Why is this done?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 823
Likes: 4
From: Calais, Vermont
Why is this done?
I am certainly not being critical here...it is just that I'm curious as to why so many of these F-100s are being fit up with IFS. Also, what is the advantage to lowering the truck? I admit that with respect to my own truck, I'm a stocker, but I have no philosophical problem with someone choosing to modify their own. I just wanted to know what the performance advantages were to some of the modifications I read so much about.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Lowering is both cosmetic (hot rod look) and improves the ride and handling by lowering the center of gravity. IFS is to update the suspension design, allow more lowering without bottoming out and gaining better steering in a matched "package". It's also a "must do" for the show crowd.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
John, I think that anything that sits on a low stance with 4-5 degrees of rake has an agressive and racy look to it. Couple that with the smooth look and the whole package can have a be very seductive. Maybe Himelberg can shed some artistic light on this but I think low and smooth is sexy, that applies to other things too not just hotrods, but it sure does it for me. Oh yeah, Chuck was right about that ride and handling thing too!
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 70
From: Elk River, MN
For me, it was all about power steering. Once you decide to add power steering, you can easily step up to coil springs, disc brakes and stabilizer bar. As for ride height, I took what the front gave me, leveled the rear to match the front and stuffed the largest tires that would fit on all four corners.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 682
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, IL (more or less)
Another viewpoint is that, if you decide to A) rebuild the front suspension for safety & handling; B) add better brakes in the form of a disc kit; C) add power steering for ease of operation- when you combine the costs of all three, you have come fairly close to paying for a modern IFS setup which has all of them. There are some hidden costs to the IFS, for example an aftermarket steering column & linkage (if you choose that route).
I don't think there's any right or wrong answer to what to use. It all depends on the individual, his or her skills, available time, & bank account.
I don't think there's any right or wrong answer to what to use. It all depends on the individual, his or her skills, available time, & bank account.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
Looks better IMO. Rides and drives better I know for a fact. I realize that we are all different and that is what makes this hobby fun. When we see what we like it makes our heart beat a little faster. My 86 year old father can not understand why my 46 Ford and 53 F100 are soooo low, they look odd to him. When I see a stock version of either one I am glad mine look the way they do. Joe
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 0
From: Northwestern PA
For me, it was all about personal preference, but along with that came the advantages of updated suspension, better brakes, better handling, and better ride ect. ect. BUT you can bet if doing these modifications wouldn’t have achieved the end look I wanted, then I would have gone a different route.
Mike
Mike
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
One of the reasons I bought my specific truck was that it already had a Mustang II IFS installed. I like it a lot and don't have any regrets.
That said, having been a member here for a while, I have come to understand the beauty of Henry's thinking on the solid axle. With the disc, power brake, spindle and spring conversions available, it seems to me that rebuilding a stock front end can be a very good plan and still provide the look any rodder wants.
That said, having been a member here for a while, I have come to understand the beauty of Henry's thinking on the solid axle. With the disc, power brake, spindle and spring conversions available, it seems to me that rebuilding a stock front end can be a very good plan and still provide the look any rodder wants.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
I originally intended to do a dropped axle having been satisfied with previous street rods with same. After researching the particulars to an effie dropped axle and the gift of a volare front end, I used the Volare. I did not think I could achieve the drop I wanted with the limitations of the front leaf springs and frame clearance. I have a friend who has since done the dropped front axle deal on his 55 F100. Used all the good stuff new and I was impressed with how it looks. He was not impressed with the performance though and is currently replacing with No Limit set up. I am very pleased with my Volare set up and glad i went that route. Joe
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
They have all been sucked over to THE DARK SIDE, where some 'nere-do-well has brainwashed these poor mislead folks into thinking that this is required to be done on all old Iron.
Only those that are pure of heart can withstand the tempteous pull of the THE DARK SIDE.
Only those that are pure of heart can withstand the tempteous pull of the THE DARK SIDE.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
My buddy has a stock 56 f100. He removed a couple of springs in the front and the back and it rides great. Sometimes it feels smoother than mine and I have the IFS! Another buddy just spent the whole winter replacing his stock front end with a volare. He says that he does not notice that much difference. 
Good luck, Jag
Good luck, Jag
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
You need to drive a F100 with a solid front axle susp. and then one with a IFS on these wonderful Michigan 2 lane roads (the expressway isn't much better) and the question will answer it's self.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by Joe Gaddy
I have a friend who has since done the dropped front axle deal on his 55 F100. Used all the good stuff new and I was impressed with how it looks. He was not impressed with the performance though and is currently replacing with No Limit set up. Joe
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Originally Posted by jvmcc
I am certainly not being critical here...it is just that I'm curious as to why so many of these F-100s are being fit up with IFS. Also, what is the advantage to lowering the truck? I admit that with respect to my own truck, I'm a stocker, but I have no philosophical problem with someone choosing to modify their own. I just wanted to know what the performance advantages were to some of the modifications I read so much about.