I'm curious to know if anyone here has *****-canned the front steering/suspension of their 80s truck and replaced it with an early 2000s Crown Vic unit?
Thanks

 

I haven't yet.. But am trying to gather as much info as I can about this swap. Looks pretty staraight forward and easy for the most part. However any tips or info surely would come in handy. I have seen a good write up about doing it on a 1972 f100 over on Fordifcation.com website, but not sure if 72 and 80-86 frames are the same.

 

They are not, but they may be close enough to work. I have been suggesting someone try it instead of aftermarket beams, but I don't think anyone on this board has done a 80-up yet.

 

Nope. I've never seen it done yet. I don't know why anyone would want that passenger car crap in a truck to begin with honestly....

 

seems like the twin ibeam would be better for jumping anyhow then a a-arm design.

 

The simplicity and durability of the Twin I-Beam can not easily be beat. They drive fairly well for a truck front end, and ride fairly well. I don't know why someone would want to make it very expensive and complicated just for a little bit better driving feel. Personally, I really like the Kingpin Twin I-Beam setup that I have.

 

Some people want to change their trucks personalities, making them more street rods that working trucks. The biggest problem with the twin-i-beam suspension is ride height. You can't change it without serious modifications or expensive drop beams. People are looking for solutions to this, changing the complete suspensions on earlier cars and trucks is done all the time. People are wondering if this would work also on these trucks.

Benefits would be;

Ride height can be adjusted to suit.

rack and pinion steering.

Smaller wheel pattern for more selection in wheel designs.

They are just going down a different path with their trucks, building them to suit their needs.

 

Yeah, there's a real simple solution to changing the ride height of a Twin I beam front end. Solid axle. Personally. I have never driven a modern vehicle with a complicated steering system that I liked the feel of. I've always much preferred the old simple steering systems for the way they drive. I'm just weird I guess.

 

It's all about a nice ride too. Straight front axles are for heavy duty trucks that haul loads. When that heavy straight axle flops up and down after hitting a bump, you know it all the way up your spine till your teeth rattle. The crown vic frontend will have a nice smooth ride, especially if aluminum rims and reasonable sized tires are used. The whole thing is aluminum(or most of it). It would be a good upgrade for a 2wd street truck if it would fit without too much trouble.

 

It's a truck, not a country sedan. Speaking of smooth ride, my dad has a little 2wd 87 Mazda b2200. It has one of those complicated front ends. Thing rides like a pile of ***. It's very stiff for a mini pickup. It only has 47,000 miles on it and he is the original owner. It doesn't ride much different on the front end than my F250 on the front end anyways....

 

1979/2002 Crown Vic/Mercury Grand Marquis have worm & roller steering.

2003/2012's have rack & pinion steering.

 

Off the top of my head, I can't remember what year crown vics they were using, so I will retract the rack and pinion comment.

 

on fast and loud Aaron said they use 03-05 .they only use them on the earlier trucks