Or must I use larger? I absolutely don't want to run anything larger than 16"

 

The 2003+ IFS from the panther platform uses 16" diameter (minimum) rims with a greater offset than the earlier years to clear the front brake calipers. I don't believe you'll find a 15" rim to clear the stock calipers.

 

Can I use different brakes? This will be a traditional looking vehicle, with chrome reverse nd wide white bias ply tires.

 

Wouldn't traditional be 16" wheels? I can't see sigs on my phone so not sure what year you are working on.

 

You should have thought about this a little closer before sticking the crown vic front end under your truck. You won't get 15" chrome reverse wheels on there without big spacers and the tires sticking out a half a foot.

 

Yeah 16s are good, I could get a little lower with 15s. It's a '54 F100. Haven't even got it home yet, just planning.

 

If you are wanting to run a chrome rev. wheel you should look at the Jag. front end. It would work a lot better for what you wont.

 

Chrome reversed wheels won't work on the CV IFS. They need wheels with a lot of positive offset (center is close to the outside edge of the wheel) to fit under the fenders, and to maintain the designed geometry, just the opposite of a "reversed" rim.
The Jag and/or the Lexus IFS have much better geometry, is a better fit and don't require hard to find/limited selection wheels.

 

Wheel Vintiques

Those guys can make about what ever you need. I was looking at doing a stock looking wheel in 18-20's.

 

Seven years later I hope to finally get to work on this truck. I got a Jag IFS for it. I put Jag IFS/IRS in a '50 Chevy Business Coupe a few years ago in a weekend, it was a piece of cake. I think I will want a better cab, mine is real rusty at the seam between the roof skin and rear window.

 

WIll be looking for another update in 2028!

 

I hope it doesn't take that long! I'm thinking I want to replace the cab and doors, may be too much work to fix the rust on mine. I could sell them to a rat rodder!

 

Pardon my hijack - I'm in the planning stage for a 53-56 F100 project and need to learn about options for IFS. Which Jag or Lexus front ends will transplant to these trucks? I was thinking that the Crown Vic IFS was the way to go but now thinking that I need to do more research.

 

I have no idea about Lexus, but probably a poor choice. Too wide, would need modern looking wheels. The Jags, all the way up to about 1986 I believe. Great swap, I did one on a '50 Chevy coupe.

 

Here is a diagram with dimensions that I did about the time this thread was originally started...