frames the same on 53-55 and 56?
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frames the same on 53-55 and 56?
Hi,
I am currently trying to arrange for the funds to just buy a drivable 56 f-100 (not some show truck). Even when I do, I won't want to chop it up to start modifying it (no experience on frames or suspension).
Are the frames the same on the 56 as the 53-55 (same length, mounts, and locations, etc.)?
I am pretty sure I can buy a junk 53-55 truck out of one of the fields around here cheaply. I see several sitting There is not enough left to restore one, but I am mostly interested in the frame. I wouldn't be afraid to chop the frame up and attempt to install an IFS (etc.) to it that way.
If the work was successful, then I could just swap drivetrain and body from the drivable one to the older prepared (blasted, painted, etc) frame.
Does this sound like a stupid idea to begin with? Don't be afriad to hurt my feelings.
I am currently trying to arrange for the funds to just buy a drivable 56 f-100 (not some show truck). Even when I do, I won't want to chop it up to start modifying it (no experience on frames or suspension).
Are the frames the same on the 56 as the 53-55 (same length, mounts, and locations, etc.)?
I am pretty sure I can buy a junk 53-55 truck out of one of the fields around here cheaply. I see several sitting There is not enough left to restore one, but I am mostly interested in the frame. I wouldn't be afraid to chop the frame up and attempt to install an IFS (etc.) to it that way.
If the work was successful, then I could just swap drivetrain and body from the drivable one to the older prepared (blasted, painted, etc) frame.
Does this sound like a stupid idea to begin with? Don't be afriad to hurt my feelings.
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Brian_B,
So you want to buy a driveable 56 now to drive and enjoy now and you want to buy a 53-56 frame/parts truck to take the frame and do it up the way you want over time and then eventually transfer your 56 body etc onto the frame that you tricked out . Nothing dumb about that.
I’m 99% sure the 53 through 56 frames are identical. My books are at home, whereas I’m supposed to be working right now, but I’m sure someone will be along in a few minutes to confirm they’re the same….
Go for it!
So you want to buy a driveable 56 now to drive and enjoy now and you want to buy a 53-56 frame/parts truck to take the frame and do it up the way you want over time and then eventually transfer your 56 body etc onto the frame that you tricked out . Nothing dumb about that.
I’m 99% sure the 53 through 56 frames are identical. My books are at home, whereas I’m supposed to be working right now, but I’m sure someone will be along in a few minutes to confirm they’re the same….
Go for it!
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From: Michigan
About the only difference that I am aware of other then the 56 has the fuel tank inside of the cab, is the rear springs are longer on the the 55/56. Which means the 53/54 rear spring hanger is located closer to the front of the truck vs 55/56 no big deal untill you order the wrong springs ( did that on another truck )
Sounds like a plan to me at least you will be able to drive yours while your working on the new (different) frame.
Good luck
Sounds like a plan to me at least you will be able to drive yours while your working on the new (different) frame.
Good luck
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Originally Posted by ferguson777
......So you want to buy a driveable 56 now to drive and enjoy now and you want to buy a 53-56 frame/parts truck to take the frame and do it up the way you want over time and then eventually transfer your 56 body etc onto the frame that you tricked out . Nothing dumb about that.......
I cannot afford to just go buy custom truck already done. I don't want to wait for years and years to drive one while I build it slowly from the ground up. I've seen too many projects that become a lifetime project and never get finished/drivable. Been there...done that.
If I can't finish the custom frame or if I mess it up beyond repair, its not a big loss. I still have my driver intact.
Someone else just posted, so I am editing. If the spring hangers are the big difference, I can move them. I have the 56 shop manual and I think that type of things is in there. I don't have a clue how the gas tank mounts, but I assume that can be moved or changed as well. Keep the good info coming guys. I apprecite any advice I can get.
Last edited by Brian_B; Sep 30, 2005 at 09:39 AM.
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Brian_B,
The longer rear leaves are really a non issue. You’ll be changing the rear end anyway and putting in later model drive train so you’ll be cutting your driveshaft. The rear spring mounts won’t effect putting your 56 box on your 53-55 frame so it’s a non-issue.
And it’s very likely you’ll end up sticking a later model gas tank between the frame rails at the back, so that doesn’t matter either.
But don’t forget, the journey should be as much fun as the destination (for some of us, it’s actually more the journey than the destination).
The longer rear leaves are really a non issue. You’ll be changing the rear end anyway and putting in later model drive train so you’ll be cutting your driveshaft. The rear spring mounts won’t effect putting your 56 box on your 53-55 frame so it’s a non-issue.
And it’s very likely you’ll end up sticking a later model gas tank between the frame rails at the back, so that doesn’t matter either.
But don’t forget, the journey should be as much fun as the destination (for some of us, it’s actually more the journey than the destination).
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Cool. I came up with this brilliant scheme last night when I couldn't sleep. I was hoping it didn't sound too dumb in the daylight. Not only will I learn some new skills, but it will be fun too.
Hopefully, I can find a frame before long and get started. The hunt for just the right truck has not been successful yet (seriously checked into 3). It will be easier when I have cash in hand though. Soon I hope.
Hopefully, I can find a frame before long and get started. The hunt for just the right truck has not been successful yet (seriously checked into 3). It will be easier when I have cash in hand though. Soon I hope.
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Brian_B,
It’ll be easier and quicker to find the frame first anyway…. And then maybe donor vehicles for the front suspension and the drive train. If you were to go with a donor drivetrain, you’d be able to take your time rebuilding it and tricking it out rather than needing it to keep the driver on the road…..Or at least, once you get the driver, find a clapped out donor with the same drivetrain so you can use the clapped out one for mocking up your mounts, etc….. (Take/keep the rad support from the frame you buy also as it’s a key item in placing your drivetrain, etc.)
