IFS weight cap.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: eastern shore, md
IFS weight cap.
Am planning on installing a diesel in a 54 panel truck. I would like an IFS as it will be a daily driver. Does anyone have an idea what sys would work without cutting off frame. Is a custom IFS based Must. 2 too light. Engine weight alone will be around 800# + 4L80 trans. Thanks
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Kansas City area
You might give Industrial Chassis, Inc. in Phoenix a call. They offer a Dakota IFS for the F100 and claim it is heavy duty. I would think they would know if their setup would handle your engine weight. Heidts is another manufacturer of M-II setups that should be able to answer that question.
Industrial Chassis number is 602-278-6800
Industrial Chassis number is 602-278-6800
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Westminster,Md
You didn't mention which diesel , I suppose you've already got the tape measure out and have some idea what your looking for?
These ol trucks are front-heavy, most 'new ' suspensions , move the axle centerline fwd 1.25 to 1.50 inches , that centers the front wheel in the fender opening , also helps distribute that weight a little better.
BTW..Welcome to FTE!! A good place to find good info!
Do a thread search on diesel engine installs, several of them have been done !
These ol trucks are front-heavy, most 'new ' suspensions , move the axle centerline fwd 1.25 to 1.50 inches , that centers the front wheel in the fender opening , also helps distribute that weight a little better.
BTW..Welcome to FTE!! A good place to find good info!
Do a thread search on diesel engine installs, several of them have been done !
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Kansas City area
Mechmagcn is putting a Mercedes diesel in his truck. You might check out his gallery and send him a PM. I dont recall if he is changing the front suspension. Oh, and welcome to FTE. https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...?userid=308002
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Marion,Iowa
are you concerned about the componets such as control arms or mounting points or just suspension load...beacuse a reg. v8 with full fluids isnt all that much lighter than the diesel is it ? maybe a 2-3 hundred pounds...so if thats the case you might be able to just upgrade the springs/shocks on say a MII kit to handle the load...and are you planning on hauling alot of weight ?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: eastern shore, md
Thanks for the info. I have talked to a couple of hot rod shops around here. Of course they say there is not a problem. What they want to put in ,to me look awfully weak. I can't recall who made them but they were Must. 2 style.
What I am looking at is either a 4BT or a 6.5 TD with mech. injection. I thought of going with a 7.3 IDI but the weight might be an issue as well as performance part availability. I want to keep it as simple as possible.
I won't be carrying a lot of weight but am planning on getting a camper to tow behind it.
What I am looking at is either a 4BT or a 6.5 TD with mech. injection. I thought of going with a 7.3 IDI but the weight might be an issue as well as performance part availability. I want to keep it as simple as possible.
I won't be carrying a lot of weight but am planning on getting a camper to tow behind it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
While the Dakota suspension may handle the weight but the real question is for how long? I have a feeling that the diesel will make it eat balljoints due to the extra weight being forced on the components. Another thing is you will need custom springs as the 318 didn't weight anywhere near 800 lbs.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Westminster,Md
Sounds like a cool project , the towing capacity of your frame/ suspension , will probably dictate your choice, ..
Just thinking ahead, adjustable air-bags may be an option,
I would ask this forum for advise on the frontsuspension..with a / tow pkg
But then again, I'm a overkill kinda person.
Just thinking ahead, adjustable air-bags may be an option,
I would ask this forum for advise on the frontsuspension..with a / tow pkg
But then again, I'm a overkill kinda person.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Harpswell Maine
The Jaguar xj 12 front suspension handles the kind of weights that you are looking at. The only difference between the xj 6 and the xj 12 is slightly stiffer springs in the xj 12. (note-the XJ 12 is a 12 cylinder engine). I am just finishing the reassembly after painting my XJ 6 front suspension for Willard, my 49. The jaguar factory manual states a gross front axle weight of 2370# for the xj 6 and 2580# for the xj 12. The curb (kerb) weights are 4044# and 4265 respectively. The upper and lower contol arms are all forged components. The steering is rack and pinion and ther brakes ar 4 piston 11+ inch vented disks. All of the above is why I went Jag. That should be more than you will need.
Note- I am setting up Willard to tow up to 5000#.
Note- I am setting up Willard to tow up to 5000#.