Hello, i've recently purchased a 1952 Ford F1 truck, i'm looking to convert the front suspension but am not sure of what to use 100% so here's some options so far:

Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MUSTANG-II-IFS-SUSPENSION-KIT-gm-ford-mopar-front-end-2-front-end-chevy-truck-/310774969651?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AF1&hash=item485ba1b533&vxp=mtr
This kit doesn't really look too strong....

Comparable kit but a lot more money:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heidts-Mustang-II-IFS-4-link-Package-Ford-F-100-Pickup-1953-1954-1955-1956-/190713178084?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c676427e4&vxp=mtr
Pretty bare unit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heidts-Universal-Mustang-II-IFS-Crossmember-kit-56-Width-/111198790325?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19e3f6e2b5&vxp=mtr
I've also read that you can get an old Crown vic and chop it up, any thoughts?

here's some pics:






Thanks in advance

 

Look into Heidts, CPP, Fatman Fabrications. Also a Jaguar IFS is a good and inexpensive alternative.

 

I put a jag in mine, $250 from the junkyard. Will be some more money in it to replace what is worn but not enough for me to consider the aftermarket.

 

Thanks for the feedback, I'm looking into the aftermarket companies that you've mentioned, what year Jag would be considered a donor?
thanks

 

Hey Psi,
That price on Heidt's looks very high. I think they run around $1500 normally. You may want to check with our member Wallster as he's just installed (2) Heidt's kits I believe. He will have a pretty good idea of pricing.

We used a Wide Ride IFS kit from No Limit Engineering & I thought it was pricey at $2500 or so including the brake lines & new master cylinder.

Good question on your part. Can I ask why you want to do the IFS? Personally I'd take a hard look at rebuilding the stock front end before I cut into the frame. Your down time is extensive & the welding has to be good and exact to get the alignment right later.

Now replacing the stock rear end with something more modern is much more straight forward and only takes a weekend or two.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Hii Ben,

I'm looking for a a nice ride that's not stiff, has rack and pinion, power brakes and brake rotors. I don't mind keeping the leaf springs as long as it's not too bad but i still need the rotors, rack and pinion, install a brake booster.

thanks
Paul

 

a lot of people like the jag ifs,i have one in my 51 F1 with a 302 & i love it

 

Hey Paul,
We went IFS because I really wanted something I could feel safe having my 21 year old son drive. Having Disc brakes is nice. Shoot Wallster a note on the Heidt's package. I'm not sure how many posts you need before you can PM someone on here (10?).

Good luck over there.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

I've got $800 total in my narrowed crown vic set up. It's bolt in, power rack, disc brakes, and heavy duty cop car parts, not questionable mustang II parts with 10" rotors. Just my opinion.... but it is a pretty good option. You just need to know a fab shop to narrow the crossmember and rack.

 

I am almost done rebuilding my 79 Jag front suspension. I have about $150 in parts not including rebuilt calipers. Those will be about another $150. Reman rack and pinion will be about $300 more.

I bought the complete vehicle for $400. Sold about $100 in parts and now also have the complete irs to make ready to install in my truck.
.

I hope to have a really smooth riding 51 F-1 when I am done. Total cost for the front and rear suspension is alot less than an aftermarket ifs.

Its worth considering.

Thanks

Dan

 

The original beam axle/leaf spring front end can be made to ride quite well, Toyota PS swap works like it was made for it (not R&P, but works just as well, there is nothing magical about R&P.), plenty of disk brake conversion kits out there. The upgrade can be done in a couple weekends in the driveway with a couple jack stands and basic hand tools. Remember it's a high centered, boxy, nose heavy, 70 year old truck, it's never going to ride like a luxury car or handle like a sports car, no matter how much money and time you throw at it. there is a point of diminishing returns you reach pretty quickly. With any IFS there are a lot of hidden costs in addition to the basic parts that jack up the total. There are a couple people currently doing a narrowed CV IFS install, but AFAIK they are pioneering this swap, none are actually being driven yet to prove the concept. It requires someone with a lot of fabrication experience who can do aircraft quality aluminum welding and machining, and some very careful work. I think both are also being done on the wider 53-56 frame. The Jag is practically a bolt in install with good geometry and proven worth, but even the Jag is a 3-6 month project. A welded in IFS, kit or other is typically a year or longer install.

 

I suggest you read my tutorial on how to formulate a successful build plan that I posted in this topic: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...1955-f250.html

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ion-build.html

This the link to my IFS install. I have several thousand miles on this set up and love every minute of it. Cruse the shows or flat out on the freeway it rides and handles great.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

 

Mine is a 51 and so far I have about 4 afternoons wrapped up in it. Ready to bolt it on as soon as I send my factory five out for paint. Decemberish.

I would say it might take another 1-2 weeks worth of working evenings and weekends total. Not really that difficult of a swap as best I can tell this far in.

I will keep posting as I go along about any difficulties I encounter. No room to work on it now though.

 

Thanks for all of the feedback so far, it doesn't have to be rack and pinion, by it I meant assistant steering.

I don't have the 10 posts necessary to pm other folks on here, I'll just read more and ask questions later.

BTW is there anyone doing this on the side?
thanks
Paul