I just brought home my sons and mine new old truck yesterday. I was wanting to rebuild the front end and lower it. I was wondering what you guys think of the drop axles? My last go around was a 53 F100 years ago and I put a volare on it, but this time I have a budget. I can't tell you guys how much fun I have had reading this forum! I enjoy all the tips and tricks and Im looking forward with my first father Son project.

Thanks in advance, Jeff

 

Velcome to the site I have a 55 with a drop axle from Mid-Fifty w/3" drop for $369+ shipping, there is also a guy that will stretch your original axle to drop it 3" I think its about $350-$400. There are also lowered springs which will lower 2" about $440 and you will need an extended drag link if you go with the down & forward which Mid-Fifty also sells. The key (( think) to rebuilding the front end is the redo the king pins. I rebuilt mine about 9 years ago without redoing the king pins and it rode OK once I did the king ping you could really tell the difference in the steering & feel of the road. There are a couple of pics in my gallery "frame swap".
My $.02

 

Any aftermarket axle I'm aware of is fabricated out of tubing with solid, machined ends welded to it. Any original Ford truck axle was a one-piece forging with a cross-section in the shape of an I-beam.



This is the axle for my '56 F-100, after I polished it with abrasives. It was dropped not by stretching, but by using dies above and below the end of the axle to reshape it. It has been dropped three inches over stock.

Dropped front axles

1956 Ford F-100 panel truck project

 

56 Panel who did your axle & what was the price if you don't saying.

 

Try clicking on the links I provided.

 

Thanks for all the info

 

Most guys go with either the Mustang II fronts or as you did the Volare. Some choose the Jag front ends as well. I like the straight axle because of the nostalgia look of the truck and the ease of working on them. A drop axle is a must if you want clearance for the front end and still maintain a low stance. I used Mor drop front axles. They are in CA and have been doing drop axles since the early 50's 60's, and they know their stuff and have the reputation. I have friends who have used the Mid Fifties, Classic Performance drop axles and they work as well, but have had some clearance issues and alignment issues as well. If you go with reverse eye springs, or mono springs, remember that every time you lower the suspension, you reduce the clearance between the axle and the frame. Eventually, you will have little clearance and bottom out on every bump. I'd go with the drop axle. There are plenty of searches on here on the subject.
These guys will help!
http://www.mor-dropaxles.com/

 

thanks, hey I picked this truck up from Santa Clarita/ Canyon Country. Im going to call them wednesday.

 

And here I thought I was the only one with an F100 in Santa Clarita. I might know the owner, or he may know me???? LOL...

 

If you like straight axles a dropped axle is the best bang for the buck as far as lowering and keeping the original ride characteristics. My choice would be an IFS however. I think you could install a Volare for just a little more than the dropped axle. Whatever you choose, good luck with it...

 

I agree with IMLOWR2, My truck is set up similar to his. I have a 2 1/2 dropped stock axle with Mid-Fiftys 3 inch short smooth stacks and a good set of gas shocks. It rides and steers very well. With 215-70-15's the front fenders just cover the top of the tire and the front of the running board is approx. 5 to 6 inches off the ground. I just have to add the front sway bar and eventually shorten the pitman arm and drag link. You do need to take off the bump stops and use short ones. I haven't bottomed out at all.