No worries, just had never heard of that and thought maybe I was misinformed. It could be possible with a 60 but I know I have switched 44s in without a shortening. Great looking truck btw.

 

Thanks Ty, good to know about the 44 in any case.

On an unrelated note, welcome to Page 2!

 

If you are going to put in discs in the front, I would go ahead and do a brake job on the new rear axle and replace the lines now if money is available.

 

Sure, sure, logical choice. But will the existing brake hoses fit to the new axle?

My concern is that I'm having a shop do the swap, and if there are going to be fitment issues I would like to know ahead of time so that I can have the parts ready for them and get the guys a heads up.

 

It has been so many years since I did mine that I can't remember.

 

No worries Del, I'm sure I'll find out REAL quick once it gets here!

Cheers

 

I did replace the outer bearings etc. before I installed it. I do remember that.

 

Well, with the new rear axle coming in, I figure it's time to push this project into high gear.

Just ordered the front disc conversion from TSM, and a 3" drop axle from Sid.

Now to wait, and to find time to get all of this done!

 

Not much for an update, just a lot of waiting around. I did get a new aluminum radiator installed, took a little finagling to get it to fit, but it's in and doing a great job so far. I do have a couple questions that have come to mind regarding suspension though:

I know most people recommend to start at the second leaf up from the axle and take out every other one from there when lowering the rear, but would there be anything wrong with just taking the top spring pack off entirely? Might seem like a dumb question, but it looks to me like there wouldn't be any problem with it.

Second, everything I've seen says F100 front springs are the same as those for an F250, can anyone verify? Are they the exact same or does the F250 have more leaves?

Thanks in advance

 

Removing the top spring rack won't lower the truck any. That pack isn't attached to the frame. It only comes into play when the frame is loaded enough for the brackets on the frame to touch them.

 

I just checked my master parts catalog.
1948-56 Ford Truck Master Parts Catalog CD - HiPo Parts Garage
(Well worth the $22)

And it says the typical front springs are the same for F100 and F250. I don't know for sure though. I just counted my F250 stock front springs and they have 9 leaves.

Well SHOOT!!! I just checked my 54-55 Shop Manual (Another must have) and it says Standard for F100 is 8 leaves with 950 lb capacity. Standard on F250 and Optional on F100 is 7 leaves with 1050 lb capacity. So, time to have someone that knows what they are doing to come in and answer.

 

I got rid of the 2 piece drive shaft and had a 1 piece made.

 

Harrier,
Length/width are the same for the front springs on a F100/250. I have used both setups. They interchange. The only difference I found was the springs were a little thicker on the F250 springs. Since I derate my spring packs for a softer ride I don't thick it matters much.

 

Exactly what I was hoping, lower/derate the front, same on the rear.

 

Hey Ty, you happen to have any pictures of your truck with the F100 springs on the front? Curious if there's much difference in ride height...