I am having a hard time coming to a decision on upgrading the front end of my 1950 F1. The issue I have is that the truck is so solid and has most of all its original parts I hate to touch it. I plan on doing a frame off restoration. I am currently at a stand still with the truck until I find someone to paint it. I don't really care about the power steering so much but I have thought about adding front disk brakes. If so I think i would rather stick to the original front axle and order the ones that use the original spindles and mounting locations. I want to keep it as close to the original truck as possible and dont want to change the value that much. I figure if I sell it, it can be stock and the next guy can mod it. Any thoughts?

 

Just to add, I don't really mind the bumpy ride, max speed of 60mph and having to use muscles to turn the wheel. If i wanted a nice ride I will stick to my 2011 F250

 

When I stared to do my truck I asked myself the same question. For some reason putting IFS on the truck seems to be a top priority but I wanted to keep the nostalga feeling of it being an old truck. My kingpins were in good condition so I did the following. Added disk brakes to the front $280, Power brake booster $300. I installed a good set of front shocks, Gabreil Ultras. I did also add Toyota power steering and HD tie rod. I tried several front spring combinations and it really did not make that much differance in ride just ride height. I currently have Posie DuFlex front springs.
I use the truck on paved roads and interstate. The truck will travel the interstate at 80 all day long and rides nice enough that the wife does not complain and yet it retains the feeling of an old truck. The truck does not handle like a race car and I didn't want it to.

 

I did IFS on my wife's 52 but mostly because we were going from 100 HP to 420. If I were to keep the Flathead or something south of 300 HP I would keep the original front end. The ride with the IFS is better but not that much, still rides like a truck. Add discs if you want and PS can be done also if needed but save some money on a new suspension.

 

Sounds like you have answered your own question.

 

Adding PS to a stock engine (especially the V8's) isn't that easy on the pump side of it. Except at a total standstill, it really isn't needed IMO. Ditto on the stock brakes, under 60 they are totally adequate when put into good shape. Above that depends on your tires more than your brakes. Skinny stock-size tires can only do so much.

 

I have 2 56s one has the stock front end the other has IFS both are good, the stock front end is my back roads cruiser and it's fine

 

I would suggest a dual master cylinder for nothing more than safety. A Power brake kit will come with one. You haven't lived until you pop a wheel cylinder on a single reservoir master cylinder. Can you say where's the E Brake

 

I guess it comes down to how much you will be driving it. If it's just an occasional weekend cruiser into town, then maybe she will serve you just fine. If she is solid and original, I think I would be keeping it that way.
I definitely agree with BJ on the dual m/c

 

Back in the day I borrowed my father in laws 62 unibody to take my daughter fishing. As I was backing the boat in one of the rear brake lines decided to go. Luckily the trailer jackknifed a bit and caught the wheels on the dock, but only after the water was up to the top of the seat. A dual res M/C would have been handy then. I'm glad it didn't happen while out ion the road.

 

IMO, good brakes are way up there in importance. Well maintained drum brakes work well, but don't go through water, and don't overheat them. Disc are much safer if driving in all conditions. I wouldn't want to go down a long steep grade relying on drum brakes since they need to stay cooler to work well. And if you are driving in traffic like here in Houston you want the best brakes you can get to avoid all the crazies!

 

I also have a 50 F-1 with stock axle, brakes, springs etc. For me I really enjoy the truck just how it is now. I replaced all the worn components and, adjusted the toe in, and castor and other little small items that all make a small difference alone and when put together make a huge difference.. I enjoy the ride and sounds that come along with a stock set up, I don't even have a radio because it would detract from the experience. IMPO A few bumps, the wind cooling me off coming in from the cowl vent and ventilators, the low rumble from the 302 flowing thru headers, duel 2 1/2 inch pipes along with there SS glass packs counter parts are so soothing along with the rattle here and rattle there on a nice day. No two people enjoy all the same things, but for me I'm glad I rebuilt mine stock, to keep it safe. OK now that I got out all those wonderful reasons I like it stock, I must say it's your truck so if you like the things I like I would suggest staying stock. A stock steering and even braking system is safe in my opinion if you take the time to bring it back to the condition it was in when it was new. Or you could go stock with a Toyota PS setup, A lot of the guys really enjoy that combination of old and new, or Mustang 2, it's up to you. Good luck and enjoy