Hello Forum,

i'm in the early stages of restoring my Dad's '56 F100. My questions today, (of which there will be many more) are as follows:

1) All disassembled and ready for rust removal. I have a local guy who does glass bead blasting at my site. Any input on successes and cautions with this form of media blasting is much appreciated. Also entertaining suggestions alternative to this approach.

2) Thinking about starting the rebuild with the front suspension. Is this a good strategy? I don't weld, so bolt-on solutions may be my best alternative. That being said, I am not averse to learning laser welding if necessary.

looking forward to any informed information the Forum can offer.

Thanks, Outbackbob

 

I have 2 trucks, one has a mustang 2 front suspension which I love but is definitely a welding project,
the other one has a stock straight axel, disk brake conversion and toyota power steering which I also love but all bolt on.

 

It would be good to know your vision or plan. That will guide what to do with the front end and the rest of the truck. Many options.

 

Yes that is a great point, it is hard to know how to get there if you do not know where you are going

 

Not to criticize, but there are easily a thousand previous posts about front suspension choices with hundreds of options, including some bolt in ones.
If you really want to learn (or be really confused) what will work for you, try the less then easy to use, search feature.

 

Hello Outbackbob,

Welcome to the forum. You will find loads of information here along with some good hearted clean ribbing/banter from time to time. So...
What are your use plans for your 56'?
Are you building a High End Show truck?
A daily driver?
A weekend windshield therapist/cruise in-local show truck?
Do you have a ball park on your budget?

I have minimal experiences on the media blasting BUT I do enjoy discussing front suspensions.


A Stock Front Axle can be upgraded to perform well. Upgrades can be done on the brakes, shocks, steering and springs

An aftermarket Independent Front Suspension utilizing mid 70s Mustang Geometry is the typical standard when "modernizing" the ride is the desired result. It will require very competent welding skills although to install or VERY proficient levels of funding to have installed!!. Vendors include Heidts,
Independence for all (classictruckperformance.com)
Fatman, Art Morrison, No-Limit, Jim Weimer, TCI, Roadster Shop, Scott's Hot Rods, CPP, Walton Fabrications, Speedway Motors, Welder Series, Progressive Automotive, and many others

These two would be the "norm" in suspensions. Old school methods include GM or FORD car suspension clips where the stock F100 frame is cut near the firewall and the front suspension from a 70's era Camaro, Firebird, Chevelle, Monte Carlo, Apollo, Ventura, or Ford Torino, Thunderbird-Cougar-Monarch, LTD, Elite was grafted to the stock suspension in place of the original.

PLYMOUTH Volare and Dodge Aspen were EXTREMELY popular at one time. Many were used.

Then there is the JAGUAR 80s - early 90s suspension. AMC Pacer and early Ford Windstar van front suspension have also been used.

a company in Arizona sells a crossmember that will utilize like 89-95 Dodge Dakota front suspension components. Www.industrialchassisinc.com

Flat Out Engineering based in California sells a crossmember that utilizes 84-96 Corvette Components. Www.Flatout-engineering.com


I have recently been "educated" myself to another possibility. The 03'-11' Ford Crown Vic, Mercury Grand Marquis or Marauder, and Lincoln Towncar is a extremely popular swap. In its original factory state the crossmember is to wide for a 53-56 to run a wheel with deep offset. At least that is my visual experience. Last month at the F100 show in Pigeon Forge I saw a 56' that utilized a custom width Crossmember from a company called www.Team321.com
out of Florida that uses all of the factory 03'-11 parts except the rack and pinion and sway bar. I loved it. Very nice setup and I know the ride would be superb.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-ifs-kits.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rd-trucks.html


In closing like anything ALL OF US Have opinions and biases. Some thru trial and error experiences and others thru beliefs and views of others with no real butt in the seat road knowledge. Dig around and search previous posts and gather as make information as you can to make the best decision for you and your intended need.

Best wishes on your project