Hey gang,
I'd like to call on the experiences of those who have (or have had) Chrysler front suspensions under their F-100s. I should preface this by saying that as a rule, I like to stay close to stock and original, but as it happens the '56 I bought a while back already had a Volare font suspension. I should also mention that this is not a complete truck; just a frame, a cab, and some sheet metal at this point. I've done the research and understand the pros and cons of the Volare, but what I can't get a handle on is how much it changes the ride height. I know it's adjustable, but I don't understand how much. I really am not looking for a low stance; a few inches below stock is more than enough for me. I've even considered removing the Volare, repairing the frame, and going back to the stock front end. But for simplicity's sake I'd like to work with what I have if possible.
Anyway, my question really is this: in a typical Volare-type installation on a '56, can the ride height be adjusted up to slightly below original without resulting in am overly hard suspension?
The time and attention of anyone who cares to respond is appreciated.

 

Kind of depends on how the suspension was installed. Is yours C-notched into the frame and how deep or is it mounted under the frame. Mine is c-notched into the frame 2 1/2 inches in the front to 3/4 in rear, making mine in the weeds and cannot get near stock. My friend mounted his under the frame and he maintains stock height with the ability to lower or raise approx 2". Not knowing how yours is installed the question of can you get back to near stock height will be a difficult answer. I have played with my heights within 2" ranges with only slight difference in ride change. I have never pressed more than 2. I get the front adjusted to what I consider the best ride and go from there, don't like it raise or lower, measure than drive and not just around the block I take it over a variety of roads at different speeds.

 

Mine is also notched into the frame and sat slightly lower than stock prior to installing dropped spindles. You probably will be fine but like Gerrymore said it depends on how it was installed.

 

Thanks guys... looks like mine is notched into the frame about the same as Gerrymoes. Maybe I'll crank it up all the way and see what happens. I'll figure it out. The input is appreciated.

 

You may already know this, but tightening the right side raises the left and vice versa.

 

Gerrymoe when you say just under the frame are you meaning that the frame was not cut in any manner to accommodate the suspension. The templates I have show that I need to cut into the frame and I am guessing that is what you mean by c-notch. I looked at one today that was cut into frame and the ride height is just what I want.Thanks

 

Yes, my friend put one of the very first ones done in my neighborhood and he just welded brackets to his frame and mounted it. Can't remember if he used rubber mounts. This was back in 1980, he did not use no template. I did my first one in 1980 right after him and all I used was the article in classic trucks, on my second on I bought the template and decided that it sped things up but cost me bucks I could have saved.

 

Just did a total rebuild on the Volare suspension under my 56 F100. Just got it on the ground this morning and adjusted the torsion bar height. I cranked up the adjusting bolts to about 1 inch from the max height adjustment and ride height is about 10 inches from bottom of K frame to ground. Just to give you an idea, at 2 inches from max adjustment the lower cross member bumper stops sat on the torsion bar ends... too low! So it appears there is about 4 inches of lift from that inch of bolt adjustment. Poly pivot bushing are really squished against the frame. I wish this was designed with more pivot support. I took on the rebuild for the most part because the pivot bushings were worn through


Joe

 

And as far as I can tell, raising and lowering the suspension does not change the ride feel. It was lower before the rebuild and raising it up 2 inches did not affect the ride. It did help clear the brakes hoses though! At 10 inch frame to ground clearance it still looks low and now has plenty of suspension travel. I guess wheel size and placement of the suspension as mentioned above factors in on ride height as well. If you're looking for a firmer ride, suggest a good set of shocks to do that.

 

I have dropped spindles on the Volare under my 53 so I don't need the bars cranked down. I set mine at the factory bunp stop to lower control arm setting. I disagree that the settings don't affect ride and handling. Too far up is too firm, too far down is to soft.

 

You're probably right about firming up the ride if the bars are cranked up all the way. I've always had mine in the middle adjustment range so I guess it just doesn't feel different to me. I could crank the remaining inch of adjustment left in the bolt to check if it firms up before the alignment but just looking forward to driving it again after a week long battle with the torsion bar ends.

 

Thanks for the input, 56 -BW and Okiedokie!