The last few days I have been searching this forum getting info about different set-ups for the drivetrain on these trucks. There is a huge amount of info here and alot of people who know what they are talking about. I have a 53 f100 cab and bed, its going to need a good amount of metal work so i am not going to get rolling really soon on the chassis. I plan to get the cab done then on to the frame. This truck will be a daily driver.I really like the idea of the volare ifs. I don't want the truck to set much lower than the stock chassis. I like the t5 trans idea too. anyone used a mazda 5spd?

 

Oaktree,
I you are doing major work on your cab you may want to have it on a frame to make sure the holes and brackets on the doesn't shift during repair and then they will not lign up after you have put big $$$ into it.just my $.02
Jaye

 

I agree with Jaye, your truck can't be any better than the foundation it's built on. lots of luck.

 

Point taken. I'll have to start looking for the frame now. That also got me thinking about mking sure where the engine & tranny will set so if i have to do mods for them i wont be working on things twice.Thanks.

 

It's unlikely you'll need to mod the cab for most any engine tranny combo you choose, the engine bay is huge! Since you have a length of time to go I would suggest you put your suspension choice on the back burner and do more research when the time gets closer. I feel that your experiences with the bodywork will help make the decision at that time. Volare clips and the parts to rebuild them may be scarcer than hens teeth by then. The hobby is constantly evolving, so something completely different may be available or more suited to your needs when you're ready. There is a lot to be said for the stock setup especially if you want to stay at stock height. As far as IFS I personally favor the Jag setup even over the current crop of MII clones.
The Mazda 5 speed is very light duty.

 

I built a 53 f100 with the stock suspension. It's not a bad ride. Nothing beats IFS and power steering though. I was young when I built it and the standard steering still made the truck way less fun to drive. IF you're buying a frame, make sure all of the crossmembers are there. My first frame had a 390 and C6 in it. The installer cut out the frame crossmember that supports the front cab mounts - bad news!!!!! The frame cracked. Let me know if you're interested in Corvette IFS. I'm launching the sales side of f100central.com in the next weeks and will be selling the Corvette install kits from Flat Out Engineering. It does lower the truck a bit from stock. It's definitely a good idea to mount the cab on the chassis and mock up everything: Engine, trans, new independent front suspension if you use it. You would have the opportunity to move the wheel forward in the fender to center it if you go with an IFS and want do it. We will also be carrying ECI disk brake kits if you stay stock. This is a must do - take it from someone who went totally stock on brakes/suspension and almost killed a really nice truck! T5's are not meant for banging gears too long. I'm more familiar with the Mustang T5's - not sure how they compare to the Mazda. If you're not running a big motor or dropping the clutch at every light, the Mustang T5's are fine. Make sure the shifter will end up where you want it. If you want to bang gears, get a TKO 500 or 600 (HD Tremec 5 speeds).