Hello im doing a complete restro on a 55 f100 and im hoping by end of the year or beginning of next year to be purchasing the front suspension. ive decided on a Mustang II/ IFS system. Out of all that i have seen Fatman Fab. and Heidts is What ive narrowed it down too. anyone have a reason why i should go with one over the other? or is one easier to install over the other. I have heard great things of both. Which ever one i purchase id like to keep going to the rear when i purchase 4 link/IRS. So maybe one of those is better than the other. I live in IL so im leaning towards the Heidts Since they are about 200 miles from me. The drive wouldnt be bad to save on shipping. Thank you all in advance for input

 

I don't know what your budget for this build is but you might consider a complete chassis...here is one of the better ones that's built in IL
1953-56 Ford Truck Chassis - Roadster Shop Roadster Shop

 

Welcome to FTE
Not sure what "Best" means for you.
IFS - Some say Jag frontends, many have used Mustang IIs, and now some are using 2003 up Crown VIC frontends. There are kits and/or instructions readily available. There are grafts done for almost any vehicle as well but that really involves understanding the suspension your using and GOOD welding skills.
IRS - corvette IRSs and Mark VIII, Cougar and Mustang 8.8 IRSs are pretty popular.
Get a copy of Classic Trucks and you'll see all the vendors with kits.

Where are you located in IL?

 

I didn't vote for MII. Originally, I looked at several MII IFS systems and my research showed problems with the ones made by some manufacturers. Then I found the Dodge Dakota. This is a suspension from a light truck like ours. The MII came from a car. At the time I was living in Mesa, AZ and Industrial Chassis is in Phoenix and they make Dakota IFS kits. I had them install one of their kits in my 48 F1.

Steve at Industrial Chassis makes kits for your 55 F100 that could be installed by a local shop for you if you don't weld.

Industrial Chassis Website here: Dakota IFS Kit for 1953-1956 Ford F100

If you need further convincing, Industrial Chassis has "fixed" many incorrectly installed MII suspensions. I'd give them a call before you go with a MII.

No, I do not have any connection to Industrial Chassis other than they have done quite a lot of excellent work on my 48 F1 chassis besides the Dakota IFS.

Philip

 

I purchased a chassis engineering bolt in. I can't weld so I really did not have a lot of options for my '50. I just installed it this week and it was easy. From previous threads I have read about the clearance issues with power steering and a ford small block but others have been successful with this set up.
As for shipping costs, if I purchased the unit from Chassis Engineering I had to pay shipping so I called up JPL Streetrods in Penn. and they shipped for free.
Rob

 

Hey Sorry it took so long to message back. still understanding the site. and has killed me lately haha. I'm Just south of springfield, IL. I wish I could afford a chassis but I can not. I have been welding for 10 years now so that's not problem. I was leaning towards the heidts because of how close they are. But the more I read about the fatman fab products the more I fall in love with them haha. just didn't know if anyone else has used either of these products.

 

How south? Pawnee, Taylorville, Collinsville? I could use some help & pointers on welding. I'm installing a Mark VIII IRS into one of my 56 Frames as well as a Crown Vic IFS. Also need to do lots of sheetmetal patches.

 

Outside of edinburg. where are you at? I'm not master or anything but I know and have done enough. Wouldnt mind helping ya out. And what I don't know my dad does he did a lot of patch work to a 72 charger haha

 

I'm west of St Louis but drove the I55 from here to Springfield a lot. Use to work in Springfield with the National Guard.

 

Ya edinburg is in between springfield and taylorville. I come down towards stl every now and again. How west carlyle?

 

Carlyle is East of St Louis. I'm about 15 mins West of the AirPort on I70. St Charles, MO.

 

Haha duh sorry had a dumb moment there haha. Ya I've been in st Charles next time I come down though that way or maybe some weekend I could pop down and see what ya got going on

 

Sure thing. I'll PM You my contact info.

Hum you must be too new to get PMs. I'll send it by email.

 

Ok I'll get on my laptop tomorrow and see if I can get it