IFS question
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Senior User
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IFS question
so i have a complete front end off of 73 lincon mark3, and i read an article that you can just cut of the front of the truck frame and weld the mark3 frame on. but as i been looking at photos i notice the 52 frame looks alot more narrow then the mark3.... anyone know the width of a 52 frame is where it meets the firewall? second question, the mark3 frame has power steering, but im not putting a pump on the motor, so can i just cut the lines to the steering box and be able to steer ok? thanks, this site helps a whole lot.
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I'm not sure of the width of the 52 frame, but I'm sure someone will come along with the measurements. Additionally, even if it does fit, you don't simply cut it off straight, butt it against the ends of the 52 frame and weld her up. You need to stagger the cuts and use some additional plate to ensure you spread the load across an area to ensure it doesn't snap from stress.
You CANNOT simply cut the lines from and to your power steering pump and use the power steering box without the hydraulic assist provided by the pump. It will take two men and a boy to turn the steering wheel if you did. You'd have to use a manual steering box.
Why do you not want to run the pump?
You CANNOT simply cut the lines from and to your power steering pump and use the power steering box without the hydraulic assist provided by the pump. It will take two men and a boy to turn the steering wheel if you did. You'd have to use a manual steering box.
Why do you not want to run the pump?
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i was going to have a shop do the front end swap (i dont have that many years of welding). and i dont want power steering for several reasons, one is the robbing of power from the motor, one more thing to put money into, and im also trying to go for the rat rod so im trying my best to keep it very very simple.
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as of now there will be no power steering, have other priorites for my cash... and if does be come a hassle to steer, then i will probaly end up hooking one up
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Wellington, CO
OK, let us know how it works out. I remember blowing a PS hose on my Mustang, and it was darn near impossible to limp it home. Better start working out that upper body.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Iowa
I'd recommend a 22" steering wheel if your gonna do it. The turning ratio is much different between the two boxes. You'll about tear the steering column off the dash when you have to turn at low speed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Six7,
The HP used by a power steering pump is so slight it seems silly not to keep it. Even NASCAR uses PS and you know they want every ounce of HP they can get. It will make a huge difference in the comfort level of driving your truck...
Vern
The HP used by a power steering pump is so slight it seems silly not to keep it. Even NASCAR uses PS and you know they want every ounce of HP they can get. It will make a huge difference in the comfort level of driving your truck...
Vern
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Originally Posted by Goobzilla
OK, let us know how it works out. I remember blowing a PS hose on my Mustang, and it was darn near impossible to limp it home. Better start working out that upper body.
Lead Driver
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by six7seta
i could just drain out the steering box and it would be close to a manual steering box. .
I think you will find that there's more to it than that. A PS box usually has less turns lock to lock and possibly a shorter pitman arm than a manual box. Also, I'm not sure if the fluid in a PS box serves any kind of lubrication requirement, but it's possible that it does, so draining the fluid could possibly cause internal damage...not sure.
Vern
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From: Lancaster SC ,
I dunno guys, Maybe he's got the arms of a gorilla and carries his nads in a dump truck. Have at it, bud. We'll be waiting here to say "We told you so 
"
What size meats ya gonna put on the front ? If it's those skinny dragster tires you may just make it.
Anybody taking bets?
Bubba
"What size meats ya gonna put on the front ? If it's those skinny dragster tires you may just make it.
Anybody taking bets?
Bubba
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
You're not fighting the fluid in the box with the pump off, It's a totally different ratio, it's like trying to start off in high gear, it can be done but why would you want to? Used PS pumps are not expensive, especially compared to the couple grand labor you're going to have to shell out to someone competent to do a front clip that's safe and straight. Then you still need custom motor mounts, radiator mounts, a way to mount the fenders and wind deflector panels etc etc. If you can't do the work yourself, you're looking at a LOT more expense than an entire driveline! Draining the fluid is just going to result in destroying the box in short order. Do it right and do it once, do it wrong and you'll just be doing it over IF you live long enough!
What are you starting with? Most of the stock front ends can be made to ride and handle well for a whole lot less money than clipping a chassis. There are also IFS's that can be used with the stock rails much more realistically and inexpensively than doing a clip.
Look at the link at the beginning of this forum on installing IFS and front clips.
What are you starting with? Most of the stock front ends can be made to ride and handle well for a whole lot less money than clipping a chassis. There are also IFS's that can be used with the stock rails much more realistically and inexpensively than doing a clip.
Look at the link at the beginning of this forum on installing IFS and front clips.