64' F-100 lowering problems
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
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64' F-100 lowering problems
I own a 64' F-100. I want to lower the front end a couple inches but am cursed with the last year of the single I-beam front suspension. I don't have the money for a mustang II kit either. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas. Maybe a dropped I-beam setup or something. My father is a fabricater so I can get things done pretty cheap. Any suggestions will help, thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,793
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From: San Diego CA
64' F-100 lowering problems
Hey check out "Tech Articles" on this page look under "Volare Front Clip in a 53". I have a 61 unibody and will be doing this mod in the future. I have been told that the mustang front end is too narrow (the ball joints aren't far enough away from the frame rails to work well on these model trucks). The Volare article has alot of good info. Read it and think about it. Good luck.
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Joined: Aug 2000
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64' F-100 lowering problems
Classic Performance Products has monoleaf drop springs available for about $400 for the front or rear. They are available in 3.5 or 5 inch drop. The front drop requires shortened shocks @ $35 each. The springs can be ordered with new hardware and bushings for the shackles at additional $$. I just went to the local NAPA store and got the bushings and hardware cheaper. I had looked at the Mustang II but like you can't afford so used the monoleafs.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Sun River St. George
64' F-100 lowering problems
Jim, Clip it. You get 35 years of modern suspension development, IFS, big disk brakes, power steering, sway bar and a drop of 4 to 6 inches. You will need instructions and a good welder after that its a no brainier. Add a brake booster, dual chamber mastercylinder, a steering column with a rag joint, slap your original steering wheel on and few casual observers will even notice. I prefer to keep my Ford all Ford, But I drive it every day and I will up grade it whenever I can.
William in Atlanta
William in Atlanta
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Aurora
64' F-100 lowering problems
OK I'm going to pose this question. Except for the straight axle and twin I beam difference. Are the 64 and 65 front ends the same measurments? If they are then couldnt he get all the front end parts from a 73-79 and not have to clip anything. He'd have power disc and power steering and wouldnt have to cut a thing. I hate cutting old cars/trucks unless I really have to.
Jbman
Jbman
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: SW Michigan
64' F-100 lowering problems
Jim, the reason trucks aren't simple and quick to lower, with parts for the job available everywhere, is because you aren't supposed to do it. Lowering an old truck is unnatural, and a crime against the normal order of life. Just don't do it. Where do some of you fellows live that you can even dream of such things. Here in Michigan trucks get lifted, lowering just isn't done. DF
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Sun River St. George
64' F-100 lowering problems
DF, I agree with you BUT..the word is out. The Hot Rodders have discovered the beauty of these old trucks and fortunately are saving them from the crusher buy the dozens. Up down or in between, is all right with me as long as we save the truck.
William in Atlanta (former Yooper)
William in Atlanta (former Yooper)
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From: in my body
cravinmorford
Heres An Idea I Have A 64 I Took The Leafsprings Off Replaced The Bushings And Flipped My Bottom Spring (reversed It )squeezed The Arch Together ,put New Shocks On And Got About 4 Inch Drop.my
Stops Are About 3 Inches From The Frame .iam Thinking About Making Some Shackle Hangers About Three Inches Longer,to Get My Bump Stop Up A Little Otherwise She Dont Ride To Bad.
Stops Are About 3 Inches From The Frame .iam Thinking About Making Some Shackle Hangers About Three Inches Longer,to Get My Bump Stop Up A Little Otherwise She Dont Ride To Bad.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,191
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From: West Union, OH USA
1965-'79... twin-I-beam frames have different cab mounting locations made for lower floorpans etc.
So it is my understanding that a frame swap from '61-'64 to the later frames may result in major misalignment and needed fabrication. I'm sure it has been done or attempted by some one on this site who could be more specific though.
So it is my understanding that a frame swap from '61-'64 to the later frames may result in major misalignment and needed fabrication. I'm sure it has been done or attempted by some one on this site who could be more specific though.
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I want to throw in one more option. Flip the front axle. It only requires elbow grease, some fabrication and the cost of a new set of u-bolts. I know that i've probably comitted a crime against the normal order of life (lol) but there's a picture of it in my gallery.
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Originally Posted by Tiremine
I want to throw in one more option. Flip the front axle. It only requires elbow grease, some fabrication and the cost of a new set of u-bolts. I know that i've probably comitted a crime against the normal order of life (lol) but there's a picture of it in my gallery.
this is a great solution for your problem.... i am running axle over and a 4" stretched axle and the uni is dumped in the front.... the one prob with this set up is that you will need 'bags or something like that to keep the oil pan and tie rod from binding.