suspension question
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Junior User
Joined: May 2016
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suspension question
I just bought my 56 f100 yesterday. It just showed up to my shop today. I own a collision shop so the body i know. Mechanically id just like some opinions. Want to lower the truck and get a better ride. My intial thought is to go with the mustang 2 front end with coil overs and dropped spindles and the 4 link suspension with coil overs in the rear. any reason i shouldnt do this?
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 555
Likes: 5
From: Marysville, WA
I think any front end suspension swap will involve welding. I also think there are cheaper ways to go, but if you can afford a new mustang II kit and get the work done to have what you want for a smooth ride then go for it.
I want to get an F1 and I will certainly be going with IFS. I have a Crown victoria and will just be swaping all the parts over to an F1 frame, suspensions abs brakes computer and all.
I want to get an F1 and I will certainly be going with IFS. I have a Crown victoria and will just be swaping all the parts over to an F1 frame, suspensions abs brakes computer and all.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Kevin,
We put a Mustang II style IFS on our '50 F1. It drops the front end considerably. If you then go with
dropped spindles you may be in the weeds. I'd take a look at what stance other trucks on here have
before going with Mustang II & dropped spindles.
Our truck below to see if this is low enough for you.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
We put a Mustang II style IFS on our '50 F1. It drops the front end considerably. If you then go with
dropped spindles you may be in the weeds. I'd take a look at what stance other trucks on here have
before going with Mustang II & dropped spindles.
Our truck below to see if this is low enough for you.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Kevin,
The tough part is however low you get the front end ....you need to match that in the rear.
We have an Explorer 8.8 axle out back & flipped the springs to get the rake down to match
the front. Didn't have to tub the bed.
You are doing the right thing - making a solid plan before diving in.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
The tough part is however low you get the front end ....you need to match that in the rear.
We have an Explorer 8.8 axle out back & flipped the springs to get the rake down to match
the front. Didn't have to tub the bed.
You are doing the right thing - making a solid plan before diving in.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 111
From: southwest missouri
I did the springs from one of the vendors it dropped about 3" I like it and also put power steer on it. good to go for me yes I did put all new hardware king pins and all under it. I am like the wind I was going volare first then total cost then back to stock and lower it. So far so good. The first truck I had some one put in a front end of an LTD it was very nice and I loved it but the brake pedal was on the other side of the steering column I got used to it but was a leery to let others drive it.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 645
Likes: 10
My personal opinion. Engine and trans swaps are okay as long as they are Ford in a Ford, GM in a GM, etc. But once radical suspension swaps and/or frames are changed the vehicle has lost the essence of what it was. Regardless of the car or truck being restored. I've always believed if somebody wants a car or truck to drive and ride with the ease and comfort of a new car or truck, then drive a new car or truck.
If an independent front suspension is a must, my last thoughts are why install a Mustang II type front suspension that was designed to work with a car that's probably half of the weight. Plus consider the ride height. I know stock is a little too high, even for me, but every F100 truck I have seen with an independent front suspension conversion has a very low front ride height.
As you guessed by now, I'm more of a purist with old cars and truck. I will always migrate toward an original or original restored vehicle before a modified one. When modified, I prefer them not modified to the point they loose the essence and character of what they originally were.
If an independent front suspension is a must, my last thoughts are why install a Mustang II type front suspension that was designed to work with a car that's probably half of the weight. Plus consider the ride height. I know stock is a little too high, even for me, but every F100 truck I have seen with an independent front suspension conversion has a very low front ride height.
As you guessed by now, I'm more of a purist with old cars and truck. I will always migrate toward an original or original restored vehicle before a modified one. When modified, I prefer them not modified to the point they loose the essence and character of what they originally were.
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