We're gettin' closer in the plannin' stages for the 'Lil Red '56 F100.

I kinda like the straight axle for nastalgia sake...but really want to upgrade to some sort of power, or at least assisted, steering.

Then there is the whole disc brake thing...

Been thumbing thru the original Ford repair manual that came with the truck. It's for a '57 but thats close enough.

Anyway...just wondering what mods everyone has done to their '56 effie on the front end?

Figured we'd start at the front and work out way to the back...


-Thankx...

 

The stock beam axle (or a dropped one) with the Toyota power steering box and a disk conversion sounds like the ticket for you. There are many on here with experience on both and they'll be along shortly with vendor recommendations, etc.

AXracer and imlowr2 are two guys with that info that come to mind.

Good luck.

 

oops...I meant droped axle!!!


duh...

 

TCI Mistang II front end with 2" drop spindles. I have photos in my gallery if you would like to see.

 

Stock all the way.

 

I am with Dick on this one!! What is wrong with keepin' her stock!!! Bill

 

I'm not with Dick and to answer the question of what's wrong with stock I will offer that the 50 year old technology might have been OK in 56 but if you plan to drive on today's roads and be able to stop in today's traffic you will appreciate an update to the front end.
BTW - I am running a Corvette IFS with 13" disc brakes and power rack and pinion steering on my 56 and a Volare on my 54. Just because you drive a pickup doesn't mean that you have to be a truck driver.

 

Of course a guy can do what he wants, but I think its fair to say Ford made a fine product. I drive an almost stocker every day, just gotta understand its limitations and drive accordingly. I have a more modern master cylinder with a vac booster, everyting else is bone stock. It works great...

 

WOW, Charlie, I'm glad I have an appointment with my Shrinkologist today.

 

Sorry Dick, it was a long day....

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...60_Trucks.html
This should cover most of the info you need on the steering. You said "we" so there must be someone else to consider, and especially if of the female persuation, they may very much appreciate improving on the "armstrong" steering originally used.
AFA Disk brakes, don't unless you are also planning on adding power boost. There is nothing inherently wrong with drum brakes in good shape, especially while taking care of more pressing needs. If and when ready there are plenty of conversion kits out there. I particularly like MP brake's products. When choosing a conversion kit you will need to make a choice as to bolt pattern. The most inexpensive kits use stock GM rotors and hubs giving you a GM car bolt pattern in the front. The more expensive kits give you a choice of patterns. You may want to make your rear axle choice first to avoid having to carry two spares, altho it is possible to change rear bolt patterns on the popular Ford 9" rear. That axle is highly supported in the aftermarket since it is used in so many racing series as well as on the street. You will also need to decide if you will remain with the thru the floor pedal setup or go with hanging pedals. If you plan on staying with the TTF, then I'd suggest upgrading to a dual chamber MC and new lines as soon as possible. A disk/drum MC will work with drum/drum setup awhile (just temporarily bypass the proportioning valve and use two drum brake residual valves until you do the disk conversion) and increase the safety factor manyfold. You can add the power booster at the same time as the MC or add it later with the conversion.
A set of rebuilt or new lowering springs with HMW plastic antifriction strips between the leafs, a good set of shocks, and ultimately a sway bar will have your truck riding and handling at 90% of a IFS setup. Be sure the kingpins and tie rod ends are in good shape the front end properly aligned and use radial tires all around.

 

I am a strong believer that a beam axle with a cross spring [as in Fords cars thru 48] can be made to perform extremely well and be low. I have had several myself and if you spend enough time getting it set up right, it can ride and drive great. That being said, both I have now are MII and are a little nicer in the ride and drive dept. I drove my 53 around with original front suspension enough to think that I would not like to keep beam axle. So it has Volare and I like it. I do have a friend who went the dropped front axle route on his 54 F100 and it was not nearly 90% of my Volare set up. In fact he said the worst thing he did was drive my truck. He spent a lot of time trying to make his work good, but finally gave up and sold the truck. It is hard to get one of our trucks low and driving good with beam axle and original parallel spring set up.In my humble opinon. CharlieLed, I somehow have missed that you had the Volare equipped Effie. How about your thoughts on how the two perform with different front suspension set ups. Joe

 

...this is why I luv this site!!!

THANX to everyone! This helps clear up alot and give us a better understanding of what we are gettin' in to.

AXracer...ya man...the girl is all up in this project!

This clears up our FIRST series of issuue so we can get rollin'...


THANX again...

 

We bought Gracie in NM and drove her across the country to NC to bring her home. She already had the manual front disks, a completely rebuilt 2" dropped axle and reversed eye lowering springs on her, along with a stock steering box with the ram assist PS setup.
My wife is a 2 time national autocross champion and we race 30-35 weekends a year, so she's a skilled and competent driver, and Gracie is actually her truck. By the time she had taken a couple of turns behind the wheel, she said that once we got home, the steering had to go, and power boost for the brakes were the first mods that needed to be done before she would even drive it again.
On the way out to NM to pick her up we discussed what IFS we were going to put in to replace the beam axle, but the ride, except for the steering was very comfortable so we decided not to change the axle or suspension.
that said, if a Jag IFS and IRS just happened to come along, that could change, but I don't think I would do just the front.

 

Does anyone here do the Mustang II IFS any longer? Is that too old a suspension, and how tough is it anyhow?