Fatman front suspension
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Junior User
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Fatman front suspension
Ok, Had everything figured out what i was going to do to front suspension of 1956 f100. Then a friend told me about this guy thats got a fatman front suspension set up that is still new in the box he wants to sell. The issues is its for a 1959 f100. The price sounds great, but will it or can it be made to fit my 56? The story is he bought it for his 59 and sold truck and never got it on the truck. Are there that big of differences between the 59 and 56? Thanks Haroldmac
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
There's certainly differences, but I'm not an expert on the fridge trucks so I can't elaborate. But the frames are definitely different. This is one of those deals that on the surface sounds like a good, cheap way to get the 'good stuff', but will most likely turn into a giant can of worms and you'll kick yourself later for wasting all the money and time on it. Take a pass and get the right equipment. You'll be happier down the road, I promise.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 3
From: Morgan Hill, CA
Harold,
I'm not sure of the differences, but I did use a Fatman front suspension. The guys there are really helpful. They know every inch of their product line. You can also check their website to see if they list a different product for the 59 versus the 56.
Dan
I'm not sure of the differences, but I did use a Fatman front suspension. The guys there are really helpful. They know every inch of their product line. You can also check their website to see if they list a different product for the 59 versus the 56.
Dan
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: NW Ohio
To the best of my knoledge a mustang 2 suspension is pretty universal. Its the cross member that is the biggest difference. Im fairly certain the arms on stock pinto and aftermarket are the same dimensions/geometry at critical points. so for instance the geometry is the same on all lower arms from spring pad( coil over mount) to the spring pocket on the crossmember. Pinto/bobcat factory suspensions have been placed on just about everything they were not designed for. I would also recommend calling fat man. My best guess is they will say yes, with a different crossmember. I can guess, they will know.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
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From: Brentwood, TN
The Fatman Fabrication website lists the 53-56 and the 57-61 as using the same MII IFS kit. One thing that I would be concerned about is whether the kit uses the stock Mustang lower control arms (not optimal) or whether it uses a tubular LCA. The kits shown on the website show the OEM style LCA setup.
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Sorry for the few days to respond back guys. But on the fatman front suspension, The guy that told me about it is also a dealer, so he called fatmanfab and found out all that has to be does is cut this block off each side and they will send him the correct ones to weld in place. That being said i,m going to get him to install it on my truck. Also going to get him to hook up brakes while hes got it. What brake kit as far as master cylinder should i get? I,m thinking of leaving my petal though the floor board and going that route. Any input would be great. Thanks again guys
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Fatman Front suspension
I got the Fatman front suspension i talked about earlier in this post. Their is just a small fabrication to be done on the cross member as some of you stated already. What else can i do to this set up to get it low? Is there just a couple of parts to get it lower or is it a big deal to do this? Thanks Haroldmac
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
Personally, I would wait until I got what you have installed and see where it sits. Doing the MII conversion drops the truck considerably from stock. You may like it fine that way. If you still want it lower, you can easily change out the spindles for ones that have a 2" drop built in for even more weed scraping, if desired. Also remember that coil springs will settle over time and distance after they're installed. Don't get in a hurry to make big changes.
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Guess i just want it all to come together at same time. I,m going to try to match the rear end with axle swap to top of springs and c-notch frame as needed. If drop spindles are used is there anything else that has to be changed to use them? I have always wanted a truck slammed on the ground so i guess i want to do it right the first time. Thanks Haroldmac
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,174
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From: Burbank, WA
It's one thing to have it slammed, it's another to have it slammed and functional. Drop it too far and you won't get it out of the driveway. If you're really good at math, you may be able to calculate everything out. But there's always going to be an element of guesswork involved. That's my 2c, fwiw.
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I have never been part of lowering a truck. its always been going up with them in the past. i do want to be able to drive it, its not just for show. Guess i want to be as low as i can and still be functional. I think the drop spindles was like $200. So i guess kinda like you said, Go with what i got and if i dont like that add the drop later. The guy that is going to install the front suspension is very knowledgeable and had done them before. But as far as your and other opinion on the forum, thats why i ask on here to get them. So thanks. Haroldmac
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2011
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Haroldmac, as suggested install first, then drive it around some to test the drive ability. Here are some pics with mine lowered on the stock bolts, I'm going to raise it back up to stock height then install Fatman 2inch drop spindles. My front end is a Volare so I don't know if that makes a difference. The spindles are more expensive than what you stated though. Good luck and I'll post some pics after the job in a couple of weeks. L8R ZFLASH 
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