Okay all you darksiders, hoping you can help me out with some measurements. I have been to www.measureityourdamnself.com but still need help.

The TCI instructions say to measure back 20 1/2" from the front spring mount to center the new cross member. The instructions also mention that in order to center the wheel in the opening, the cross member "may" need to be moved 1 1/2" forward. We all know the stock axle does not center the wheel in the opening.

The frame has (had) a rubber bumper on the underside, assuming this would correspond with the center of the stock axle, keeping it from slamming into the frame when bottoming out. The 20 1/2" measuement puts me smack dab in the middle of that mounting hole.

Therefore, should I place the center of the new cross member at 19" from the center of the front spring mount? What have some of you done with this set-up?

BTW: 1955 Ford F100

Thanks for all your help,
Jeff

 

Jeff, Wish I could help. My 52 already had the RBs Mustang II clip installed when I bought the truck. May be time for a call to TCI tech dept.

Later,Bill

 

Jeff, I have a 51 and still have the straight axle, but I would still like to comment. Seems to me that you would most likely just weld up the stock rubber bumper hole while boxing the frame rails. It should be of no concern when installing your IFS.

Hope this helps
Rod

 

this ? has been addressed a lot of times and I honestly don't know the answer, I would vote for moving it forward because, like you said, we all know these things are wrong from the factory, nothing worse than putting on the sheet metal and getting that sinking feeling that it should've been different

 

Hi

You really should mount the cab then mount the fenders, find the center of the wheel opening then mark your frame. Now you will have a better idea where the c/l of your wheel should be. When they are telling you that you may need to move it forward 1 1/2 inches it tells me that they really don't know how far to move it, it's just a best guess on there part and by stating it that way it's not there fault if it's wrong.

When I did my first 56 I used a Must 11 front and set it up the way I suggested, worked for me.

I didn't install the Volare on this one but the person who did got it right.

Enjoy

 

Jeff, I did this installation a few years ago, my MII was also from TCI. I followed their recommendations and moved my axle centerline forward 1 1/4". I don't have any detailed pictures in my gallery, but there are some that will let you see the overall effect. I,ve seen the recommendations for distance from 1" to 2" you kind of need to check your fender openings if you want to be exactly in the middle.

I hope this helps
Wayne
p.s. In answer to your question, yes use the 19" fig. if your going 1 1/2"

 

speaking of Wayne and pics in the same post, where are the progress shots on that new paint job?

 

Thanks all for your input. I measured my Dad's truck this weekend (stock '55) and determined that centering the new cross member 1 1/4" from the center of the rubber bumper hole will work.

It probably won't center the wheel in the opening exact, but will be closer than stock.

 

the lower you go the less you can see it!

 

Amen to that brother! Add 2" drop spindles and you can tuck 14" tires up in the wheel well just fine. I did. Right now front bumper is 3.5" off the ground!

Later,Bill

 

Jeff,
I did possition my crossmember 19" back from the front spring mount just as stated in the TCI directions. What I did to ease in the measuring was find a socket that snuggly fit into the front spring mount hole, then measured from the outside of the socket and just added half the diameter of the socket to all my measurements. It worked out real well.

Good luck. - Brad

 

Jeff,
Some guys resize or shift the wheel opening forward to equal out the amount of metal on either side of the wheelwell. If so, you may have to move the crossmember even farther forward. Just something else to consider. I wish I had!

Bruce