Just bought my first F100, a relatively rust-free1955 that runs but is in need of restoration. Have restored mustangs in the past but am new to the F100 so will likely be having many questions. My first priority is safety i.e., suspension, steering and brakes. I am planning to replace all of the bushings and pins in the leaf springs but looking at the 54-55 manual and catalogs there seems to be discrepancy on whether the stock back spring hanger on the F100 rear spring has the swing hanger (shackle) hanging below the mount or pointing up on the mount. The Ford manual shows light duty trucks with the swing hanger up but the LMC catalog shows this to be for an F250 (LMC page 76). My F100 has the shackle up (spring above the mount) so I’m not sure if someone changed springs over the years or the catalog pictures are incorrect for an F100. Any help would be appreciated. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
I plan to keep the original front springs (no IRS at this time) and was contemplating the power rack and pinion vs. the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Toyota</st1lace></st1:City> box, but noted negative posts on the rack and pinion in this forum. Does anyone make a rack and pinion for the F100 that does not mount to the axle? Many thanks.<o></o>

 

First off Welcome to FTE there is a lot of info you will find here.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=20494&width=0
I lifted this photo from tacson's album it is of his 55 f-100 showing the springs are on top.
brian...

 

F100BGS welcome to the forum. I checked my 54-55 Shop manual and it shows the spring mounted on top of the hanger as in this photo.



Now I do have the extended hangers to lower the back end down but the install should be the same if I am not mistaken. Much success on your project.

 

Thanks 9teen56F100 and Tacson. The pictures were very useful. I'm missing the original shackle so will go with the extended Y (NPD, LMC and Midfifty no longer have the original rear Y hanger) Thanks again for the help.

 

Click the link in my signature regarding the 1954 F-100. There are hundreds of step by step progress photos. Fresh catalog from LMC shows that part number 45-1396 @ $39.95 is the "Y" hanger you need. Shows to be available. Concours Parts shows TAAA-5776-A @40.00 to be correct "Y" hanger, and available. Mac's Antique Auto Parts shows the same number as Concours Parts, and to be available @ $34.95. New catalog from Mid-Fifty shows part # 2812 @ $38.00 available. The stock one is available. The "extended Y" will lower the truck a smidge in the rear.

 

Thanks wmjoe1953 for the pictures and info. I did call LMC, Midfifty and Macs and unfortunately, the stock Y hanger in each of their catalogs is not available and they’re not sure when it will be. I’d prefer the stock but the 1” or so of lowering from the extended hanger will be OK. I wasn’t aware of Macs so thanks for another source of parts as I get started.

 

If you want stock, I have a pair on a '56 F-100 frame here. I'll cut em loose. PM me if interested.

 

I got mine from Dennis Carpenter a few years ago. Might be worth a call.

 

So what IS the correct number and/or application for the "extended' bracket? I guess I don't read all that well since after all the responses to the original query, it doesn't appear that the long one is really identified.

 

The long one is not actually a correct part. It is an aftermarket part solely for the purpose of adding flex, and lower the stance in the rear of the truck. There isn't a "correct" number, or application for it. All of the catalogs list is an "extended y" hanger. Mid-fifty lists it in kit #2802 @ $90 per kit.