56' IFS options required
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New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 20
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From: Varennes Canada
56' IFS options required
Well here I am trying to look for a option to my 56' problem....This what I have;
I have purchased a new frame rail for it and I'm starting from scratch with the frame section (the truck had a srewed up front clip on it).
From looking at IFS option it seem's that the Volare or Dakota front IFS is the best way to go if you have low budget like I do.
Beeing from eastern Canada finding a 2x4 Dakota is almost out of the question but I'm going to try and find one.
Can anyone give me some direction as to which way should I be going, would there be video's on how to install the IFS, can we get drop spindles etc.
Also my 56' has been abused from our winters and I have a rusted roof section (front section at windsheild "lip") would some one know who would have a used roof section or fix kit available on the market.
I have much more question but I will keep some for later, my situation at this point is a 56' in 1000's peaces I can use all the help I can get from the ones that have been there - done that !!
I have purchased a new frame rail for it and I'm starting from scratch with the frame section (the truck had a srewed up front clip on it).
From looking at IFS option it seem's that the Volare or Dakota front IFS is the best way to go if you have low budget like I do.
Beeing from eastern Canada finding a 2x4 Dakota is almost out of the question but I'm going to try and find one.
Can anyone give me some direction as to which way should I be going, would there be video's on how to install the IFS, can we get drop spindles etc.
Also my 56' has been abused from our winters and I have a rusted roof section (front section at windsheild "lip") would some one know who would have a used roof section or fix kit available on the market.
I have much more question but I will keep some for later, my situation at this point is a 56' in 1000's peaces I can use all the help I can get from the ones that have been there - done that !!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
56' IFS options required
"From looking at IFS option it seem's that the Volare or Dakota front IFS is the best way to go if you have low budget like I do".
If you are on a budget, I think your best bang for the buck is a Chrysler T-bar suspension. They are easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install. You don't have to cut your old frame off and you don't have to experiment with coil springs to get the ride height where you want it. The Dakota will require a kit costing about $695 plus the cost of the Dakota suspension parts. You can put the Chrysler T-bar under your truck for about half that. Get the video from No-Limit Engineering to help you install it. Plan on about $500 for rebuilding although it might not cost that much. Mine needed upper ball joints and bushings, stabilizer bar bushings, and shocks, but lowers ball joints and bushings had already been replaced and were almost new as were the tie rod ends. Chrysler 5th Avenues from 83 to 87 and others have the suspension you need.
If you are on a budget, I think your best bang for the buck is a Chrysler T-bar suspension. They are easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install. You don't have to cut your old frame off and you don't have to experiment with coil springs to get the ride height where you want it. The Dakota will require a kit costing about $695 plus the cost of the Dakota suspension parts. You can put the Chrysler T-bar under your truck for about half that. Get the video from No-Limit Engineering to help you install it. Plan on about $500 for rebuilding although it might not cost that much. Mine needed upper ball joints and bushings, stabilizer bar bushings, and shocks, but lowers ball joints and bushings had already been replaced and were almost new as were the tie rod ends. Chrysler 5th Avenues from 83 to 87 and others have the suspension you need.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Florida
56' IFS options required
We faced the budget issues on this too. Decided to go with the Aerostar front end. Straight forward installation, especially if you're not wanting to lower the truck too much.
Check my gallery fo pics, also check out Ozzie1's gallery
Ed
Check my gallery fo pics, also check out Ozzie1's gallery
Ed
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
56' IFS options required
1. Cheapest and easiest to install IFS is probably the Aerostar.
2. Cheapest IFS that rides really low is probably a complete front clip such as a LTD, Camaro etc. Not a simple install.
3. Cheap and relatively easy to install IFS that rides low, (but not in the dirt) is the Volare. You sacrifice ride and handling if you put a Volare in the dirt without buying drop spindles.
4. Dakota in the dirt does not qualify as a low buck IFS. You'll be in Mustang II cost range by the time you buy drop pindles an the cross member. Mr. Daryl "gotta nuff money to burn a wet dog" Stone, just had one installed in his 59.
Videos are available for Volare and Camaro install. I don't know of any others.
2. Cheapest IFS that rides really low is probably a complete front clip such as a LTD, Camaro etc. Not a simple install.
3. Cheap and relatively easy to install IFS that rides low, (but not in the dirt) is the Volare. You sacrifice ride and handling if you put a Volare in the dirt without buying drop spindles.
4. Dakota in the dirt does not qualify as a low buck IFS. You'll be in Mustang II cost range by the time you buy drop pindles an the cross member. Mr. Daryl "gotta nuff money to burn a wet dog" Stone, just had one installed in his 59.
Videos are available for Volare and Camaro install. I don't know of any others.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
56' IFS options required
Hi, I have installed an Aerostar crossmember in my '56, check my gallery. It was cheap ($150 Can.) for 1 in very good shape, took about 20 hours to install, but I think I could do it in 10 now that I have done one. I think you would be able to get parts for a long time because Ford built millions of those things. I don't know what the final ride height is going to be but I am thinking 4" below stock. Blueovalinvestments has his engine in place and may be able to give you a better idea. Good luck! Ozzie
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 152
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56' IFS options required
Hi again, I answered this post to say answer the question about the year of cross member. I think they are all the same design. The newer ones may have ABS brakes. Ozzie
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Florida
56' IFS options required
I think Ozzie's right about the all years being the same, as long as it's a rear wheel drive (not AWD). I used an 89, bought the whole van for $300. I also used the steering shaft with the u joints and the power steering hose.
Also used the Aerostar grill in my Ranger, but that's another story................
Ed
Also used the Aerostar grill in my Ranger, but that's another story................
Ed
56' IFS options required
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Canada
56' IFS options required
nice to see another canadian on here.
rfillion, try MacGyvers. My kit was bought from them. www.macgyvers.com They are in Canada as well, which is a major bonus.
rfillion, try MacGyvers. My kit was bought from them. www.macgyvers.com They are in Canada as well, which is a major bonus.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 2
From: Southern New Hampshire
56' IFS options required
Ray, glad to see you made it back home with the frame. Any problems at the border with the "bill of sale" ?
Also if you decide on something let me know. If not available up there I can probably find it around here. Dakota's are reasonably common in the boneyards as well as the others mentioned.
Also if you decide on something let me know. If not available up there I can probably find it around here. Dakota's are reasonably common in the boneyards as well as the others mentioned.