My friends 56 panel oem spring were shot and he wanted to keep the front end low.

We bought the 3" drop ones
Posies Super Slide Springs D154F 53-56 Ford Pickup Drop Front Springs

After they were installed and new tires the front of the truck came out just like he wanted.

It has the org 6 cyl in it now and seems to be doing great but he has a 428 big block that he said he would install if the old 6 ever gave up.

I know he would have to check the weight of the 6 and then the V8 and then add at least one or two more leafs.

Just thought I would ask and takes some notes for the future if any of you have done this before.
Thanks

 

I would suggest that you contact Posie's directly. They actually make springs there in Hummelstown, PA.

 

Engine Weights

No listing for the 226, but I have a hard time believing it doesn't weigh more than a flat V8, which is listed at 569 lbs. The FE big block is listed at 650 lbs. Almost any modern trans hooked up to the 428 will weigh more than the stock trans too. IMO there is not a compelling case to use the 428, even if it's free. Without thousands in mods, it is too heavy, too thirsty, and a tight squeeze in the narrow F-100 frame. Just my opinion....

 

Having just replaced my T9 with a 4R70W all I can say is that they are both darn heavy. But what I can see with a Google search both look to be about the same weight, about 200 lbs. As Ross says a 428 is a big beast and you have to worry about weight and the torque of the engine.

I would not go adding leaves to Posie's springs without talking to them. Installing the 428 would make it go fast in a straight line but what happens when you want to turn? My guess would be severe oversteer would occur particularly under power.

 

428 works in the hot rod truck . Just need to do the swap / install correctly . No need to use the honky under engine tube type cross member . Build ears off the frame . The engine connected to them will act as a supporting cross member . Even used the factory cast iron exhaust headers . Worth extra H.P. A C-6 with stall converter and a '70 ford 9 " .Moved the steering box down 2" & out 1" for exhaust header clearance .

 

Nice looking truck you have there. Job well done
Sure not much room left under your hood is there. My friend years ago had a big block in something and said it was a bear to turn the wheels like when in town at slow speeds but he said he was younger and so he could handle it back then but now at 65 he said not going to happen without adding power steering or power assist for sure.
Looks like your truck is still like it was steering wise or am I not seeing it? And also looks like you have the org type front springs on it to handle that motor.


We do have and will be installing a complete fiberglass tilt frontend on it maybe this winter. That will sure help getting to stuff a lot easier.


Also thank you guys for your weight info but the way I look at it I myself would stick with a small block and it would not require any heavy duty changes. He could have his power steering and AC and have all the power he would need.


He does not have a computer so I do all the research for him. I guess next up so we know what to look for would be adding power steering or power assist to it latter on. I will do a search and see what you guys have done.


Thanks