F1 Spring info.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 630
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From: Dayton, OH
F1 Spring info.
Heres what IM wanting to know. Is there a direct swap out there for the F1 rear leaf springs? I know you can buy new just looking to save $.
I have a 51 F1 and I will probably swap the rear end to something more modern along with a modern V8 and automatic trans. IM not setting it up to race or haul loads. I just want a dependable driver and was hoping of maybe finding some junkyard swap even if I need to swap spring perches.
Any info from someone whos been down this road?
I have a 51 F1 and I will probably swap the rear end to something more modern along with a modern V8 and automatic trans. IM not setting it up to race or haul loads. I just want a dependable driver and was hoping of maybe finding some junkyard swap even if I need to swap spring perches.
Any info from someone whos been down this road?
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,039
Likes: 10,034
From: Rio Rancho, NM
In my opinion your best bet is to have the original spring packs rebuilt. Check under spring and suspension in your local yellow pages. I had mine rebuilt for about $150. That included new bushings and pins.
A 9" Ford from a 57-60 truck is a direct bolt in (I think up to 66 might be the same also) The spring perches are in the correct location. The only thing you might have to change is to add some lower shock mounts as the F1 mounts wont work. The original F1 axle tubes are 2 1/2" diameter, the 9" Ford is 3" diameter. If you can find some original F2 or larger lower shock mounts then they will fit the new rearend, or you can just weld on some premade lower shock mounts.
Good luck with it
Bobby
A 9" Ford from a 57-60 truck is a direct bolt in (I think up to 66 might be the same also) The spring perches are in the correct location. The only thing you might have to change is to add some lower shock mounts as the F1 mounts wont work. The original F1 axle tubes are 2 1/2" diameter, the 9" Ford is 3" diameter. If you can find some original F2 or larger lower shock mounts then they will fit the new rearend, or you can just weld on some premade lower shock mounts.
Good luck with it
Bobby
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Dayton, OH
Yes we have tons of spring places here. They are averaging $450 to $600 for the springs alone new. After seeing the clearance issues I had in an old junker frame I just scrapped with a chevy 10 bolt rear using the stock springs I was wondering if there was an easy swap.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by OldgreenF1
Yes we have tons of spring places here. They are averaging $450 to $600 for the springs alone new. After seeing the clearance issues I had in an old junker frame I just scrapped with a chevy 10 bolt rear using the stock springs I was wondering if there was an easy swap.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
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From: peyton, colorado
I just installed a TCI leaf spring kit recently, but before I did I was looking in the same direction as you. First, the stock springs are narrower than modern springs by about 1/2", so just swapping won't work with the stock spring hangers. Classic Performance Products will sell you the parts to their kit individualy, so you can buy just the hangers for a modern spring. The length they use is 48", (same as my TCI springs), which they said is the same as a mid 70's Dodge FRONT 4wd spring, which is what their kit uses. Since the price of the springs is a large percentage of the kits cost, you can save some bucks if you can find the correct Dodge at your local pull a part, and buy the rest from CPP.
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Elder User
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From: Dayton, OH
Tip49
Thanks for the pics and input. I have about a 88-90 Nissan truck my brother might give me. I was thinking of stealing the springs and gas tank out of it.
If not I will just use something stock.
Thanks for the pics and input. I have about a 88-90 Nissan truck my brother might give me. I was thinking of stealing the springs and gas tank out of it.
If not I will just use something stock.
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