Hello,

I recently bought a 1949 F1 pickup. My plans are to make it a hot rod rather than keep it original. I already bought a 460 and C6. I also have a Ford 9" with disc brakes ready to go into the rear.

Right now I am working on the IFS swap. I got offered a "great" deal on a 1991 Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign. It has a steering rack, but it is not connected in the pictures. I was under the impression that it was going to similar enough to the ~1980 Jaguar IFS that is popular in our trucks (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...for-48-f1.html). Upon closer inspection, it is quite a bit different -- the most important (unfortunate) difference is that the upper control arms are moved inward so that the frame rails no longer fit between them and close to the K-member. The overall width from hub to hub is still perfect for our trucks.

I have it positioned within about an inch of where it would go on the X and Y axes, but as you can see, right now it is sitting on my garage floor under my F1's frame rails.

I am hesitant to substantially modify the frame as it would have to move inward and that would soak up precious 460 engine real estate. However, if I simply raise the IFS two inches and bolt/weld it to the frame rail, I would have to make a brace for the front swinging dampener mount that extended downward from the frame rail about six inches. This would be ugly and likely produce a very undesirable center of gravity.

If anyone could take a look at my pictures and toss me your opinion I would be very appreciative. I am going to try to work something out, as I do like the deeper K-member, bilstein shocks, sway bar, etc. However, I am not ruling out just going out and getting the IFS circa 1980.









Thanks!

 

Orignally the Jag install was a XJ6, from about the late 70's up until 1986 when Ford purchased them and things changed. I've heard some others trying to use later years or different models. Several on this site have installed the above and can assist in the correct install methods. Look around for the above years as it is a bolt on or weld install. chuck

 

I would love to be able to use this unit, but I think you are right that I would be much better off swallowing my pride and tracking down the earlier style. I order to get an ideal fit I would have to pretty heavily pinch the frame because there is just a substantial slope (rather than a straight drop as in the older style) from the top of the control arm down to the K.

Nonetheless, if anyone happens to be using style IFS in my pictures, please let me know your thoughts.

Thank you for your input!

 

Regardless of how good a deal you got, I just don't see that subframe working. I've got an 84 xj6 subframe under mine, and as you know, the frame widths are the same. It's an easy swap. We've had members in the past mention the later, xj40 (I think it's called) subframe and ask whether it's a match. I guess we have the answer now, it's not. Jamieson, I'd strongly suggest pulling the rip cord on that subframe and looking for an earlier unit. Without major fab work, that ifs just isn't going to fit.

 

I think you are right. I am sure it -could- be made to work, but the effort involved to do it makes it ridiculous to not just track down the older IFS.

Pinching the frame inward will not work because it would have to be pinched so far there would be no room left for the engine. Arcing the frame (vertically) so that the IFS could move upward would possibly work but it would create its own engine fitment issues.

I am still considering arcing it, but I will spend a couple days looking for an older IFS first.

Thanks for the input!

 

The only way I see that IFS assy working is to substantially cut into your frame rails. Not necessarily bad, but a lot more fab work and more critical to get it right the first time. In essence you would leave the top of the stock frame and cut out the side and bottom to fit around the Jag crossmember. It appears your A-arm pivots will clear the frame. I would cut off the front bushing arms from the Jag crossmember. Weld it all in solid and add a few gussets for good measure and it could work. Access for working on the A-arms could be tight, make sure you account for future rebuild work on the front susp.

A lot more work than the 86 and earlier, but it could work. Do you have more time than money? If so, use what you have.

 

Jamie, Lexcoe has a thread going right now about a lexus sc400 front end on a f100. It looks like a clean install. Check it out. It may be the next jag.

 

38Chevy: Thanks for the advice, it helps and is really appreciated. I think what you described is what I will end up doing. I do not know if I have more time than money, but I definitely enjoy spending time on the truck more than I enjoy spending money on it.

rhop: I missed that thread somehow. I will check it out. Thanks!

 

Oh crap!!

I am thinking about leaving the back end for now and move on to the front......

Dang

Thanks for pointing this out

 

Where do I find the info on the Lexus SC 400 into a F100?

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...n-56-f100.html


Google search brought that link


Also one from over on Fordification


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...n-56-f100.html


Dave

 

The jag XJ front end up to 87 will work. Also the XJS front end up to I believe 96 will also fit.
Bruce

 

Guys, getting ready to do this swap to a '61 Uni, would a 2001 XJS work? That is what a local yard has... just wondering. Thanks in advance, Clay

 

i used a 1977 jag ifs in my 51 fi.it worked out real great,i also used a 302 with an aod. why not go with a 302-or 351 with an older jag ifs ?

 

I thought with the added width of the 61+ trucks vs our earlier styles, the 'go-to' IFS install was the 03-up Crown Vic crossmember. They're too wide for our trucks without major surgery, but are better in the wide bodies. You might check in that forum and get some better ideas. I don't think you'd be happy with a Jag in your application. Whatever you do, don't let them talk you into an complete chassis swap. That's just nuts, for various reasons.