ok guys im new here, and need a little help. so far im off to a good start. i have a 51 ford f-1 great shape lil rust but still a good truck. i already have a 351w, fmx trans, 9 inch out of a 70 model f100, and a good stock mustang II front end. ok my question is what do i need to do to get the suspension in my truck. its clear of all sheet metal wondering what i need to cut or if i can even use the stock x member. or if you can sent me a link will some info that could help. thanks guys.

 

The stock crossmember won't work. It's too narrow. You can use the spindles, and possibly the tie rod ends (if they're in good shape), but the rotors, calipers, and upper/lower control arms are inadequate for a truck. You will need aftermarket replacements for those. The 351, FMX, and 9 inch are all good...

 

Welcome to the site!

Hummm? I have done three projects with the stock cross members, (not f1), so let’s start with do you have the stock cross member out of the mustang II yet?

If so, you know that it has about 1000 spot welds that have to be cut/drilled out, hard work. If you don’t have it out yet, stop, and buy an aftermarket one, it’s just not worth it because the stock cross member also has to be notched to fit the frame and then aligned in the frame within caster adjustment limits. There are no templates that I know of. GreatNorth is right in that it is too narrow, the aftermarket cross members are a two piece design, the center section holds the lower A arm and the top hat section that mounts the upper A arm, they are welded separately with templates and extends the front track. Extensions on the rack connect to the tie rod ends to make up for the increased track.

I respectfully disagree with GreatNorth about the strength factor though, in that one of the stock cross members projects was on a 1946 full sized panel (truck frame) with stock MII suspension parts that I drove for two years and sold to a old house restaurant that has used it as a mobile advertising vehicle for the last 10 years with no problems. The ones in the economy kits are stamped steel and look like the stock ones.

Picture proof available upon request.

 

Hey, as long as it's respectful!

I also had a couple of street rods years ago with stock crossmembers and upper and lower control arms but that was before the aftermarket started making replacment parts a heckova lot stronger than the original parts. Original parts are okay under a light street rod like a model 'A' or 32 Ford but I would not use them under a 3500-4000 pound truck.

 

I have to agree with GNW. I would start looking for a 1984-87 Jag SJ6 or XJS front suspension and crossmember. It's nearly a bolt in swap in an F1, a far superior design and was used in a vehicle that has almost identical front end and total weight, so the strength, brakes, steering, springs, swaybar etc is ideal as is, no beefed up aftermarket replacement parts needed.