49 F-2 pickup
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New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16
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From: dallas, texas
49 F-2 pickup
i'm the new man to this site and i'm restoring my 49 F2 pickup. want to know what ya'll think of IFS kits or Mustang II kits for upgrading the front suspension on my truck. found some through truck mags and the cost is around 1300 to 1400. or would it be better to stay with my straight axle and upgrade all components plus converting to disc brakes. 
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
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From: Moro Bay, AR
Before I would consider a MII suspension, I would look real hard at using a Jag IFS. That's the way I would have gone if the PO hadn't hacked the front frame rails in an attempt of installing a Volare IFS.
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New User
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From: dallas, texas
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
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From: peyton, colorado
That article is great, BTW. There's lot's of options for front suspensions on our trucks. On my 48 F-1, I went with the Jaguar setup, as did 49williard. You can see pictures in our galleries. There are several others doing the same, it's an easy swap. Post again if you need more info on this swap. I was originally planning to do a Mustang II kit before I joined this forum. I simply didn't know what else there was to do, and didn't know there were so many options. Have you planned your rear suspension yet? Same deal, lots of options, and lots of info. Welcom to the forum.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16
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From: dallas, texas
I have been feeling the same way about what to do, and know their are more options. been looking at my frame for about a month and still haven't desided what to do yet. it looks back at me and says what are you going to do. i thought about staying original, but with all the upgrades on today's suspension for trucks and cars wanted to modernize so i could go to the parts store and pick up anything i need instead of searching the net for remanufactured parts. thinking about rear end , but haven't made a decision yet. want to drop the whole truck about 2 or 3 inches , too. thanks again and thanks for the welcome
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,776
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From: Kalispell, MT
Welcome to FTE. You'll find a lot of helpful guys here. One hint about definitions - when you say "restoring" that generally means rebuilt to factory OEM specs.
Changing to IFS, disk brakes, etc is custom building. Keeping that sorted out will help get right answers for you.
NAPA carries a lot of the parts in stock or can get them in a couple of days.
Also, I'm one of the guys who disagrees with the need to 'improve' the front ends and brakes. Going on six years of daily driving a 48 F1 with a completely stock front end and brakes and I'll be the first to tell you the upgrades aren't necessary......desired perhaps, but not required. I have yet to hear from anyone who has driven a rebuilt front end that feels the stock system is inadequate. Most guys with opinions have only tried to drive worn out junk components. 4 wheel lock-up panic stops for deer on a regular basis here in Montana is my test of the system - haven't hit one yet.
Changing to IFS, disk brakes, etc is custom building. Keeping that sorted out will help get right answers for you.
NAPA carries a lot of the parts in stock or can get them in a couple of days.
Also, I'm one of the guys who disagrees with the need to 'improve' the front ends and brakes. Going on six years of daily driving a 48 F1 with a completely stock front end and brakes and I'll be the first to tell you the upgrades aren't necessary......desired perhaps, but not required. I have yet to hear from anyone who has driven a rebuilt front end that feels the stock system is inadequate. Most guys with opinions have only tried to drive worn out junk components. 4 wheel lock-up panic stops for deer on a regular basis here in Montana is my test of the system - haven't hit one yet.
Last edited by mtflat; Mar 11, 2007 at 10:13 PM.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: dallas, texas
would like to keep original, but not sure what to do. don't care for drum brakes, but this truck came from san antonio, texas and was setting out for around 15 years so it's weathered. and the original owner had changed the motor to a 312 out of a 57 or 58 not really sure and the cab is 49 , but the fenders and front grille is 50 to 52 so the truck is not truelly original. everything is in fair shape with little sheet metal work. plus the bed was removed and a flat bed was added. dont' mind staying original just have alot to replace on my Johnny Cash truck
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
My 48 isn't totally stock either. Radial tires, new wheels, headers and dual exhaust, '99 Accord paint, third brake light, etc. Build it like you want it - in the end that's the only thing that matters. You have to enjoy it when you climb in and turn the key.
My 48 was wearing a 52 front end when I found her. Lots has been done to these rigs over the decades. Have fun!
My 48 was wearing a 52 front end when I found her. Lots has been done to these rigs over the decades. Have fun!
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 3
From: Friendswood, Texas
Originally Posted by tatdaddy
would like to keep original, but not sure what to do. don't care for drum brakes, but this truck came from san antonio, texas and was setting out for around 15 years so it's weathered. and the original owner had changed the motor to a 312 out of a 57 or 58 not really sure and the cab is 49 , but the fenders and front grille is 50 to 52 so the truck is not truelly original. everything is in fair shape with little sheet metal work. plus the bed was removed and a flat bed was added. dont' mind staying original just have alot to replace on my Johnny Cash truck
You should have no problem finding a donor JAG in Dallas if you choose to go that route. Dallas for whateer reason seems to be the JAG capital of America. IF you are interested in learnign a bit more about your truck, check out the sticky thread at the top of the forum entitled 49/50 VIN # cut-off. I suspect your truck originally came with a flathead V8 and I further suspect, that the headt donw here cracked the block on it and that's why you have a later model engine it it. I've yet to find a flathead V8 that lived it's whole life in Texas that wasn't cracked. Anyhow, welcome to the forum and good lcuk with your project.
Carl in Houston