'54 Ford F100

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Oct 5, 2020 | 09:56 PM

Rcoffey_14

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'54 Ford F100

Hi,

I recently purchased a '54 f100 as a daily driver. Imagine a soccer dad thats going through a midlife crisis with a cool truck! Thats me.

The truck came with a 327 motor and a Powerglide transmission. I had a compression test done on the motor and it is a solid motor. After driving it for a few days, I noticed the following things needed to be addressed with the drive train: steering/handling; transmission; power brakes & steering; exhaust system.

I'm looking to replace the Powerglide transmission with a th350. The overdrive option is good, but not necessary considering I'll be doing in town driving. My question is the front end suspension. What other options are there that are comparable to the Mustang ii front end? I'm looking more on the budgeted side of things because there are other things I'd like to do in the future. Any suggestions?

Oct 6, 2020 | 11:10 AM

bjmayberry2

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 9,718

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From: Wentzville, MO

Need a little more info on your 54. Does it have a straight axle now? What are your plans for it? Has it got stock brakes? If you provide this for us we can probably figure out what you might be able to do. Several have used a Crown Vic front cradle but many claim it’s too wide. They’re cheap have power steering, disc brakes and are plentiful in the salvage yards. There’s also Jag frontends!

Oct 6, 2020 | 06:40 PM

DR Smith

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2007

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From: northeast Ga

my 54 panel had a complete stock front end that I totally rebuilt , other than the toyota power steering . it handled great and I drove it hundreds of miles to a number of truck stocks . don't get hooked into a new front suspension , put disk brakes on and drive it , use the $ for other things

Oct 6, 2020 | 06:53 PM

bjmayberry2

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Joined: Dec 2012

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From: Wentzville, MO

I’ve seen a couple of complete front axles with disk brakes for sale recently. I had a guy tell me he didn’t see that much handling difference in his truck changing from straight axle with discs, power steering and a sway bar and the Mustang II front end. Just Sayin!

Oct 6, 2020 | 08:34 PM

Rcoffey_14

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DR Smith

totally rebuilt.... please explain! This is the most practical route considering there will always things that need to be done

Oct 7, 2020 | 05:32 PM

Rcoffey_14

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Update

Here's a quick update. After consulting with my mechanic, Kenny, @vicious_breed_customs_ (instagram) we decided to start off the rebuild by installing a 700r4 transmission; installing power steering; front disc brakes w brake booster and replacing the shocks. Parts ordered and we're waiting for the delivery. Stay tuned.....

Oct 7, 2020 | 05:42 PM

1956_F100

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Joined: Apr 2016

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Rcoffey_14

That's probably the most practical route. As you will slowly discover, aftermarket parts that "improve" a function do not come without causing other issues. I've been down those paths many times. It's best to do a lot of research first then determine if the "improvements" are worth the issues they create.