Small update, been hard to get time to work on the truck. Decided to leave the rear of the truck up higher and adjust later with blocks as needed, stance is important but I plan on this truck to be a swap meet hauler so I cant have it scraping the ground if a few things get tossed in the bed. Flipped the rear shackes the other way and bolted up with a couple bolts so I can move them if needed in the future.



Holes used are the factory holes in the frame. Middle hole actually lines up with the spring bolt so it can be taken apart.



Did some measuring and started looking for rear shocks, based on measurements the stock F1 rear shock turned out to be a good fit. Shocks that came on the truck did not match up so they are too long but I used them for mockup. Correct ones are Monroe #32207, 11.2" compressed and 17.875 extended. Since I may be using lowering blocks in the future I made lower shock mounts that mount to the lower spring plate rather than welded to the axle tube.

Cut off the shock mount from the original F1 spring plates



Welded the mount to the dakota plate



Bolted up, should work fine, new shocks will be put on later.

 

Never thought about flipping the rear Shackles ... Interesting idea....

 

Remember he is using Dakota rear springs (longer with much more arch) and hangers, The Ford OEM front hangers for the rear springs can be flipped and/or moved up to the top of the frame to lower the rear with the stock style springs.

 

Cool !!! Did not know they could be flipped to lower the rear with stock springs... I"m Learning something new every time I Log on to FTE... Thanks for the info.

 

drptop, what bed are u thinking of ???? i've got a stake body and thinking of pulling it. i'd like a newer style bed, step side... any thought ??

 

Your call on that one with your truck, I have seen plenty of older trucks with newer beds, some looked good some not so good. IMO the body lines need to look right so the bed does not look stuck on. I would be studying pictures before making the call on which bed to use.
As far as this truck I am going with a stock bed and fenders, nothing special, not sure yet if the inside will have a wood bottom, or steel, or diamond plate, or who knows. This truck is the worse of two I bought, and this one is going to be a daily driver, so I have to keep remembering that and not go overboard on parts or making it too crazy of a build.
There was supposed to be an update today, was going to shorten a driveshaft and take pics, but found one on the shelf that will work. New ujoints are on order and will be putting it in next week. I want to finish all the chassis work before moving on to the body, then the whole thing will get blown apart for paint.

 

Still waiting on parts, but it seems this truck build is making me think more than I should have to! <p>Best way to build a car is to have a plan and stick with it, and that is how I have always done it, because not having a plan or changing direction leads to wasted money and lots of wasted time. I have bought enough half finished projects to know the results! Anyway I have been going back and forth on the rear suspension location, now I have the shackles flipped upside down again, so a small C notch will be coming. Hopefully I can use the rear shocks I ordered, otherwise let the wasted money start. <p>flipped shackles again, I would rather have the truck low and it should still be able to haul stuff ok. Mocked up a rear fender, doesnt look too low does it? Jag wheels are ugly as hell but I am not bolting up the real wheels until the build is further along.





Now if I can just finalize the gas tank situation before I spend money I will be ok

 

I Agree the Jag wheels look Horrible BUT "NO" it does not look too LOW, actually Looks just Right their where you have it.....

 

Thanks, I was worried about being too low but I think it looks pretty good. Just to confirm I had to check one of the real wheels at that height.



I like it, but not any lower, so (dont yell at me) I am going to flip the shackles back over (3" higher), get the bed installed, and then adjust to this height with blocks as needed. New shocks will now fit as expected. I need to weld this stuff in place so I will stop messing with it. C notch may not be needed, there is 3 1/2" travel available with the rear axle at this height, maybe that is enough? Made patterns today to make the notch but I will save them.

 

Hey, sorry if this question was address somewhere previously in your thread... does your '51 have a Deluxe Cab? (I think that's the term). I had an F-3 that had dual horns installed under the hood and I "Think" that they were part of an upgraded cab design. Thoughts?

THANKS!!

 

No clue I dont know enough about these trucks to know the difference. Only thing I noticed is the hood had the holes for the extra trim around the spears but the trim is long gone along with most of the truck!

 

Your Welcome, the real wheel Looks much better LOL... LOOKS GOOD and yes not any Lower your just right.

 

Cool. At least you're still excited about something that's "mostly gone" (as you say)! Good luck on your project

 

I would say it is mostly gone! Who has dash parts for sale (reasonable!)
All I have so far is a glove box door, not even with a hinge.

 

Sent you an email.