Thanks for comments. It has leaf spring setup, if I remember stock there is 10-12 pieces. I bought the truck a few years back, but have never driven it far as I tore interior out to replace dash, remove gas tank from under seat and while I had that out decided to replace the covered firewall and cab floors. Whoever the original original owner was did a great job on the rebuild of the body, engine(302) and trans(c4) and 12 bolt rear, but he did not touch the suspension other than add power steering, disc brakes on front and ladder bars on rear. The short drive I did take it was like sititng on a hay wagon, so that is why I have been exploring, a swap for front ifs and ranger spring set up for rear. There have been a lot of folks in the 50 era trucks that have used the Jag IFS successfully. Actually the fellow I bought it from was in Canada, but he acquired it from the US, I believe Michigan. I really appreciate the help, but I won't tie up this forum with my questions, but I will continue to follow along.
John

 

Post away! Im sure any questions you have will help someone else. Or a new idea might come up. I wasnt sure how stock your truck was, it sounds there is alot to gain from doing this swap. This would certainly open up another option for your style of truck instead of the mustang II, or Jag stuff.

 

Does anyone have any photos of there truck finished with the Crown Vic IFS in it? It would be nice to see how it looks after a 5 inch drop (kinda concerned that might be too much).Andy I look forward to seeing your progress, I think I will definitely seriously consider doing this on mine. I have a list of things already planned for next winter as I think this will be hopefully the only winter I drive it in. I think I would put this on my list for Jan 2012.

Maybe a 1 inch body lift would offset the 5 inch drop, anyone have any thoughts on that?

 

i saw a build on the other ford site that had the ifs mounted on the lower side of the frame. he welded 3x4 below the frame to keep it up higher. this is the way i'm going to go. i want to be able to use my truck as a truck sometimes, so i want the back end a little stronger than the irs would be.
gl
mark

 

Carcrafter has plenty of pics of his truck posted up. It looks great the way it sits. Its really not too much. I think hearing 5 inches and the first thought is low rider. This is by far not going to get you speed bump scraping low. Its just the right look IMHO for this truck. Adding another inch on top of the inch thick body bushings would kind of negate this whole look.

 

72-f100, thanks for the reply, your right 5 inches at first sounds like a lot but maybe it is not. I went to CarCrafter22's profile but can't see any pics posted do you have a link to them?

CarCrafter22 would like to see some pics of the finished product, let me know how I can see them if you are so inclined

Thanks

Mike

 

Mike, My 60 measured 16 inches from the ground to the frame just ahead of the front spring hanger. I am at 13 3/8 inches now. The truck will also be lower once I add the engine, trans, radiator support, front fenders and more. I have only 2 3/8 inches of drop now. This is great for me --- 5 inches will be to much for me. Is your frame / spring setup like my 60? You can check out my pictures on photobucket.com or my profile here a FTE. I hope this is a help.

 

Andy, I do believe our frame and spring setup is the same (if not it's pretty darn close). I saw your pics, nice work. Looking forward to watching your progress. As I said earlier I am looking two years out. Just go tmy truck 2 months ago and I'm just leraning what she's all about.

One thing I learned this mornig is she ain't got a spare. Thank good I bought that tire repair kit 10 years ago.

 

Start from page 60 and work your way to this page of this thread and start looking for the pics. they have been posted.

 

72 is correct the truck sits nice like it is. I am not into low riders but I am into lower sitting trucks (I call them sport trucks).

Here is my truck right now (its painted od green with a black top right now)

 

Thanks Guys, I appreciatte it. Apparently I can not see pics when I am at work (even on lunchtime). I will try looking at these this evening.

Again thanks for the follow-up

 

Carcrafter- what was the back spacing on those wheels? and are you still using the spacers/adapters?

 

I removed the front spacers but am still running the rear 1.25" spacers since that makes the IRS the same width as the IFS basicly.

I would have to remeasure them (im currently 1600 miles away though on buisness) but I think they have a +20mm offset.


I have decided to toss the IRS and install a 9.5" 14 bolt axle with a parrallel 4 link. I will be getting rid of the c clips by shortening the axle and installing ford big bearing housing ends, moser 33 spline axles, detroit tru trac and 3.42 gears, springs will be air bags. Going to the drag strip shooting for high 10's on the 4 banger

 

why get rid of the IRS? more strength?

 

More strength for sure. The IRS's can be put through some abuse, but it would meet its match against 1000 FT LB TQ. The axle shafts would snap, the diff cover would break.