I'm doing reasearch for which IFS to buy and I see options for 5/8" narrowed 'A' arms, why is this an option and how do I know if I need it?
Also, standard spindles or 2" lowered? I read that the IFS lowers the ride height by about 2-4" any way so do I need to have the 2" lowered spindles? I'm not sure what height to aim for before I have problems with interference when turning the wheels. Any advice on height and wheel width before I will hit problems would be appreciated.
Sorry lots of questions and still a little ignorant on these vehicles and parts are expensive!!

Cheers, John

 

The narrowed A arms allow wider or deeper offset wheels. Unless you want the front very low and want to have to do a fair amount of modification to the rear suspension/frame (and possibly bed floor) to drop the rear a similar amount so truck doesn't look like you slammed on the brakes so hard it stuck that way, pass on the dropped spindles.
The very best advice anyone can give you re: IFS install is don't try to save money by purchasing a no name Chinese clone kit on ebay or from any Hoffman group company like Helix or Johnny Law.

 

Thanks AXracer. That message came through loud and clear when searching!!
I'll be sticking with a 'brand' name just not sure which yet. Any thoughts on the spindle height, stock that come with the IFS kits or lowered?

Cheers, John

 

You can always go back and add the dropped spindles if it turns out to not be low enough. There are usually a couple people around willing to trade a dropped set for a standard set when the found the dropped ones too low for their liking. My standard for ride height is will it pass over an upright beer can? Most MII style kits with dropped spindles are likely to collect rather than pass over a beer can. Most of those who prefer the dropped spindles are those that want to bag it to "lay frame" and/or live where the roads are smooth and flat.

 

Cheers, standard it is. Now which kit is the next problem!!

 

Hi I have used both heidts and TCI kits, but I would suggest TCI for a kit. I like the up right mounting of the upper control arm and they mount the sway bar to the crossmember. Chassis engineering also makes a bolt in kit if you want to go that way. I have not used that kit but I have used their parts and they are high quality.

 

Don't forget about Fatmans. They have been around a while.

 

Hey JTB,
Hmmm... Let me up front ask why you want to change to an
Independent Front Suspension? Do you have a few pics of your truck as it looks today?

We have swapped out both the front & rear suspension of our 1950 F1.
The rear suspension we went with a 2001 Explorer 8.8 in. with 3.73 gears, limited slip dif, & disc brakes.
It took (2) weekends just because we were slow & careful. The front suspension swap is a lot more work
& involves cutting & welding on the frame, pulling the engine, wiring, front clip, new steering, brakes, etc, . I like the
rear suspension swap - very nice to have modern suspension & disc brakes. That front suspension swap was a bear. I would
only recommend doing that if you are doing a total frame off restoration anyway.

Ok that said - We went with a Wide Ride Mustang II style IFS from No Limit Engineering. It was
approx. $2600 including all new brake lines & we paid to have the installation welding done by professionals.
It drops your ride height approx. 3 in - 4 in. - Personally I wouldn't go any lower - I don't see the need for using
drop axles too. A lot of guys go with the Heidt's brand as well.

A pic. of our truck is attached so you can see how it might look for you on your 1950 F1. Oh yea - If you make it look too nice your son will steal/borrow it from you & drive it all over the place!

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Hi Ben, my truck is currently down to the chassis. I've just finished the floor/cab repairs and busy trial fitting up the front clip. I do want the IFS and I'll look into your recommendations as the stance of your truck is just about perfect to me. I'll be asking you more questions later if that's OK?
Cheers, John.

 

I went with TCI MII with stock spindles and coil overs. My front bumper is about 8" above the concrete, low enough for me. I have a '52F1, not sure what you are working on?

 

I have a '50 F1

 

Hi John,
Since you are down to the chassis - take any route you
want in deciding what suspension to go with. A lot of folks go with Heidt's
as I think they are a bit more reasonable. No Limit Engineering makes a pretty stout front end -
instructions left a lot to be desired but you can get a hold of them with direct questions. They are California
based & do quite a few of their own installs. We had a lot of help with our install - all of the welding.

Good luck up there. What drive train are you going with?
Are you getting any help with your restoration from kids or relatives?
My son Zack & I have had a lot of fun with our's. He takes it up to school in Waco all the time (& brings it home to get things fixed).

Ben in Austin
1950 F1
351W/AOD


(TCI Engineering, Chassis Engineering, No Limit Engineering, Fatman etc.
are some of the chassis suppliers that seem to be well thought of. Be careful of the real cheap Chinese ones).

 

Ben, thanks for input. I will be going with a 347 SBF, and autobox. I may be in the Austin area later in the year so I might look you up if that's ok? I like the stance of your truck and would get a whole bunch of info by just looking it over.
My only helper is my good lady wife, she bought me the truck in the first place!!
I have other posts with links to photobucket showing progress.
Cheers, john

 

Hey John,
Just shoot me a PM when you are coming through. We might have to go up to Waco to see it
as my son has it up at school a lot. Stay warm.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1