Hey guys, a while back I was reading through the very thorough posts on suspensin options for F1 and F100, it was very helpful. I have a '51 F1, and I like the MustangII option, but am concerned about strength, (especially with tubular a-arms). Here is my question: would the new a-arm front suspension from a late-model ford 1/2ton work on my F1? Obviously, I would have to make the crossmember, etc, but it looks like a nice setup. What I like the best is that it's from a ford pickup, I'm sort of a purist that way. Using a suspension from a little compact car or a different brand of vehicle seems kind of strange to me, although there are many success stories out there.

thanks,
Gary

 

Gary,

This is uncharted territory, so far as I know. There are a number of chassis shops that could likely do it, but the avg. person doesn't know enough about Ackerman geometry, anti-dive angles, etc. to do a truly safe fabrication. Not saying it couldn't be done....or that it might not hold together forever....but who knows? There's enough bad engineering/lack of testing from some of the pros.....I like your way of thinking, but I would want to work hand-in-hand with a really good fabricator, or, even better, a professional chassis shop. That being said, I'd look at the track width & mounting of the A-arms, & crossmember details, to see if it's feasible. It's certainly strong enough. My guess is that it's a little wide for a F-1, but take some measurements & see what's up. You might also check with Industrial Chassis, among others, to get their opinion. If it works, it would be an excellent swap- big brakes, tough parts, & so on. A couple of other things: the stock MII, though designed for (seemingly) a lightweight economy car, is pretty tough. A 302 powered MII with A/C doesn't really weigh much less than some of the intermediate models. It sounds like you've done some research; at least so far, the failures I've read about are based on either aftermarket parts, bad installs, not using the support rod (can't remember right now what it's called!) or using it wrongly, or, mixing & matching stuff from different manufacturers, like springs way off from the intended rate. Another option, which it sounds like you've read about, is to use a Ford IFS from a bigger car. All Ford, Ford tough. But I have to admit, using the F150 setup would be a great conversation piece- good luck if you try that way.

 

Homespun 91,

THanks for the input. Although I worked in a body shop for 7 years and have spent my time on a frame rack fixing frames and suspensions, I don't know a lot about Ackerman geometry, etc. I'm assuming there are some good books out there to learn about this. I'm a good fabricator and welder, so I think the track width could be changed via the crossmember re-build. I need to go out to the Ford dealership and look again, but if I remember correctly, that suspension from an F-150 even looks cool, it uses A-arms made out of solid tubular-shaped metal. The strength, brakes, and handling would be the best part about this IFS swap. It would definitely be unique.

Does anybody else have any input??

Thanks for your time,
Gary

 

I put a '88 Dakota IFS in my '59 F100 with a 302 in it. The Dak had a 3.8L V-6, so not a lot of diff b/t the Dak motor's weight and my 302's weight. I could have very easily gone for the MII IFS (and there's a handful of suppliers w/ proven records they work fine), but I didn't want to "slam" my truck's front end. Too much of a PITA driving it around (speedbumps, pot holes, steeper than usual driveways, etc).

Also the MII w/ a 302 will work fine. You can get stiffer springs if you want to and upgraded shocks, bigger front disc brake conversions too if you feel you'll need/want the add'l stopping power.

Many a hot rod has been built by my hot rod club buddy's that have been put into $35K+ hot rods... and not negative feedback.
The owner/builder himself once had a '56 with a well built up 302, MII, and custom EVERYTHING ... and no problems having the MII in it.

Just some feedback for ya... Good luck in whatever you choose!

 

Gary,

At some point in time even the Volare and MII suspensions were uncharted territory. Someone figured out a way to do it and now we all benefit from their daring and experience. Being an expert fabricator and welder, you can pioneer a suspension that has probably never been used under an F-1. If you go that route, take plenty of pictures and document everything. Who knows...this may be the Mustang II of the future. I applaud your effort...