As noted in another post I have going I will be installing a Scott's Hot Rods IFS in my '50 F1 so I thought I would do a running update as I do the install. So first is to remove the original suspension and in my case clean up the frame rails that the previous owner had 'butchered' installing a Chevy 327.
So I had to get from this

To this

Then the boxing plates were installed which led to the next surprise


Again it seems the previous owner needed to remove 1/4" from the top of each frame rail so when the boxing plates were welded in the remaining gap between the rails was 1/2" too wide. Two 1/4" plates fixed that

Next, measure measure and measure again, mark the center for the crossmember and clamp in place, measure again.

When finally happy, weld it in!! I suspended the frame from my engine crane to get access to the lower welds

Then I did a dry fit on the lower, upper A arms and stub axles to check for fit, all good


Continued the dry fit with the steering rack and seems I need to C notch around the steering gaiter


The roll bar fits well but need to remove one of the front frame crossmember rivets to allow the sway bar mount to sit flat on the underside of the rail.
More to come but overall the quality of the Scott's kit is very good so far!!
John

 

Nice save on the frame, looks like the PO butchered the trans crossmember as well. Looks familiar!

 

Yep, more work to do yet on repairing the outside of the frame rails, some cracks so I will cut out a section and put new plate in place. I guess after 65 years the truck could tell some stories!!

 

Very nice work, looks like a good IFS. My frame was butchered too, it is nice to be able to save them and modernize the ride.

 

So today I finished repairing the frame rails by cutting out the weak and replacing with new 1/8" plate, filling unused holes and much grinding!!



Then reinstalled the A arms and ant-roll bar one more time for a final dry fit.



Final thoughts on the Scotts kit, worth the money!! Now to find an Explorer 8.8.....

 

Nice work. I like the look of the Scott's IFS.

 

Hey JTB
Nice work on the IFS - the rear is a lot easier. You made it look easy.
Just some info. on the Explorer 8.8..

There are numerous Ford vehicles that came with 8.8 axles - if memory serves me correctly the 97 - 2001 Explorers have the large
spline set up (stronger). Get the ebrake set up if you are missing one - it works fine.
2001 Explorer 8.8 axle Pluses:
o Disc Brakes
o 3.73 Gearing
o Positraction
o Stronger spline set up than Rangers, etc.
Negatives:
o You will probably need to use Spacers ($90) to get the wheels to look good in the fenders & to get the track width right. The 8.8 is a little narrow vs. stock.

You can also find the strong 8.8 in. axles on the Mountaineers of the same years. Some Volvos have them as well. Look for 3L73 on the tag for limited slip & 3.73 gears.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

JTB,
Any idea of what the frame height will be once you have everything installed?
I have been in contact with the Scott's about this but it is a little grey.
Thanks,
MrBlue

 

MrBlue, I'm out of town at the moment, Ill get you the info at the weekend.
John

 

Looks good. What was the price of it?

 

All in, IFS with coil overs and anti-roll bar around $3200 shipped.
Expensive but quality costs...

 

that wouldn't be so bad if our dollar was even lol

 

MrBlue54, to the center of the front crossmember (I have shortened my front frame rails) will be around 11". To the lower edge of the rear frame rail will be about 15". I have around 1.2 degrees of rake on my setup.
Hope that helps.