Hey guys I just got a 1955 Ford F100 that is in very good shape. I got it for swapping a powder coat job on a '56 F100 frame. I have the truck completely tore down to the frame to put Independent front suspension on it and then powder coat it all before I start to put everything back on. I have been looking at several different setups and ive narrowed it down to possibly 2. the first option I was going with was a Ford Aerostar front suspension, ive heard and seen that it is realitively simple and easy to swap over which is fine because ive finally located one. The other option I was thinking about but a little confused on was a crown vic swap.
What are the year models of the Crown Vics that people are using I guess is my main question? My motor and trans are a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis 4.6l auto w/od that my mothee and father bought brand new in '97. She just got a new vehicle and has given me this car. I know how shes ran it and taken care of it and babied it its entire life so I know the motor and trans are excellent in it. Was wondering if it was possible to use the front out of that car to use in the truck? That would save quite a bit of money seeing how its all there and driving now.(about to drive the car to the shop to start tearing it down). Thanks for any help and light that someone might be able to shed on this build for me.

 

2003 and newer crown vics. It pushes tires out towards fenders some. I'm done with mine but i haven't put new fenders on to have a picture. Droped front about 6 in for me. There are various springs and you could find police interceptor springs for an option. I'm putting in a mild 390 so she weighs a lot. Had to manufacture engine mounts and use a rear sump pan. Also need to think about the associated fab work. Had to basically make the arch in the frame where the front axle was and make it flat to bolt k member to. We also had to make trailing arm mounts. You will need to get a different column as well and fabricate the linkage. If you want more info send me a PM.

Wade
P.s. I'm not too retarded i just typed this on my phone.

 

Hey '55,
There is a ton of info on here about the pros/cons of different
IFS options for these trucks. I'd do a lot of reading then pick the path you like the best. We went with a Mustang II type aftermarket suspension on our 1950 - $2000 for parts & $2000 labor.

The rear suspension/axle we just used a $125 salvage 8.8 axle off of a 2001 Explorer. Not too much work - probably a couple of weekends at most - moving some shock perches with minimal welding. The front IFS was a different story - it took extensive frame cutting & welding & we farmed out a lot of the work. Probably the most involved piece of our build. My advice would be to go slow, read a lot, & then make your decision.

If you look up top at this site there is a "starter's tips" section that goes through a lot of the collective wisdom on IFS alternatives. Most guys are using a JAG IFS these days for ease of installation & the right width.

Here is an article on a crown vic install for late night reading..
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...o-67-f100.html

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Ben thanks for the post and info I greatly appreciate it, Forced thank you for the info as well, I sent you a message about more info please.

 

Didn't get any message. Maybe because I'm new. Just email me at my forum name @gmail.com.

Wade

 

Ok, I'm new too so it was probably me. Ill try to send you another

 

I put a 04 crown vic system under my 55, have a look at my build thread for pic's and info about it. It was a painless installation.

The good news is that your 4.6 will mount right up to it with stock motor mounts.

 

Thank you Project, I will definitely check it out

 

Hello and welcome to the forum (both of you)!

You should also take a look at an aftermarket IFS system....Fatman Fabrications, or TCI...there are a few others as well.

If you get a hub to hub kit it'd be the right width. The decision that you have to make with aftermarket versus Aerostar or Crown Vic is the old time versus money trade off.

Dan

 

Dan,
Thanks for the post, I have looked at several different kits and I'm on a very tight budget which is why I'm looking into the Mercury Marquis I already have or Aerostar (found an entire front end for $250) I'd love to have a mustang II or similar kit but just not in the budget.

 

Just did the CVPI front end in mine and have about 150 miles on it. So far I really like it. You end up running a late model Mustang wheel on factory CV, Marquis or Marauder type wheels to get them under the fenders.

I am running the 07 CVPI wheels power coated gloss black and the oem hubcaps. It gives it more of a original look (my buddy that power coated it said "gangster," and I just got tired of how everything today is silver 5 or 6 spoke. (flame suit donned)

 

Scot, sounds good buddy I have a set of 18" mustang gt500 wheels for it. They are spray bombed black now but I am a powder coater so if I don't polish them back out to alum then ill coat them.

 

That was my issue as well. I had more time then money. That being said the whole process was enjoyable. It also gave me and my buddy time to hang out prior to him moving. My friend may even have C.A.D. files for some of the pieces you need to fabricate. I will check with him. It seems cheap and effective still rings true with some of us out there. plus all the money you save will find a new place in the truck to reside I promise. I guess I need to look into starting my own build thread.

 

Hello guys, i reading this thread because i want to make an 1955 f100 project my daily drive, i take your knowledge to make my mind to my project. Maybe I'm just asking and a dumb question but is possible to swap the full frame from the crown vic to a 1955 f100 body? I want to drive it every day and seeing all the swap and the conversions just wondering that.

This is going to be my dream car im just want to make it perfect ! Jajaja many thx and i wish see pics of your project !