New to the forum! first post lol trying to see if i might be able to get some help, I just bought the truck and is in really bad shape, cancer everywhere. Well I decided to make a rat rod out of it and i want to put bags on it and slam it, I have never messed with a straight axle front end and I am a bit bewildered on what i can do with the front end. I have seen where people put a mustang II front end but I'd rather not do that if I dont have to. Did find a good link to some drop axles Ford Axles, Axle & Dropped Axle but im not sure if the axle low enough. And the leaf spring being there instead of coil, if I have to change the front end i will, I have restored a 1970 gmc, a 66' f100 so messingaround with old trucks isnt new to me, but any ideas guys? thanks for any help!

 

I have a Crown Vic IFS in mine (2003 or newer works). Some others have used Jag front ends as well.

 

I would suggest the Crown Vic IFS. It will free up all the options you may want to throw on it. You will get a better riding and performing truck while spending significantly less money than you would on any other IFS swap. The CV IFS is much better than the MII IFS and a ton cheaper. Plus you will spend too much money on the straight axle to get it to do what you want it to. I've done this swap and couldn't be happier. Oh and by the way, it is a literal bolt in swap. Good luck!

 

Don't you have to run a 17" or larger wheel with the CV IFS swap?

 

Does anyone know for sure on my question above?

 

16" or larger.

 

I know this post has been dead for quite a while, but I am wondering if anyone can tell me how low a crown vic swap can get these trucks? Maybe adding lowered springs, zee ing the frame, etc...
Also, is there a rim that looks similar to the stock rims in 16" with the correct lug pattern to keep a somewhat OG look?

 

Stopping by an air suspension shop tomorrow to have them measure and quote me a strut bag setup for my CV front end. I've heard out of the box the CV swap can be as low as 5" depending on how you mount on the frame (spaced top or bottom on the frame rails.

 

That's what I've heard too. However, on these trucks 5" doesn't even tuck rim! There are so many threads about front clip swaps on these, but 5" doesn't do it for me.

 

Go to YouTube and search fast and loud. They did this on a 60s model ford truck. Wasn't totally laying the frame but its pretty low.

 

That's also 5" without drop springs or bags keeping the designed articulation of the CV suspension on par… Not bad if you think about it.