Has anyone used the total cost involved rear leaf susp kit or the chassis engineering kit just debating what to use for a rear susp . I would like to have the truck(1948 F1) lowered some the front susp is a lowered m2 and it will have a 351w with an aod with good hp 450 maybe or should I just go for a four link kit . this is my first post so if more info is needed just let me know thanks

 

anyone? axracer maybe

 

I have used the TCI in a 56 and it is one and the same as the F1 kit but with a different spring. It is ok, but be cautioned that the instructions are generic,weak and not correct for locating the crossmember that is also the upper shock mount. Also the support from TCI really sucks big time. The hardware itself is not bad and the welding is nice. I have also used a lot of parts and kits from Chassis Eng and have only great things to say about them guy. Product,instructions and support are all first class IMO. They have a lot of years of experience in suspension product. Both require no fab work.
Jon

Oh and BTW, welcome to FTE and don't forget to fill in the profile with your location so it shows with each of your posts. And remember the search feature will get you to a lot of info that you seek.

 

thanks for your reply I guess chassis eng. would be a better choice for the leaf kit . is a four link worth the extra money ?

 

Mod, I've also got a '48, and I installed a Tci kit. The instructions are vague, I agree. On a F1, the spring mounts bolt right into the rivet holes of the stock hangers, so the install is easier than the f100's. It seems that the kit was designed for the F1 chassis, and is easy to install, but requires some additional work for a F100, which it wasn't really designed for. It's a one day project, with most of that spent removing the stock hangers. You do have to drill a few additional holes for the hangers, and some large holes for the shock crossmember. I found that a step drill, or unibit works for the 3/4" (iirc) holes for the crossmember. Without any weight on it, the top of the frame dropped 4". What rear axle are you planning to use, I used an explorer and have some additional info on that if you need it. Btw way, welcome to the forum, ask questions, search the threads, and you'll find lots of great info.
Rusty

 

Well, if your MII front uses 5x4.5 bolt pattern, the Explorer rear would be a good swap. I'd opt to use the CE kit. An alternative 5x4.5 IRS would be a Cobra 8.8 from the mid-90's and newer. Depends how hard you want to tromp the gas pedal.

Also the Jag is a good fit, too, but not sure how much hp and torque it can handle.

 

I installed the TCI kit in my 56 and I agree that they could have better instructions. The kit is very nice though and not all that hard to install. Here are some pics of the finished product including my custom boxing plates



More pics. in gallery