Hi,

I have a 65 F100 short bed that I am working on. I have decided to upgrade the fornt suspension to a short arm long arm unit. Which system is a good one to go with. I am leaning towards the TCI IFS system. They have it listed for a 61-64 pickup but they said it should work on the 65 model year as well. What is the difference between the two years 64 and 65. What system would you guys suggest. I have looked at heidts and fatman systems as well. The TCI seems to be the same as the Heidts but less cost. What do the experts recomend.

Thanks
Jon

 

Hey Jon, welcome to FTE! I posted on your thread on CHR. You'll get some good info here as you figure out how you want to build your truck. You can also use the search function to find lots of info on front suspensions. I'm sure some others will come along soon and share their experiences & opinions. You'll probably even hear from a few purists touting the virtues of the twin-i-beam...

One major difference between the '64 and the '65 was the introduction to the twin-i-beam suspension. The '64 still had the straight front axle. I think the frame width is the same but the '65 has a much bigger cross member, etc that has to be cut out before installing different suspension. There are other differences with cab floor, steering column mount, etc.

Good luck with your build and keep us posted!!
Randy

 

I wouldn't pi$$ around, I'd simply do a standard front disc brake conversion
using a donor from 1968 to 1979. Parts are easy to find and cheap...everything bolts right up.

For what it's worth.

Jason

 

See, Jon, I told you the "purists" would show up!! Just kidding, Jason!!

Given all the choices, if I could afford it, I would get on the list for the Dakota cross member from Industrial Chassis Dakota Kits : Industrial Chassis Inc.. After the cross member is welded in, all the components are bolt on and can be found at most any parts store or salvage yard. You'll get a lowered stance, disc brakes, r&p steering and I'm guessing there are a few performance parts available for it, too.

Garbz, who is a member here, used to work with the guys who designed this and can offer additional insight.

 

Steve @ IC has a "new dakota" kit for the 61-64 trucks.... if all of us with 65-66 trucks keep after him, hopefully there will be a kit for them as well

Follow a front end install on IC's facebook page

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lots of pictures of the new kit

 

have you thought about a crown vic clip. a couple of guys on the bumpside forum have done it so it may be an option if your up to it.
here is the link to carcrafters thread
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...o-67-f100.html
and shoestrings photobucket
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and heres one which is installed in a 58
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...o-58-f100.html

 

Steve is workning on fat fender kits next. This generation of kits is exciting as it is an entire new design. It will surpass any thing out there for durability. Ask fatman or others just what is the weight ratings on their kits. .....
Steve has Dakotas under one ton trucks. Look up Dynacorns chevy tow rig. Steve built the chasiss.

Garbz

 

FYI Disc brakes are found on 73 and up 1/2 ton models. They were optional on F250's and F350's only starting in 1968.