Suspension Swap
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Brandon MS
Suspension Swap
I dont want to beat a dead horse with this one but just wondering what the easiest install is for IFS on my 54 F1. Also keeping in mind im on a budget. Cant go drop over two grand on billet bolt ons.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Three of the easier and inexpensive IFS's for your 54 would be a Volare, Jaguar, or Aerostar. The MII is also relatively easy but will be more bucks. Following that you have Ford clips (older LTD or Crown Vic) or GM clips (Monte Carlo, Nova, Camaro). I probably left a few out. Take your choice... 
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Since you posed the question as what was "easiest", that would have to be one of the MII IFS kits. Not sure how much of a budget you're on but keep in mind that if you choose to go with a less-costly car IFS that you will more than likely incur some sizable expenses in the process of refurbishing the brakes, steering, and suspension components. If $2K is the number then TCI, Fatman's, Heidt's, or any number of other vendors offer an IFS kit for well under that amount.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Brandon MS
Just curious are there any books on chopping and splicing frames like this? I have a lot of mechanical skill but never performed any custom work like that. I was a professional mechanic for a few years and grew up around my fathers auto repair business.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
There have been a number of articles done on the subject by various car and truck magazines but I have not seen any book per se. These MII IFS kits are fabricated such that, once the crossmember is positioned and welded in place, the rest is a bolt on. No frame mods or clips to weld on. I installed a Corvette ZR1 front clip onto my 50 Merc and for me it was just a matter of setting the ride height of the frame, adjusting the position of the clip for the proper wheelbase, and then doing the necessary welding and bracing to graft the two sections together.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 28
From: manitoba
the chepest way but more complicated is to buy a running low mileage crown vic, use the front and rear suspension, engine, wiring harnesses, steering column all fit!, this is the route i went to save$$$, bought a low mileage vic for $500.00.
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 879
Likes: 40
From: Colorado Springs /Mesa AZ
My 80 XJ6 Jag cost me $175.00 and the steel cost about $20.00. I think for the F1 this is the easest Ifs to install. If you want check out my gallery I have oics on the install.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,976
Likes: 0
From: At the Station
Just finished the article. Very interesting.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,976
Likes: 0
From: At the Station
Do the search thing in the forum and it gives you advantages and disadvantages of most ifs installs