I trying to decide which MII front end to buy. There are many companies producing these. One that looks interesting is from Chassis Engineering Inc. It's a bolt in front end with adjustable upper spring pockets. I would like for anyone who has had any experience with this setup to give me your empressions. Either positve or negative (just the facts please) comments are welcome.

 

I used the same setup in my 40 coupe. Quality stuff. I have used CE stuff for three different cars and have never been dissappointed. Built for durabilty. I am not to the point of trying the adjustable spring pockets yet, but it seems a good option to have. Joe

 

do you all have a link to the website of this particular kit? I dont know how a bolt in MII would work? I would like to see it

 

Here's the link to Chassis Engineering's website. Seems like a good way to go if you don't have the confidence in your welding skills.
http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/page36.html

 

I just installed the CE suspension on my 48 project.Can't report on driving as my truck is a long term project.Hope to be on the road next year.The kit was a piece of cake to install.I am really happy with it so far.

 

thats cool, do they make a kit for the 53-56?

 

I just looked through CE's catalog and did not see kit for later than 52 Ford truck listed.You might want to give them a call to see if they plan on doing a kit for 53-56.

 

For those of you who have installed this frontend, did you box the frame?

 

An informed opinion: I would not personally use any IFS kit that uses the original MII/Pinto lower control arms and struts. The design of those units was marginal/poor even for a vehicle weighing nearly 2000# less with a far lighter yet front end weight. Several here have tried similar older setups and have been highly disappointed with the results. Notice that all the major manufacturers of IFS systems have abandoned the strut setup in favor of true double A arm design. The bolt on design may make this unit attractive, but if that's the selling point for you do a search on Jag IFS swap, the SJ setup is a bolt in swap in an F1 that can be done for a lot less money, is an outstanding design that will give far superior ride/handling to any MII based setup and was designed for a vehicle with nearly identical weight to an F1.

 

The MII with struts in my 46 has managed to survive 60,000 miles and drives and handles quite nicely thanks. It may be inferior to the jag unit, but the parts are everywhere if I need them, and it works.

 

I installed a CE kit in a brand-x truck for a customer and after it was bolted in we welded it up for his peace of mind.It had the adjustable upper mount and was very easy to dial in the ride height. Chuck is right about the original pieces although I have boxed the lower arms and used adjustable struts with ok results. One critical thing with these set-ups is to get the pivot points on the strut on a common axis with the lower arms. Sorry to be long winded but this is important stuff.

 

Wayne S: We've installed one in a 51 F1 and the last thing we have to install are the front brake hoses; specifically, I'm wondering where to attach the brake hose to the hard line brackets....ahead of the strut support or to the rear of it? Do you remember what length of brake hose you used?

 

jeffgies,
You have revived a topic that was last posted to in 2006, 6 years ago. Don't be surprised if you don't get a reply.

 

No I don't remember what lenght hose but I will measure tommorrow and let you know.

 

Chassis engineering is what I'm going with. I didn't box my frame, it's a really strong setup.
Here are a few pics