Build Thread/Updates
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 191
From: Wharton, PA
the one issue I am having with this kit is the angular brace that sticks out the front of the bracket
This is supposed to sit flush against the bottom of the frame but is resting at about a 45 degree angle. Called mid fifty and they said they remembered something about this when they were test fitting them and that the figured out how to make it work but couldnt remember at the time but the person who would know will be in tomorrow morning. Hopefully I'll get a call and can finish this install.
has anyone run into this with this install before?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver, WA
Great build! Definitely along the line of what i want to do. One question, How are you gonna address the master cylinder relocation? I believe adding the power booster will push it under the seat, won't it?
Great work, definitely keeping my eye on this build!
Great work, definitely keeping my eye on this build!
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, Arizona
It does push it under the seat and removing my seat any time I want to check my fluid level is not my idea of fun!
I'm going remote reservoir. It has a piece that snaps in place of the master cylinder cap and you can mount your reservoir anywhere you want.
I'm going remote reservoir. It has a piece that snaps in place of the master cylinder cap and you can mount your reservoir anywhere you want.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
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
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, Arizona
Got a little time to work on the truck over the weekend.
Got my 1956 springs cleaned up and pretty with new bushings etc and mounted to the frame. I went with the 2" Y hangers from mid fifty and it should lower the rear by only about 1.5 inches which is fine with me. It also changes out one of the bushings in the Y hanger with rubber which should lead to a smoother ride... maybe...
I went with a 9" rear end from a 1971 F150 for the highway gears and easy interchangeability of the gearing if I wanted to ruin a pair of tires somewhere
but right now I'm running 3.00 gearing. I figure with my 390 and a C6 that should be more than fine and still let me run above 55-65 without the truck screaming.
I mounted the 9" up with bracketry from a 1958 ford pickup and it came together like it was made for it... because it was
It lets me keep the shock mounts where they belong also. I did get new u bolts bent for me at the local spring shop.
I just need to clean up the thirdmember, brake backing plates etc. and plumb new line to the rear and I'll have a rolling chassis!
Got my 1956 springs cleaned up and pretty with new bushings etc and mounted to the frame. I went with the 2" Y hangers from mid fifty and it should lower the rear by only about 1.5 inches which is fine with me. It also changes out one of the bushings in the Y hanger with rubber which should lead to a smoother ride... maybe...
I went with a 9" rear end from a 1971 F150 for the highway gears and easy interchangeability of the gearing if I wanted to ruin a pair of tires somewhere
but right now I'm running 3.00 gearing. I figure with my 390 and a C6 that should be more than fine and still let me run above 55-65 without the truck screaming.
I mounted the 9" up with bracketry from a 1958 ford pickup and it came together like it was made for it... because it was
It lets me keep the shock mounts where they belong also. I did get new u bolts bent for me at the local spring shop.
I just need to clean up the thirdmember, brake backing plates etc. and plumb new line to the rear and I'll have a rolling chassis!
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, Arizona
Anyone install a rear sway bar?
I was mocking up the rear sway bar today and ran into a couple clearance issues.
When the bar is secured on the top of the axle the ends of the bar interfere with the springs at the same place both sides
If I tilt back where its secured to the axle to about a 45 degree angle I get better clearance but its still close to the springs.
Does anyone know if this poses a problem as far as the way that the sway bar is supposed to work? I assume that I can mount it anywhere at all as long as its secure.
My other questions is routing of the brake lines. the mount for the bar uses exhaust clamps to get around the axle and Its looking like it will pinch the brake lines. I was thinking about notching the clamp to allow the brake line to pass through but I'm worried about vibration rubbing a hole in the line eventually. Should I just run new line?
Thanks in advance!
I was mocking up the rear sway bar today and ran into a couple clearance issues.
When the bar is secured on the top of the axle the ends of the bar interfere with the springs at the same place both sides
If I tilt back where its secured to the axle to about a 45 degree angle I get better clearance but its still close to the springs.
Does anyone know if this poses a problem as far as the way that the sway bar is supposed to work? I assume that I can mount it anywhere at all as long as its secure.
My other questions is routing of the brake lines. the mount for the bar uses exhaust clamps to get around the axle and Its looking like it will pinch the brake lines. I was thinking about notching the clamp to allow the brake line to pass through but I'm worried about vibration rubbing a hole in the line eventually. Should I just run new line?
Thanks in advance!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Is the bar made for your truck? I don't see how it is supposed to work. The ends should be attached real close to the axle, not up front on the springs.
By all means route new brake lines if you keep the bar mounted like that.
By all means route new brake lines if you keep the bar mounted like that.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, Arizona
<a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/althalus10/1956%20F-100/?action=view&current=rearbar.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/althalus10/1956%20F-100/rearbar.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I guess its probably a good idea to just do all new brake lines anyway
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, Arizona
No one has installed a rear sway bar?
I'm starting to get itchy with this truck. I just want to throw the cab back on it and drive it around like a wild man for a while lol.
I'm starting to get itchy with this truck. I just want to throw the cab back on it and drive it around like a wild man for a while lol.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver, WA
Never installed one on these trucks, but from looking at the drawing and your pics I'd say that the bar is too wide. It shows it connecting to brackets that look like they would be on the inboard side of the frame rails. I'd contact Mid-Fifty and see what they say. Might have sent out the wrong one.