stock front end
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New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Lake Oswego, OR
stock front end
i am pondering rebuilding my stock front end for my 48 just wondering if how bad of a ride it is gonna be after i am done. i have heard so many horror stories that i am scared. also any ideas on how much a disc brake conversion kit is. thankyou in advance
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 550
From: Kalispell, MT
I've got around 80K miles on a stock front end in my 48. Steering in town can be a bit of work, but ignore the nay-sayers. Most have never driven one in stock form - they just keep repeating the rumor that was whispered in their ear as a child. 
Keep your kingpins greased and they're not bad except when sitting still.
I completely rebuilt my stock brake system 5 years ago. This truck is a daily driver, all year long. I've never had a problem getting stopped. Just last Saturday as I was heading home a deer decided to take my lane. I locked the brakes up and left skid marks - didn't hit the deer either. There's nothing wrong with a new/rebuilt stock brake system. Just don't try to save money in this area. Go new everything.
Keep your kingpins greased and they're not bad except when sitting still. I completely rebuilt my stock brake system 5 years ago. This truck is a daily driver, all year long. I've never had a problem getting stopped. Just last Saturday as I was heading home a deer decided to take my lane. I locked the brakes up and left skid marks - didn't hit the deer either. There's nothing wrong with a new/rebuilt stock brake system. Just don't try to save money in this area. Go new everything.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita
I still have the straight axle front end. I think the ride is great. The IFS front end is nice because you can get the front end down lower than the stock. You have power steering and disc brakes already there. The steering is better. However, the cost to install one is high too.
I used the Classic Performance Parts (CPP) front disc conversion kit. I'm very happy with it and the install was straight forward. You will have to replace your master cylinder when you install the kit though. It's a matter of preference. Some guys like the simplicity of original and some want that IFS suspension.
I used the Classic Performance Parts (CPP) front disc conversion kit. I'm very happy with it and the install was straight forward. You will have to replace your master cylinder when you install the kit though. It's a matter of preference. Some guys like the simplicity of original and some want that IFS suspension.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Sorry to disagree. I drove straight axle vehicles for many years. It's no rumor. They don't ride as smoothly, drum brakes aren't as good as discs, and they don't handle nearly as well as an IFS. There must be a reason they aren't used under light trucks and cars anymore. You know it would be cheaper than an IFS and Detroit would love to save the money.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,978
Likes: 9,813
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I kept my straight axle in my 49. I did upgrade to power steering and power disc brakes though. With radial tires the truck rides pretty good. I don't use it as a daily driver though(the company I work for supplied me with a 2005 F-150 and all the gas I need). My 49 is mainly driven a couple of times a month to go have some fun in
Bobby
Bobby
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Longwood, fl
Still running a stock front end on my 55 and plan to keep it that way. Works great why change.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Kingsford, MI
When I get there......
I plan on keeping the solid axel and lowering about 3". I'll be the guinnea pig on steering though. I'm going with a power rack & pinion set-up.
Of course, I'm also day dreaming of plopping a multi-carb straight 6 under hood too.
I plan on keeping the solid axel and lowering about 3". I'll be the guinnea pig on steering though. I'm going with a power rack & pinion set-up.
Of course, I'm also day dreaming of plopping a multi-carb straight 6 under hood too.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
Rebuilding the stock front end is very straight forward i.e. spring shackles and king pins, however without a good tight steering box you will not be happy. If your current steering box is good and tight, count yourself as one of the fortunate ones. I personnally have not rebuilt a box with the currently available aftermarket worm and sector. Perhaps others can chime in on their experience. I would at least go thru the straight ahead check for free play in the steering wheel adjusting to take out free play to the best that the existing box will provide.
I rebuilt my steering box many years ago when NOS parts were readily available. I am sure that those sources are mostly dried up. LOL
I rebuilt my steering box many years ago when NOS parts were readily available. I am sure that those sources are mostly dried up. LOL
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 581
Likes: 2
From: Somerset, Pa
I drive my 1952 f-1 to work 3 or more days a week (75 miles round trip and over 1,500 feet of vertical drop) on bumpy mountain roads and a few miles of gravel. While I denfinatly have to slow down to go over railroad tracks to avoid denting the roof with my head it rides quite nicely and handels well.
I rebuilt the front axle and totally rebuilt the stock brakes and don't have any issues.
When I take people for a ride in it there first responce if WOW this thing is quick AND it rides suprisingly smooth.
I rebuilt the front axle and totally rebuilt the stock brakes and don't have any issues.
When I take people for a ride in it there first responce if WOW this thing is quick AND it rides suprisingly smooth.