Does any have a list of the volare years for the swap on the 53-56 F100?
Thanks in advance
Jaye

 

Check the reference threads listed at the top. Then look at front suspension alternatives. All you want to know.

 

I used an 87 Chrysler 5th Avenue IFS in my 48. They are the same from 83-89 plus many other models.

Vern

 

I just saw an ad in my local paper for a 79 Dodge Magnum with a 360 V8. Would this IFS fit my 54 F100?

 

Hmmm, I'm not familiar with the Dodge Magnum, but if it is built on the M-body frame like a Diplomat, Lebaron, or New Yorker and has a 360 in it, it must be RWD, and if it's RWD then it probably has a torsion bar suspension. Perhaps someone more familiar with that model can chime in here but it sounds like a candidate to me...

Vern

 

GreatNorth - I checked the following websites which indicate that the Magnum has longitudinal front torsion bars with lower trailing links and an anti-sway bar. The Volare style clips that we have used are engineered with transverse torsion bars, which allow the suspension to be self contained in the K-member. If that is the case then the Magnum would not be a good donor candidate.

http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_207195/tm.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Aspen

MAXX

 

Maxx,

Thanks for the info. I suppose the Magnum was built like the Cordoba then. There are some on this forum who have used the Cordoba suspension with a kit but I think the longitudinal torsion bars like on the M-body are easier to work with.

Vern

 

Donors;

F-body – 1976 - 1980 Volare, Aspen, Roadrunner R/T
J-body – 1980 - 1983 Cordoba, Mirada, Imperial
M-body – generally 1977 – 1989, see below
Caravelle (Canadian Plymouth model) 1977-1981
Lebaron 1977 - 1981
New Yorker 1982
New Yorker 5th Ave 1983 – 1987
5th Ave. 1988 – 1989
Diplomat 1977 – 1989
Town & Country – 1977 - 1981
Gran Fury 1982 – 1989

 

What exactly do you mean my longitudinal as oppossed to transverse? Would the Magnum be too large and bulky?

 

The longitudinal torsion bars run from front to back and the transverse torsion bars run from side to side. Both suspensions use torsion bars instead of coil springs but are totally different. The cars with the transverse torsion bars have the suspensions that are the easiest to use under these old trucks because it comes out of the donor car as a self-contained unit as Maxx described. The Cordoba/Magnum type does not and you would have to build or obtain an aftermarket crossmember to accept the Cordoba components.

Vern

 

okay with the volare front end there is 3 different bar sizes there is a 3/4" for a l-6 and 1" for a small block and a 1 1/4" for a big block. I didn't know thgis when i got mine and i got the 1 1/4" bars and i have a small block so the front is very "soft" so to say and in order to get the right pressure on them you need to get the 2 inch drop spindles and get some pressure but look out for that and it is a great riding system