The bolts where from the crown vic but I went to the local race parts stor and bought some thick wall tubing that the bolts fit tightly into to use as sleeves. I then drilled holes in the frame slid the tubing through and welded it in place after that I boxed in that section and that was it.

 

The bolts he used were from the Vic, the sleeves he made from square tubing. I got to see how the suspension I have installed in the car before it was pulled. The only difference is that the frame on Carcrafter22 truck is boxed and the Vic, Marquis, Town cars are not. There should be no worries on the allignment on this if you torque everything to the specs of the car you pulled it from. Now if someone were to be off roading with one of these suspensions (I know its not 4X4 but what if?) then I could see there being a problem because that is not what its for.

 

This is the same type of front end used under the older fox bodied cars ie..Mustang/Thunderbird/Fairmont. It has just been up sized. I think it would be easier to keep this in line than the Mustang II/Pinto front ends that found their way under alot of the 50's F-100's. At least this one was designed to be used just like it is (bolted-in) and under a relitively heavy car. As long as all the mounting points are used and are the same strength or better than factory there should be no more issue than in the car.-on

 

Ya I cant see this working much diffrent than a long arm kit of a jeep or a bronco as long as you do it right the first time it should work well i would think it would take a big hole to twist in on the from and at the trailing arms but who knows im just a punk kid a might find a way

 

What...???

 

Sorry guys but let me clarify. The frame on the 2003-2007 crown vic is hydroformed steel and full length. The suspension is very heavy duty for a car. The springs hardly squat when I drop the 785 pounds worth of motor down on them, I read they are rated at 700 pounds ( police interceptor) as apposed to the standard crown vic springs of 400 pounds. The front crossmember has everything attached to it like the upper and lower control arms rack and pinion. This crossmember/ suspension came in a car that actually weighed more than my truck did originally and from what I understand ( hearsay) the 2003-2007 crown vic had more weight on the front end than our old trucks did. I have been repeatedly told this front end will not handle the heavy diesel engine I have in my truck but then again I have been told my 2006 chevy duramax wont run 11.8@115 in the 1/4 mile and it does it all day long. hmm.... lol I firmly believe this front end is plenty strong for these trucks especially with the relatively light weight of the engines most folks put in these trucks. I wouldnt have any reserve putting a bigblock in a truck with this suspension system.

Lets not forget that this front end stands up to police duty everyday with no problem at all thats constant duty with someone that takes care of it like he doesnt own it, and dont forget that mod motor over it weighs around 550 pounds, thats about what any of the older gasser motors.

 

I finally decided to track down the parts to make this swap. I've already rebuilt my entire stock front end over a year ago, but I like the idea of this swap (and the price). I wasn't as fortunate as many of you because I live hundreds of miles from just about anything resembling a real junkyard, but for $685 I'm getting everything shipped crate to my door from a couple states away. The donor is an 04 Grand Marquis with 33k miles on it. Considering the difficulty around here to find parts, I'm not complaining at all. Your web photo gallery looks great carcrafter, very inspiring!

Mike

 

wow! i was just about to order a mustang kit....for 2K!!!! Im so glad I stumbled across this.....I was googling IFS info and came across this forum, very happy I found it. I just have a few questions for carcrafter: do you know the measurement front hub to hub? I measured my 81 and it's about 65.5", you mentioned the track width of that setup is 63" or so i think is what you said, but I assume that is front center of tire to center of tire. I'm hoping I can get a hub to hub measurement from you and if it's close enough ill be calling every boneyard in town....thanks!

 

I will need to measure the hub to hub again to be sure. I will be home this weekend so Iwill get right on it. I can say that the wheels fit pretty close to where they did factory.

 

Ok great! thank you, there is certainly no rush. I think I found a place that will sell me this setup for $190.00! With the extra money I can afford to buy some bigger wheels since my 15"ers won't fit. I'd say that is the only negative thing about this swap, but it's definitaly worth it.

 

I can get you that measurement if you need it, ive got one loose in the bed of my truck. If you need any other measurements check out my gallery under my name.

 

Good lookin truck you have there 72 Do any of you guys that are doing this or have done it already know if the front hubs can be redrilled to the 5X5.5 pattern? I would also like to know the hub to hub measurement. Thanks

 

Thanks tankssc!

I think I may be way off, but I think I just measured it at 68''. A straight edge and a piece of wood on the front of the hubs with the wife holding one side and me eye balling mine.

I dont see why the hubs and rotors cant be redrilled, but there are way too many wheels to choose from to go back up to the 5.5 pattern.

 

Hmm that doesn't really seem right does it? Seems very very wide to me. I don't know, maybe the crown vic wheels have a large backspace. It'd be interesting to see what someone else measures and compare the two. I think I may hit the auto salvage this weekend or next, they have a police interceptor which would be great, I may go take some measurements, if I do, I'll post them up.

 

First Carcrafter, thanks for this thread and all of the ideas/suggestions/alternatives that it has generated. The 3.9L diesel & 06' CV IFS are now my goals for my 76' F100 flareside.

Now, what have you done to it lately? With pics, please.