There a lot of post about changing out the front axles for IFS this seems like a lawful lot of work for what you would gain.My panel has the stock Axel with the Toyota power box,I put new king pins ,tie rod ends, king pins ,and a heavy duty solid tie rod.Also spring bushings where replaced.I am very happy with the ride and handling I have.The brakes where replaced with power disks also.I can't see how the work of cutting a frame and replacing it with another front clip could make that much difference.Is it ?

 

Yep, it is, but only if you want or need to, first its not necessary to cut your old frame with some installations, (MM II) the old suspension is removed and new pieces are welded to your old frame, small difference but repairable (with difficulty) if necessary.
Now the reasons for doing so, power disc brakes, rack and pinion power steering, and independent front suspension all with ONE modification, and if IFS is not a real necessity for uneven roads it is for sure a creature comfort, which is why all new cars and small TRUCKS (even 4 x 4) come with it.

 

the gain all depends on your expecataions and what you are trying to accomplish with the change.

is the ride going to be improved, yes. enough to justify the extra work if you are satisfied with what you have right now, no. you are never going to get a modern ride quality with a front suspension change, but it will be a noticeable improvement over the solid axle ride. the solid axle is always going to transmit a bump from one wheel to the other changing its contact patch while on an IFS front suspension, the effect is nearly elimanated to some degree.

there are a lot of kits out there that don't require the cutting off of the frame. lots of weld in and bolt in place crossmember kits that use either the MII, Dodge Dakota, Volare suspension components and steering to modernize the front end. there is also the Jag front clip that is in essence a complete bolt on suspension to make it even easier to a point. cutting a frame and welding on a different clip is old school and unless you are a real good welder and fabricator, i would recommend not goin that route. seen way too many hack jobs that were just way too dangerous to drive.

mostly people go to IFS front suspensions to get a lower stance than possible even with dropped axles and still maintain a decent ride and steering.

so it really all depends on what your expectations are as far as use of truck, ride quality, etc as if it is worth it or not. in your case, i would probably say no as it seems you did a lot of upgrades and rebuilds on your stock suspension and are happy with it as is.

rgds
Mike

 

Because we can !!!

 

We did a custom weld in IFS on our 56 F100 - similar to Heidts Superide suspension using
coil over adjustable shocks and have been completely satisfied with the ride and handeling.. a little on the expensive side but wanted to have a good daily driver, and it turned out to be a great highway cruiser.

 

Maybe after 56 years of upstate NY roads ,these northeast Ga roads are spoilling me.No pot holes or frost heaves,might be the difference.

 

Yep. Roads up where I live require a good suspension and some height, lol. The cost in rebuilding a stock front suspension is near that of an IFS. To each their own I s'pose. Personally I like the bouncing around in the cab....makes me feel like it's an old truck.

 

Not trying to hijack this thread but seeing it is on the subject of suspensions I was wondering if someone could direct me to the thread about the crown vic front suspension swap.I have access to a mid 90's cv and was wondering if this was the right year to do a swap for a 56, if so I my have to hoard some parts for a future project. I have tried the search to no avail. Thanks.
John

 

Here you go John...

CLICK HERE

Later Man...

 

56panel as soon as I can get my galleries working I have some pics of a 96 CV IFS and Rear end done up in a 56 Frame. Will post later

 

is this your next project tacson?? looks like the 96 clip is easier to blend in than the 89 clip into the truck frame, looks really good!!

 

No I was out to my friend who has taught me all I know about FOMOCO clips and this was a frame he just finished for a customer for his 56' BW. Here are more photos of the CV rear end being used