I have a 66 F100 that has some suspension problems. The frame is slightly bent in a couple of places from an accident some time before I acquired the truck. The accident has apparently moved something because the alignment is almost 2" further ahead on the passenger's side of the truck than it is on the driver's side! I am considering finding a frame from something later with all the goodies like disk brakes and an independent suspension. What do you think?

 

Mike, In 65 Ford went to the Twin I-beam, and as far as I know kept the same chassis until 72. In 73 the rear of the chassis was widened behind the cab and the rear axle lengthened so the truck would now track. You can swap in I-beams from any truck through 79 for disc brakes. I have 76 under my 66. I beleive the 65-72 chassis are the same if you are looking for one to swap.

Where are you located? There may be someone near you that could have a chassis.

John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01

NC Chapter


66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

 

Thanks for your help. I moved from Columbia,SC in May to Tyler, Texas. In SC there were so many junkyards to find just what I needed. Here it is a little different. If you know anyone who has a good frame please let me know. My dilemma is in making the decision of just what I want to do to my truck. It is the one thing really holding me up from going in one direction with it. I have done a lot of looking and have seen a few trucks that I really enjoy, like the black 66 in the gallery that belongs to Phil Beattie. I have a lot of questions...My truck is a daily driver and so I need to find a frame and prep it. I need new springs badly. My rear leaves are dead and the coils up front just can't take the weight of the 390. I have already replaced the shocks w/ HD ones and added a set of helpers in the rear...that just bought me some time. I guess I just have to decide if I want to go with a 4x4 or 2 wheel drive. I plan on doing it right the first time. I want to sand blast the frame and finish it right. I need to find the appropriate transmission and get it on there. Make sure my suspension is good to go and straight. Put on wheels and tires of my liking and rehab the disk brakes and hoses. As far as a transmission goes I want performance and a little better fuel economy. I would also like to reduce the rpm's at cruising speed for my engine's sake. After the frame is ready I will set up shop in a couple of bays at work and take some time to dissemble one and repaint / repair as I put it back on the other. Then all the big stuff will be done and I can enjoy looking for the little things to finish it off!
thanks again for your help!

 

Mike. Welcome to Texas. Glad to have another Greater Southwest Chapter memeber of the Slick 60's.
Actually you are up to your a** in good wrecking yards that cater to old car lovers. One is in Waco, one is in Georgetown and the other is around Ft. Hood somewhere.
Drop me a line at skip4274@flash.net
Skip4274
4everFord

 

The reason that I asked where you were located was that I knew one of my good friends like Skip would help you out. I really doubt that the front coils are having a problem hauling that FE, because there were built to haul it. My 66s do just fine with one. You do need the stoughtest gas shocks that you can get on the front, and coil over on the rear aint bad.

Give ol Skip a holler and he'll help you get going.

John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01

NC Chapter


66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

HI THERE
YES A LATER FRAME IS THE WAY TO GO. IT WILL MAKE A REAL NICE
TRUCK.
LATER hhager.

 

Welcome to the FTE Harold, I hope to see you around a lot, but if you aint mad about something, stop shouting at us with the caps on.

John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01

NC Chapter


66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

I have new HD gas shocks on the front and coil overs on the back already and 1500lb. overloads on the leaves and it still sits low with almost no weight...my guess is that the rears are just worn out...?
Is there any comparison between the final costs of an IFS clip and changing out the whole frame. Is it worth it in the difference in handling? And how about lowering the front end a couple of inches?

 

Mike are there any pictures of your truck. I would love to see what you are referring to.

John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01

NC Chapter


66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.