Hey guys, I have a 65 f100 that I put a cv front suspension in. The aluminum style, not a frame chop. I set it up for a 5.0 that's sitting in it now and got distracted with a house reno among other things.
then this year a job loss. The truck was going to be a daily driver for work. Work has changed. Now I need a truck that can haul a car trailer easily.
So this leads me to my current question. I have a Cummins 5.9 12valve and a zf5 transmission that I've been toying with the idea of putting in the 65 f100 and use the 5.0 in something else.
Only hang up is that I am not sure if the CV setup can handle the weight. It's an interceptor setup so more heavy duty than a civilian car. If I remember correctly, springs are rated around 700 pounds each, so 1,400 combined. The cummins is around 950 by itself. More dressed with flywheel,etc. Some weight will transfer to the rear but the front wheels are going to have probably nearly double what the crown vic had sitting up front.
Anyone dropped a 5.9 on a cv front? If yes, did you weigh it? Would you do it again? Haha
I think I know the replies I'm about to get but I'll be optimistic. The truck would fit my new work ideas, and I own the engine and transmission. But, I don't want to totally regret it either by building it and having to pull it all apart because it was foolish to do. If it was to be an around town show off beater I would just go for it. But I will need to run some miles on the highway. I don't want to year the front end up all the time.
Ok I've said enough. Let the floggings begin. 😂

 

After a bunch of searching on the web, I've found several builds with a 5.9 on a cv front.
I think I might go this route. One built in kentucky used the p71 coils as they are heavier springs. I already have that. His thread says it handles really well unless you push it into corners hard. Sounds like I'm going to have to get the tape measure out and see how all of this stuff could fit together.
I start a new thread if decide to go for it.

 

If you want complete control, consider going with air ride, at least in the front. Then it wont matter what it weighs.
Eric

 

double post

 

Hey ericj!
i was really more concerned with the aluminum frame taking the abuse of extra weight, as well as the components like ball joints holding up. But after more research, it seems like there should be no issue supporting it. Granted it will be a bit heavier.
I may go with air ride all around, I'm just getting back into this project and changing engine is new to the concept. I currently have a 5.0HO sitting in it that was planned to be the power plant, but things change, I need more pulling power than a 5.0 can offer. And I have the diesel. Also don't want to give up the truck. Kind of adds up into the perfect storm of making this thing into a beast. Lol

 

I'm building my air ride from scratch, but I think you can buy a bolt in setup for the CV front. If you decide to go rear as well you may have to make it from scratch. The rear on mine was an easy build because there is a ton of room back there. I didn't find a lot of good info out there unless I wanted to slam it, and I didn't. So I kinda wung it. It's a simple enough setup, can't imagine anything going wrong in the rear.
Eric