Front suspension swap

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Jul 17, 2011 | 05:43 AM

RJK2

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From: METRO ATLANTA

Front suspension swap

Resurrecting an '83 F100.
Have a '94 donor.
Will the '94 front suspension (I-beams, etc) fit the '83?
If not, what about the springs?
PO had heated the '83 springs in an attempt to lower it, poorly done.
Figure the '94 F150 susp. components would be heavier duty.

__________________________________________________ _________
1999 E320 (mine but daughter has it)
1994 F150 #1 (hurt)
1994 F150 #2 (parts)
1989 560 SL (wife's DD)
1986 560 SL (deceased)
1988 300 TE (departed)
1994 945T (daughter's but I have it)
1988 244DL (it lives!)
1986 242Ti (fallow)
1968 GT500KR (under restoration)
1941 Luxury Liner (son's project)

Jul 17, 2011 | 11:51 AM

83capril

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From: central illinois

From what I have gathered it should be a direct swap. 1980 thro 1996 are the same. Another thing is maybe swap out rear springs if the donor truck is 4x2. I know my 80 F100 has light duty springs.

Jul 17, 2011 | 04:38 PM

dustybumpers

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From: In my own world

Some of the earlier trucks had stamped I beams. There may be some differances, but if you have the whole truck for parts, you can make it work.

Jul 17, 2011 | 08:34 PM

RJK2

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From: METRO ATLANTA

Yeah, the '83 has the stamped version & I thought the '94 looked to be stronger.
Can't do the rears though, damaged in the t-bone.

Jul 17, 2011 | 08:40 PM

dustybumpers

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From: In my own world

83 has the 9", you'll want to keep that

Jul 17, 2011 | 08:45 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustybumpers

83 has the 9", you'll want to keep that

If the donor frontend had a different gear ratio than the original 9 inch, and the donor had a good 8.8 that of course would match the frontend, the 8.8 would go in if it were my project. The 8.8 has a pretty good track record.