You wanna make sure you can work out your drivetrain placement to take into consideration clearance around your front suspension, steering box, etc. Easy enough to build a fake, temporary firewall to factor clearance for that…….
I find those ideas that come to you while trying to get to sleep are usually pretty good, not as good as the ones you get after 6 beers, but pretty good….
It’ll be easier and quicker to find the frame first anyway…. And then maybe donor vehicles for the front suspension and the drive train. If you were to go with a donor drivetrain, you’d be able to take your time rebuilding it and tricking it out rather than needing it to keep the driver on the road…..Or at least, once you get the driver, find a clapped out donor with the same drivetrain so you can use the clapped out one for mocking up your mounts, etc….. (Take/keep the rad support from the frame you buy also as it’s a key item in placing your drivetrain, etc.)
You wanna make sure you can work out your drivetrain placement to take into consideration clearance around your front suspension, steering box, etc. Easy enough to build a fake, temporary firewall to factor clearance for that…….
I find those ideas that come to you while trying to get to sleep are usually pretty good, not as good as the ones you get after 6 beers, but pretty good….
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Postmaster
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From: Riverside, So Cal
Brian -
I like your plan too. Sounds like the best of both worlds. It's a lot easier than building it as a rolling resto, which was the way I went.
I also agree that the beer ideas are marginally better than the insomniac ones.
I like your plan too. Sounds like the best of both worlds. It's a lot easier than building it as a rolling resto, which was the way I went.
I also agree that the beer ideas are marginally better than the insomniac ones.
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I'm in trouble then. 
With some of the meds I have to take, I can't drink alcohol. 
You guys are giving me such great advice. I really apprecite it. I have no clue what I will eventually find to buy. Since this seems feasible, I won't worry about finding one with the suspension and everything already done. I will concentrate on the body and mechanical stuff.
What I want to do is probably the aerostar IFS/rack, 302, AOD, 9". I have not found much info on the rear suspension yet. More reading. I don't want anything fancy or high HP, just a good reliable driver. At least this way I can build what I want while I drive the good parts.
Like I said earlier I have never done anything with frames/suspension, so it will be a learning process. I have most of the tools and equipment though. I will need a torch and and engine hoist (making mental notes).
On a side note: My parts catalogs are starting to come in now.
With some of the meds I have to take, I can't drink alcohol. You guys are giving me such great advice. I really apprecite it. I have no clue what I will eventually find to buy. Since this seems feasible, I won't worry about finding one with the suspension and everything already done. I will concentrate on the body and mechanical stuff.
What I want to do is probably the aerostar IFS/rack, 302, AOD, 9". I have not found much info on the rear suspension yet. More reading.
I don't want anything fancy or high HP, just a good reliable driver. At least this way I can build what I want while I drive the good parts. Like I said earlier I have never done anything with frames/suspension, so it will be a learning process. I have most of the tools and equipment though. I will need a torch and and engine hoist (making mental notes).
On a side note: My parts catalogs are starting to come in now.
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You're o.k., It's been my experience, especially in my younger days that meds are just as effective (if not more so) than alcohol.
Re: rear end selection - you're luck - here's a link to a tech article that can help you out in that area.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...Lowering_.html
RE: Aerostar IFS - A few of theguys here went that route and you'll find that whatever IFS you select, somebody here has done it and is only too happy to assist another convert to their way of thinking...
(We try to cover all the bases here )
Re: rear end selection - you're luck - here's a link to a tech article that can help you out in that area.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...Lowering_.html
RE: Aerostar IFS - A few of theguys here went that route and you'll find that whatever IFS you select, somebody here has done it and is only too happy to assist another convert to their way of thinking...
(We try to cover all the bases here
)
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
Leave the stock front suspension alone except for rebuilding it, it's a perfectly good servicable front end, and you can do all the work yourself without requiring welding, fancy fabricating or potentially life threatening mods. I have the necessary skills and funds to put an IFS under my truck, and the sensitivity to good handling to appreciate it in any vehicle I drive but after driving it with the beam axle I'm perfectly happy with what's there. That's not to say mine is completely stock, it's not, but all the mods are bolt-ons.
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We will see. Nothing is definate yet.
My friend has a 53 all stock, but mono leaves and nitrogen shocks. I rides rough and handles rough. Before you ask, its all been rebuilt recently. Its a truck with truck suspension. He drives it a lot. Its great for around town, but I wouldn't want to hit the interstate in it. I don't think henry designed them to be driven that fast.
I have a garage full of tools. A lincoln 220 mig w/gas being one of them. I worked in steel fabrication most of my life (my father has been doing it for 30+ years). If I weld something, it will hold. There is no doubt of that. I know I can do the work safely. I am not into chopping the frames in half though. Those scare me. I have seen the work done by ameteurs when we used to rebuild totalled vehicles.
With the aerostar (and some others) its mostly just welded to the existing one. I am not afraid of that.
My friend has a 53 all stock, but mono leaves and nitrogen shocks. I rides rough and handles rough. Before you ask, its all been rebuilt recently. Its a truck with truck suspension. He drives it a lot. Its great for around town, but I wouldn't want to hit the interstate in it. I don't think henry designed them to be driven that fast.
I have a garage full of tools. A lincoln 220 mig w/gas being one of them. I worked in steel fabrication most of my life (my father has been doing it for 30+ years). If I weld something, it will hold. There is no doubt of that. I know I can do the work safely. I am not into chopping the frames in half though. Those scare me. I have seen the work done by ameteurs when we used to rebuild totalled vehicles.
With the aerostar (and some others) its mostly just welded to the existing one. I am not afraid of that.
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ferguson777
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jun 19, 2005 05:40 PM