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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

49 f-3 options

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Old Oct 1, 2006 | 07:32 PM
  #1  
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49 f-3 options

well , let me start by saying WOW there alot of info on this site.
i just got my 49 f-3 back after 15 years ( it a long story of not pissing relatives off) and have been reading and seaching for the pass 6weeks.and i have alot of question. but i'll start with the frame works for now.
anyway f-3 . is the frame alot differnet the f-1 f-2 can the aftermarket
must 11 ifs be used. is the rear axel the same width. i'm look at start on the frame and ***. options first
the trucks in good shape but has had alot of mods done, enough were not taking back to org will not bother me. the truck does have a 351w and fmx (?) from a 73 gallaxy in it. not runing bet still has org rear end, brakes, well are shoot. front axel is stock stearing is stock
my thoughts for the truck is, lowered, maybe shorted,better ride, power steering , better braking, better final drive (MPG but with alittle gettup!!) basic rod but i'm still open mind.
i will add i'm not totally new to this game i've got a 70 cutlass conver. but i've gone with oe on it for the most part and i know the price (i have a bankaccount just for it)
sorry, this got long. all input is welcome
thanks
 
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Old Oct 1, 2006 | 11:26 PM
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The only frame difference between the F-1 and F-3 is the transmission crossmember and length (other than heavier springs and differential). Pretty much anything made for the F-1 will fit the F-3.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2006 | 05:54 AM
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I have a 48 F-3 which I converted to an F-1. I did this because my truck had no bed and the running boards and fenders were toast. The F-3 beds and running boards are not reproduced and very hard to find...and, I just like the looks of the shorter F-1 better. The frame can be easily shortened for an F-1 bed by taking 8 inches out just behind the cab and 12 inches off the rear (see my gallery). I used an 87 Chrysler T-bar suspension in my F-3. It fits fine and pretty easy to install, rides very smooth, has disc brakes, and PS... all the things you want. I also used the Chrysler rear end to match the bolt pattern on the front. I purchased a Pros-pick bed and fiberglass fenders from Bebops...
 
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 08:47 PM
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thanks for the responce guys ! ive looked and looked but couldn't find anything on the difference in frames. look at your gallerys (and mostly everybody gallerys ) before. nice trucks! Vern how much drop did you get with your Chrysler swap. im leaning twards the kit front end just for the instructions but not set in stone yet. Nathan , ive got the hole in the drive side of box to it been patched but not to good. tail gates good though. and my running boards are wood. but right i'm trying to get a plan of attack,( never been one to jump in without knowing how deep the water is) and got the cash up so i can get good start when i start
 
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Old Oct 4, 2006 | 07:54 AM
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Originally Posted by axman
thanks for the responce guys ! ive looked and looked but couldn't find anything on the difference in frames. look at your gallerys (and mostly everybody gallerys ) before. nice trucks! Vern how much drop did you get with your Chrysler swap. im leaning twards the kit front end just for the instructions but not set in stone yet. Nathan , ive got the hole in the drive side of box to it been patched but not to good. tail gates good though. and my running boards are wood. but right i'm trying to get a plan of attack,( never been one to jump in without knowing how deep the water is) and got the cash up so i can get good start when i start
The frames are the same except for the overall length and possibly some minor differences in the crossmembers. Unfortunately, I didn't measure the drop on my truck. Right now it's lower than I want it (bottom of front bumper is about 12 inches off the ground) but I have yet to have it aligned so it will probably come up some when the torsion bars adjustments are made. Dropped spindles, although somewhat pricey, are available for this suspension if you can't get it low enough othersize to suit you. You could also make the notch in the frame higher when you install it if you want to go lower. I wanted my truck slightly less than stock height but not in the weeds so I installed it at the height the No-Limit video suggests. If I were to guess I'd say the suspension drop is somewhere around 3-4 inches below stock.
 
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Old Oct 4, 2006 | 03:01 PM
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Correction...what I meant to say is I want about 12 inches from the bottom of my front bumper to the ground. What I have right now is about 7 1/2 inches...sorry.
 
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Old Oct 4, 2006 | 04:54 PM
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No-Limit video ? now you have my interest! where can i find this No-Limit video and did it have good info. to do the swap?
 
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Old Oct 4, 2006 | 04:55 PM
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oh and are there other souces like this out there
thanks
 
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Old Oct 4, 2006 | 10:51 PM
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Look at using a mid 80's JAG suspension. Less than a dozen botls and the enite unit drops right out of the Jag (assuimng the motor has already been removed). It contains everything you need (almost) and it will fit a 48-52 with out notching the frame or the Jag crossmember. Do a forum search on Jag suspensions and you should be able to find some good information on it. A couple of guys have done it or are doing it. I picked up a complete 85 XJ-6 parts car for $200.00. I grabbed the rear suspension as well before I called the scrap man.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2006 | 06:31 AM
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Originally Posted by axman
No-Limit video ? now you have my interest! where can i find this No-Limit video and did it have good info. to do the swap?
No-Limit Engineering (www.nolimit.net) sells the video which is really an a installation of a Volare into a 53-56 but the installation is the same for a 48-52. The 53-56 truck is about four inches wider so you have a little less fender clearance in front but it is not an issue. You also have to notch the frame in the area of the steering box a little more to get it in there. The video covers everything. If I can do it anyone with a little welding experience can too. I would let you have mine but I may have another project coming.
 

Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Oct 5, 2006 at 06:35 AM.
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