I have a few questions for the people out there that know more than I do about these old trucks. First off I have a 1952 Ford F1 with a flathead v8 and three speed standard transmission. I also have a 1989 Ford F150 with a 302 efi automatic overdrive with only 90,000kms on it(my grandfathers truck that has just been sitting rusting) to possibly use for parts.

My first question is what axle would I need to get to change from a 5 on 5.5 to 5 on 4.5? I was looking at front disc conversions that come with the options and the wheels I'm looking at are only available in 4.5?

Next, I also have a 302 engine and 3 spd auto that is already carbed out of an 83 F150. So what would you recommend, drop that in, change the efi to carb and install that or try and switch to fuel injected? I'm really on the fence with this one with whether or not the benefits are worth the extra cost. I need to switch to an automatic so my wife can drive it too.

And lastly with a set of 18" x 8.5" wheels what backspacing would work best?

I would appreciate any info or opinions that anyone has as I may be in a bit over my head with this build. I've mostly been modifying imports to get big power but I think I'm starting to get a bit old for that.

Thanks and here's a pic of the truck.

 

Nice lookin’ truck. Start here, particularly post # 13 rear end swap

1948 through 1960 Ford F-1 and F-100 Rear Axle (differential) Swaps .: Articles

and # 12 front suspension change, but read it all and get back to me next week.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-articles.html

Carbs are an easier install then F.I. IMO.

 

Thank you sir.

 

As far as I know 2003 and up Crown Victoria has a 5X4.5 bolt pattern, according to how much work you were planning on doing. The change out process seems to be straight-forward as the cross member bolts in minimizing the need for welding. With that you would get big disk brakes and a ride of a Crown Victoria. The draw back is the track width is 64" and it requires a frame width of 34". I'm thinking your truck is much narrower than that. Also you would have to run 16" wheels or larger just to clear the brakes. Another popular front end swap is the ol trusty Mustang II swap. These front ends have the 5X4.5 bolt pattern also. The suspension aftermarket heavily supports this swap and they have almost any package you can think of. The draw back is you are looking at a minimum of $1000 but more likely a couple grand. You can get a front end out of an actual Mustang II for cheaper but it would take more time and work to make it perform right and look clean. I hope this helps.