1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

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Old 10-11-2013, 06:21 PM
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lets just say

lets just say if i was thinking about changing my front end for something different ,, what would be a good easy swap , to upgrade to coil springs and other things ??

thanks
 
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Old 10-11-2013, 07:54 PM
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Here is some great reading for you. Although I would say, keep it stock.
53-79 F-Series Steering & Suspension .: Articles
 
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Old 10-11-2013, 07:57 PM
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Well i was thinking coil springs would make it ride better, , right now my leaf springs are stright no bow, , , , time to do some reading, , thanks
 
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Old 10-11-2013, 08:08 PM
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XJ6 jag , nothing is better or easier .
 
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Old 10-12-2013, 06:12 AM
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Hey Rob,
Nice truck! We changed out our stock front end with a No limit Wide Ride with coilovers. It was right around $2,000 with the additional master cylinder brake upgrades. I would say this route is nowhere near "easy".
It involves cutting into the frame & extensive welding - I had professional help & it still took months to complete.

If I had it to do over I'd really take a hard look at completely refurbishing the stock front end or going with a Bolt In kit from CPP. That's just my experience - I have seen a lot of people go the Heidt's front end route - it seemed to be a little more reasonable. The instructions from No Limit were pretty worthless but they were good people to work with.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1 351W/AOD
 
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Old 10-12-2013, 08:23 AM
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Well it makes it hard because i already have the powe steering kit , i have everything but the PS bracket i will get that when i get closer , i am having another seat cover made once i get that installed i will start the converision, , and i say your right its bette to redo the stock front end, ,buy a few parts at a time and just change them all, , i was thinking it would ride better with coil springs, , right now i have some notchy spots in steering, , i am hoping its the gear box, , that will go when i do the swap, , ,
Thanks for all the info guys
 
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Old 10-12-2013, 01:54 PM
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there is nothing inherently better about coils vs leafs as far as ride quality. Ride depends on spring stiffness vs load, tire construction and size, shock absorber valving matched to springs, road surface quality, seat padding and springing, body mounting/vibration isolation.
Ford front parallel leaf springs are designed to be flat at rest, so there is probably nothing wrong with yours. For the best ride, install slider strips between the leafs, remove every other leaf if stock stacks.
IMHO you are way overthinking your build, creating issues where none may exist, wanting to make changes without basis or need. Just go ahead and get it on the road, don't look for problems, assume there are none and identify exactly when/if any do show up. Remember you are rebuilding a 60 year old work truck not a Ferrari or Bentley. Like it for what it is, not what it is not!
 
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Old 10-12-2013, 06:20 PM
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Thanks ax, your right i over think things, i been driving the day lights out of it fot sure,,i am wainting to redo my seat then i am starting my PS swap, i have every thing but the pump bracket ill get it ,, then ill see how it drives, ,,, if you know anyone that could use a black and orange seat cover let me know i can make a good deal

Thanks
 
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Old 10-13-2013, 03:55 PM
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Hey I like your old seat cover. Ya now going to all black? I think it still
should have like orange belting or beading or what ever it's called at
the seams.
 
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Old 10-13-2013, 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by arctic y block
Hey I like your old seat cover. Ya now going to all black? I think it still
should have like orange belting or beading or what ever it's called at
the seams.
Piping. Or at least that's what they call it around here.
 
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Old 10-13-2013, 04:07 PM
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leaf springs

Besides the issues I'm having with the power steering the ride with the stock straight axel and leaf springs is really nice. My truck rides nicer than my '05 Chev 4x4. I should add that every square inch of the cab has been covered with DynaMat, expensive but worth the ride. If I had to do it again I'd still run the leafs, nice ride! Extremely important to rebuild all the moving parts including the spring perch bushings. If you rebuild it all it is a very good ride indeed.
 
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Old 10-13-2013, 06:00 PM
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yeah piping she makes it from the same material ,, she will have my new seat cover done mon even and door panels to match cant wait ,, and yeah i am doing the PS as soon as possible been driving around today and man these parking lots are small lol and tough to get into ,
 
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