Thanks guys, I will call today to get the Toyota system ordered. I think I'm going to have to flip the spindles around so the tie-rods go to the front. I will check when I call it in. I want to get the drop spindle axle as well. When I add it all up, axle, Toyota box, and all the linkages to connect, if it is around $2000 for everything, I might as well just order a IFS.
Thanks again guys, you've been a big help.

 

Albuq f-1, The last picture actually shows the slip joint. At the top of the slip join shaft where it connects to the steering shaft, there was some type of another sliding joint. that whole mechanism just broke and I was free spinning the wheel. I took this picture minutes before moving it and everything falling out.

 

I don't know what you are ordering or from who for $2K? First, you can't flip the spindles around so the tie rod is on the front, I have no idea why you would even want to if you could??? The geometry would be so screwed up it would be undrivable. I have a 56 with the beam axle, lowering springs, Toyota box and chevy small block and have no clearance issues.
Are you really building a vehicle for your daughter or for yourself? How low do you want to go? If you go too low she won't be able to go up a driveway approach, over a speed bump, or park at a curb without dragging the front bumper, and lowering the rear to match is even more expensive! 2K will only get you a decent IFS kit, then all the rest you'll need including someone to weld it in for you will cost another 3K and take 6 months to a year to install. Hope your daughter doesn't mind the wait.
I assume you mean a drop axle, not dropped spindles I don't know of any dropped spindles for a beam axle. If you want a dropped axle, they are 300.00 exchange from Sid, the best dropped axles on the market. Dropped Ford axles, Spindles and tie rods. Guthrie Oklahoma
Don't buy a rebuilt Toyota box! They are just a used box with new input and output shaft seals, which seldom leak. I got my box from Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market for 75.00, others have gotten them for zero - 125.00. For use with used box order this: 1953-56 Ford F-100 Toyota Power Steering Conversion, ? Column (no Box) for 285.00 If you want a NEW box then buy this kit: 1953-56 Ford F-100 Steering Box, Power, Whole Kit, 400 Series for 535.00. Even with the dropped axle and new box I don't see how you can spend > 1K much less 2K??? Take every other leaf out of the stock stack (free) or add a set of dropped springs for 350.00 from Sid's and you'll be able to knock over beer cans and scrape up every dead squirrel on the highway, and it will ride and handle as well as the 5K IFS.

It has always been my contention that the sliding column coupler was a major weak link with that rack setup.

 

I did say dropped Spindles but I meant dropped axle. I was also saying if I had to spend $2000 for everything (box, drag link, tie rod, steering arm, drop axle), I may as well go ahead and buy a $3000 Heidts system and install it myself. The Toyota box, axle, and the missing steering items looks like it will be around $1200 or so.
Thanks for the contact on Sid. I will call him and see if he can hook me up. I've called Midfifty 3 times and they just tell me they will have someone call me back to work out the complete kit from Steering column to tie rod ends. I haven't heard from anyone so far. Maybe Sid would like some business.
I have an 81 corvette blower motor car as my fun car. My daughter is 15 and she has wanted an old truck ever since that vampire movie came out years ago ( forgot the name) with the girl driving an old truck around. She has been right there Varnishing wood for the bed and getting wrenches for me.

 

 

This is the truck 2 weeks ago before breaking it down to paint. The next picture is how she wants it when we're done.

 

 

The biggest problem is trying to get the stance just right. I know my wheels are 15" and the other truck is most likely 20s. My front tire wall is smaller than the back to create the rake. There is a lot of adjustment needed to get it right but we don't want to drag the ground.

 

Your girl is very lucky to have ya build her a truck.
I think when all is said and done with the help ya get
here and your own ideas she will have a sweet safe ride.
Listen to Ax. He keeps us all in line on many issues.
And makes sense in a senseless world.

I am in rep jail with you Ax. Sorry but ya eared one with
your last post from me. Right on as always.

 

No need to buy a new drag link, I'm sure if you ask nice there are several members here that have one or two laying around, unless you need the extended version if you have the springs that move the axle forwards in the wheel arches. If you do, then in that case you don't need lowering springs because you already have them.