front suspension
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Joined: Nov 2012
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Thanks again for all the info. I hope by next week to be making an order. i think after i get the suspension is done, the rest will not be so many choices. Whats a good rear end to go with? i also have slack in the. one thats on it. Its not the stock rear end. What would be a good donor one? This truck is not a hot rod, Has 350 chevy with auto trans.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
There are a number of rear axles you can use. The popular ones are the Ford 9" and the Explorer 8.8. see here: 1948 through 1960 Ford F-1 and F-100 Rear Axle (differential) Swaps .: Articles
The 57-72 F100 9" is the easiest, it bolts right in without modification and the wheel bolt pattern will match your stock front axle. If you are going to change the front brakes to disk (not necessary, just popular) then you can use whichever rear axle you'd like and order the front disk kit to match the rear pattern. The explorer rear axle is cheap, can be had with disk brakes if you are going to use disks in the front, but will require welding on spring and shock mounts, use of spacers or deep offset wheels. If you go to disks front or F&R you will want to use a power booster. Whatever brakes you use, a change to a dual chamber master cylinder and new brake lines is highly recommended.
Whatever rear you use be sure to get one with a ratio in the 3.0 - 3.5 range for decent performance and economy. Changing ratios after the fact is expensive.
The 57-72 F100 9" is the easiest, it bolts right in without modification and the wheel bolt pattern will match your stock front axle. If you are going to change the front brakes to disk (not necessary, just popular) then you can use whichever rear axle you'd like and order the front disk kit to match the rear pattern. The explorer rear axle is cheap, can be had with disk brakes if you are going to use disks in the front, but will require welding on spring and shock mounts, use of spacers or deep offset wheels. If you go to disks front or F&R you will want to use a power booster. Whatever brakes you use, a change to a dual chamber master cylinder and new brake lines is highly recommended.
Whatever rear you use be sure to get one with a ratio in the 3.0 - 3.5 range for decent performance and economy. Changing ratios after the fact is expensive.
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