I decided to go ahead and get the adjustable rear brackets from mid fifty and got them put on yesterday. I moved the hanger up 1" from the original location.






My wife didn't understand the difference, but I am much happier now with the additional couple inches of drop in the rear. This is on the lowest setting (spring in top hole) and with 235x75r15 wheels.

 

Thanks for the information Capelo!

 

I also wanted to show where the axle ends up in relation to the bump stop after doing all the common bolt on mods to the rear.

 

Absolutely beautiful truck, nice stance, I think if its running right you'll find you are happy and content with the 351M, I have one in a 79 F-350 and am impressed with the way it runs, I have done the 4 barrel upgrade but have yet to do the timing chain update, excited to see progress

 

Thanks! I really appreciate the words about the motor, as that's the thing I'm going over and over again in my head about. Maybe I should stick with the plan and use the 351 on the cheap! Thanks!

 

Nice build.

 

Thank you.

 

Definitely digging this build. Looking forward to seeing how it sits, once you have the engine and transmission in it.

I'm planning on running a dropped axle and springs on the front of my '54, and will be using reversed eye springs and extended hangers out back.

 

Thanks! It's been a lot of fun, I just wish it could move a little quicker so I can see how it drives and comes together. We're working on the motor now...so hopefully sometime this year! Ha

 

Haven't move forward very much - too cold. But I wanted to share a quick update to show I will not give up!

My brother helped me run the brake lines from the master cylinder back to the rear wheel cylinders. We just have to run the lines to the front now...if we can ever find time. Fitting the front calipers is what led me to the next paragraph...

I also bought new wheels for the truck. As you can imagine, I am really excited about them, but sadly the front wheels had the incorrect bore size from China when they manufactured them and I had to send them back. The "correct" wheels won't ship until May. For now I have the two rear wheels with new tires and two new front tires sitting in my garage.



They are Rocket Racing - Rocket Strikes 15x7 in the rear with 235/75r15 and I am waiting on the 15x6's for the front which will have 215/70r15 tires.

I went with the recommended carb for the intake I bought for the 351m. Got new gaskets, ARP bolts, etc. to put the manifold and carb on, but the engine is buried under junk in my dad's garage, so I haven't done any of it yet.



I've already put together a list of Lokar products from a new throttle, to linkage, dipsticks, speedo, shifter...and am just waiting to test fit the engine/transmission to make sure I will use them before buying. They add up to about $900.

 

Subscribing after reading this whole thread. Awesome job your doing.
I so envy you. I don't have a shop to work out of either. So I also do
most everything on my Bronk in the dirt. I am excited to see you finely
working on getting the engine in. The day you take the first drive will
be so cool. Be sure and take the wife for the second ride. Take Dad
ad bro for the first. I say this because if something aint right than the wife
will always remember what was wrong and not what was right. Once you are
sure it will drive right than take Her out for an Ice Cream.

I live on an Island. A real big Island. But there are not much in the
way of old Iron here. I have my eye on a 50 F1 but the old boy will
prolly get planted with it before he will sell. Than just the other day
I ran across a 51 or 52 F2. It has a 300 I6 and 4 speed. But very rusty.
It may have some parts on it for some of the guys but way past
ever being back on the road.

I just love what your doing Bud.

 

I really appreciate the kind words, solidarity, and words of encouragement! I think that's some great advice about working out the kinks before letting my wife go for a drive. I picked her up for our first date in my '65 F100 and she made fun of it the whole way...but luckily the trucks have worked into her heart a little bit. I think now that she realizes how much they mean to me, she humors me and at least acts interested. I let her pick out the new wheels! (I steered her in the right direction...ha). Sounds like you really have the sickness when you know where the few old ford trucks are I'm sure you read, but I had a fare share of offers and rejections before I found my truck...keep lookin and askin!!

Thanks again...hopefully I'll have her movin under her own power this year.

 

sweet truck

 

Thanks fellow Tennessean!