I've done a search looking for a thread about the Dakota suspension in an F-1. There is a lot of information regarding the '53 up F-100 but not much about the F-1. The information about the this swap is a little confusing.
What's the story on the IC Crossmember? I have heard that IC doesn't make one for the '48-'52 trucks. Is the Dakota track too wide for F-1? Can someone give me the correct information?
Does anyone actually have a Dakota front end under their F-1? I'd like to use it if possible even as a clip if possible.
Your input would be appreciated.

 

They are listed in the Catalog seaction.
ICMenu

 

I inquired about the Dakota kit a couple of weeks ago, and got an email response saying that they had pulled the Dakota kit from the market temporarily while they make some design changes to it. You might want to check with them.

 

I know Steve at Industrial Chassis very well and have seen the Dakota installed on a 48 F1 chassis at his shop. It is very clean and is just the ticket for an F1. I have pictures from Steve and would post them if I had the time this weekend. I will have Steve install a Dakota crossmember on my 48 F1 as soon as the frame is ready for the install. I got a complete Dakota front clip for $200 and removed all of the parts so all I need is the crossmember in my frame.

Steve is now using a computer-controlled plasma cutter to cut out the parts from high quality, cold-rolled steel. He uses cold-rolled because the base metal is better quality than the typical hot-rolled and he doesn't have to remove the mill scale. The design changes they are making are to simplify the crossmember and the amount of welding they need to make. This is a high-quality, well-designed product. I am an engineer and I have to select equipment for my client's, so I have 30 years of experience recognizing well-designed, engineered products.

The Dakota is a stronger IFS than the Mustang II and has the correct geometry and track width for the early model trucks. Once I saw the quality of the Industrial Chassis product and saw it installed on a 48 F1, I knew this was the obvious choice for my truck.

If you want to know any more feel free to PM me.

Phil

 

Phil;
I'm just getting started on a '50 F-1 restoration and am interested in the Dodge IFS transplant. What specific Dakota year range are you referring to? It's my understanding that the Dakota IFS is virtually a bolt-in. Did you box and X-brace your frame?

 

Phil;

I'm considering the Dakota IFS transplant into a '50 F-1. What year range of Dakota IFS are you referring to? Could you email me a couple pics? gyting@aol.com

Thanks,

Gary

 

Gary,
If I remember correctly the year range is 86-96. The Dakota front clip I bought for $200.00 about six month ago was an 89. Check the Industrial Chassis web site or give them a call at 602-278-6800.

Phil

 

Gary,
I going to have Industrial Chassis weld in their fabricated Dakota crossmember because they are better welders than I am and those welds are structural and need to be top quality. I will use all of the components off the Dakota front clip I bought. The Dakota is NOT a bolt-in. The IC crossmember has to be welded in, and that is why I'm having them weld in the crossmember. All the stock Dakota parts will bolt onto their crossmember.

My home computer died a firery death (fried motherboard) and the new one is not up and running as of this afternoon. I'm at work today and that's why I can answer your questions. Posting pictures is not my forte. As soon as I master that skill, I'll post pictures of my truck and progress.

Phil