for this 59 F100 don't seem to be easy. It's got the standard front axle with drum brakes, leaf springs and shocks, as well as the original steering box. The engine has been changed to a 351W

I have not driven her yet so cannot say how the steering and stopping will be with the original running gear. Any comments?

I like the originality as I'm not inclined to do a ground up rebuild but would like to know I can stop well, and will not end up like Arnold Scwarzennegger without power steering.

I will not be using the truck as a daily driver or long distance...just local posing....max 50 mile journeys

Any comments will be absorbed and assimilated......

 

Based on the way you will be driving it and the fact that you like originality, I'd would rebuild the original suspension and steering. If you really need PS you could look into the Toyota gear box conversion...although I'm not sure how that applies to a 59. There are disc brake kits available for the original front axle.

 

I agree with Vern, keep it simple....

All of the front end parts are available, plus disk brakes etc. The Toyota PS box (or similar) will work on your truck too.

 

Lee, you'd probably be happy enough retaining the stock brakes while using your truck as you stated.Just make sure to always keep them in top shape.

My 59 F250 is quite a bit heavier than your F100,since I have a vintage, small "caravan" on it.But I do drive it each day, part of my 60-70 mile commute is in mountainous terrain.I really use my transmission to slow the truck down, instead of my stock brakes, or I experience them heating-up and having brake-fade.That can be scary with windy roads, steep drop-offs, etc.And I usually have a few impatient drivers stacked up behind me ,before I can find a place to turn out, on long,down-hill grades.

If you're going to have a high-performance motor,you might want to upgrade to discs,though.

Steve

 

Any advice regarding disc brakes....I've seen a secondhand standard F100 axle which has a set of disc brakes fitted.

Now, seeings as I'm here in the good old UK, and cannot buy new set ups from one of the great companies in the US specialising in classic truck parts, at $180 they seem a good deal. However would you recommend taking a chance on secondhand discs ?

The problem is the seller is so far away from me I will have to trust in the sellers description, and he says he cannot guarantee anything about them.

They also do not have a servo or any other parts with them, just the discs.

What could be wrong with them...seized piston, warped disc...if so are these things repairable? What servo would I need?

They look very cheap I could probably recoup my money on the axle leaf springs and shocks.

Any comments fellas?

 

Lee,can't advise you about disc upgrades.Though I've considered installing them for years,I've come to terms with just driving slower,and will probably never do it.At any rate,I almost never install used parts.I'd think that with the exchange rate,buying parts from U.S. suppliers would be a good deal now.Will they not ship overseas?

I believe that member "Walston",who also has our era truck, has done this upgrade,and will hopefully be along to give you his opinions.

Steve