Front end/Frame choices?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Front end/Frame choices?
Hey guys i have a 66 f100 shortbed. Been searching and can't really get a straight answer and im sorry if it has been covered times before but which front ends can be swapped onto my truck to get rid of the i-beam suspension? Or is there certain swaps that are more common for these trucks? I like to lower clean look (no molding, badges, etc.) and the twin ibeam doesn't seem like the ideal suspension. Ooorrr does anyone know what other frames could be used with the same wheelbase, etc? newer f150? i havent had a chance to measure or anything and i wanna get a basic plan before i start tearing my truck down to the frame.. any help is appreciated
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Douglas,AZ
Like 87 to 94 Dakota as far as frame swaps all for trucks have I beams all up to 95 or 94 I've seen a Guy do like a lighting frame. Might work you'll have to Fab cab mounts.
Pancho
Pancho
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
now we're getting a little expensive lol.. but it would be cool to do a lightning and have the motor and everything
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
Steve no longer manufactures the Dakota Kit Components.
He is thinking of reintroducing them.
Industrial Chassis : Industrial Chassis Inc.
Ever wonder why no pro shops are installing the 03 up panthers in vehicles?
Garbz
He is thinking of reintroducing them.
Industrial Chassis : Industrial Chassis Inc.
Ever wonder why no pro shops are installing the 03 up panthers in vehicles?
Garbz
New User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Greenvill NC. Area
I've Seen a 71 F100 body on a 2008 F250 short bed frame, guy claimed he did not have to cut the frame except to mount bumpers. Of course he had to make radiator supports and body mounts though. The 71' body mounts the same as the 66'
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Douglas,AZ
Steve no longer manufactures the Dakota Kit Components.
He is thinking of reintroducing them.
Industrial Chassis : Industrial Chassis Inc.
Ever wonder why no pro shops are installing the 03 up panthers in vehicles?
Garbz
He is thinking of reintroducing them.
Industrial Chassis : Industrial Chassis Inc.
Ever wonder why no pro shops are installing the 03 up panthers in vehicles?
Garbz
Pancho
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 1
Steve no longer manufactures the Dakota Kit Components.
He is thinking of reintroducing them.
Industrial Chassis : Industrial Chassis Inc.
Ever wonder why no pro shops are installing the 03 up panthers in vehicles?
Garbz
He is thinking of reintroducing them.
Industrial Chassis : Industrial Chassis Inc.
Ever wonder why no pro shops are installing the 03 up panthers in vehicles?
Garbz
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
hmm.. interesting the only thing is im on a budget so its baby steps. finding a newer truck like that even totaled i would imagine it having quite the price tag. i measured a 2001 expedition. Same width but its a few inches longer.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
B) A ladder frame in no way is rigid enough to meet the factorys engineering for rigidity. Ladder frames flex and twist by design even with boxing plates.
C) When failure occurs it will happen suddenly as the lower cross casting and the spring perch part ways from the lower arm. Not fun in any circumstance.
D) Pickups are a bias of about 70/30 front to rear unladen. The CV is a 50/50 bias, the suspension's anti dive, caster and camber is for this bias. The loads incurred under a constant 70/30 bias are probally at the design limits of the components. So they are at the limits full time only stressing the components further. The pesky little thing called metal fatigue is in play here and we all know it is the number one concern when dealing with aluminum parts.
E) last but not least is the width and limited rim selection.
Garbz