Ok so I did my calling around and research to different shops both big and small, and the outcome was about the same. "Oh you want new suspension?" " We can do that for you for about $4500.00 to start. One shop I went to the greesy mechanic "hot rod" builder said. Hmmm I can set you up with a sweet Mustang II for 7,000! Maybe he thought I'd say.. Gee Mr. Thanks!

Anyways, I think I am going to stick pretty much stock and just get for a disc brake kit. Seeing as that I've never installed one are they difficult? I was thinking of getting a disk brake kit, and mono leafs so I get a 4-5 inch drop all around. I'm not sure if I should just do that or should I plan for more.. as in kingpins or anything else. Like everyone else I'm looking for a decent ride so I figured dropping it a few inches would help out. Any suggestions would be cool, I've got the mid fifty book right here, just not to sure what to get.

 

The stock route is okay for some I guess, and you can get a couple of inches of drop in the front with mono-leafs but don't expect 4-5 inches. You really need a dropped axle to get 4-5 inches in the front and from what I've heard monos aren't necessarily the greatest. Also, they are more expensive than you might think. I wanted a smooth ride, power steering and disc brakes so an IFS was the best route for my truck. I went with a Chrysler torsion bar suspension out of an 87 5th Avenue. I bought the complete car from a salvage yard for $150 and pulled the suspension myself. Even after new shocks, brakes, etc, I still have less than $300 in the entire front suspension. You don't have to pay big bucks for a smooth ride...

Vern

 

I would recommend my setup: 2" dropped axle, reversed eye springs (with the moved forward centerbolt to center the wheels. If you go with the moved centerbolt springs you will also need the extended draglink) Heavy duty tie rod, Toyota PS box. This will drop the front ~ 3-1/2". Add a good set of shocks (Bilstein and QA-1 are starting to build hot rod specific shocks) and a sway bar and your truck will ride and handle as well as most IFS conversions for 1/2 the price and it's all easy bolt on. You will NOT be unhappy you went this route except not being able to "brag" about how much $ you spent for the IFS!
Disc brakes are a bolt on mod, but do also get new mastercylinder and power booster setup, either underfloor (bolt in) or hanging pedal (more custom fab work). You will need to be able to bend and flare brake lines or get someone to do it for you, and know (or learn) how to bleed brakes.

 

Why don't you give Bobs F100 parts a call. They advertise a complete rolling chassis for about $4750.00 but that includes a complete 9" rearend,complete Volare front susp installed, complete power brakes, lowered susp and painted black. There No. is 909-681-1956.

Before you order the parts to upgrade that old front end check the catalogs for the parts and then add up the price including shipping. I think you will find out thats not a cheap date.

Bear in mind I don't have any use for the old straight axle. My first truck had the straight axle I changed it to a Must 11 was not happy with the end results so I sold the truck and now this one has a Volare front and for what it is worth I think it is great.

I have never bought anything from Bobs F100 Parts so I don't have any idea what there work is like but they may give you a fair price just to install a independent frt susp.

 

Morning-

I was on the phone with Bobs for about 20-30 minutes yesterday. I already have a 9" but they quoted me about 4500-5000 for installing a volare' front end w/disc etc. Not painted.. so maybe I was talking to the wrong person. I am looking for an "economical" route to a nice ride. School starts in 3 more weeks for me and registration and books are going to eat me up. =)

I haven't done this work myself like bolt on brakes, power steering, wiring etc.. but I am more than willing to put in some hard work and turn a wrench so I can accmplish a safer ride without the $70 an hour for someone else to do it. Thanks for the comment though, I might call them again to check up on that. They do good work and are about 1hr maybe 1hr 30min away from me.