If you had to choose what IFS to go with which one would you choose and why? I'm trying to decide what I want to use and wanted to get some opinions first. Also I might go with the Jag front end if I can find out how to install and what year works with a 52 F-1.

 

I personally used the late 70's Chrysler Cordoba front end. Has the torsion bars that run parallel to the frame rails. Adjustable ride height with the turn of a wrench to a certain extent. I purchased the pre-fabbed crossmember from Gibbon Fiberglass and a 77 Cordoba front end out of a junk yard. Had the front end and disc's completely rebuilt before installing it in my 55 f100. I am into it for about $900 all together, not counting the dual master cylinder and brake booster from CPP. So far no installation issues. I do not have the truck up and running yet, so i cant tell you how it rides yet Hoping next spring will be the first drive.

 

I like Heidts MMII kit, but the Jag guys will be here in an English minute

From the steering and suspension section–all 12 parts of our front suspension series;

Links at post # 12;

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-articles.html

 

A number of us have installed the Jag IFS. The best years are the Series 3 XJ-6 or XJ-12 which are 1979-1986 if I remember correctly. There are pics in my gallery of my installation. The Jag IFS can be purchased readily for $200 to $400 typically and rebuild parts are not significantly higher than for an american car. The fit in the F-1 is excellent. Do a search on the forum for Jag IFS to read old posts.

 

how hard is it to put in the Jag IFS. Do you have to fabricate a lot of parts to get it to fit right or does it almost just bolt up?

 

There is no true bolt in but the Jag is about as close as you will find.
You have to fabricate upper shock mounts (see my gallery for photos). If you choose to soft mount the crossmember, you will also need to fabricate front mounts. Others have pics of their front mounts, I have not completed mine. They are a very staightforward fabrication. You will also need to fab steering shaft to get from the steering column of your choice to the pinion on the Jag Rack and pinion. If your skill set does not include fabrication, having a qualified rod shop install a MII is psrobably the best route. IMHO there is more fab work to weld in a MII than the Jag setup however qualified rod shops will have expereince with the MII.

 

I have a jag setup i my '48. I actually welded it in! Is it still a mo fo to post pics here? I can send some to ya if you would like to see. Just give me an email addy. Welding it in has some benenfits (to be honest not many....it is lower still tho!) But I think it looks pretty cool and I dont have to worry about the z coupler. Lets face it there are sooo many options but I couldnt be happier with the setup!

 

I am planning to use a MII X-member and then putting in Ride Tech strong arms and shockwaves. I like the design and hope the ride will be good with the air springs.

 

I have a Fatman's MII cross member with the Ride Tech strong arms and shock waves, I used the Fatman's sway bar and rack.
It's a great ride and handels really well.

 

A lot depends on your budget and where you live. There are no Jags in salvage yards here in northern New Hampshire. I seldom even see one on the road. The venerable Volare torsion bar is a great suspension for someone on a budget. It's cheap, easy to install, and they were made up to 1989. If money is not a problem then the aftermarket Mustang II suspensions are good...

 

I've been eying a bolt in ifs from Bob's F100's for about a year. It seems a little more pricey, but I'm drawn to the bolt in feature. Since it doesn't seem to use backing plates, I wonder if it won't twist the frame. So far I don't know if it has failed in use yet or not. I do a search from time to time, but I haven't gotten any new results. Here is a link to a magazine article:

1953 Ford F100 Bolt On IFS - Custom Classic Trucks Magazine

 

If you're at all interested in the Chrysler torsion bar suspension that JRMack mentioned, then you should send me a PM so we can chat. I've got the same kit along with all the donor car parts to install it. The direction of my project has changed and I won't be using it.

 

another fella on here got me started twitching to do something different to my 53 even though it is an almost original survivor . well mytbgtk aka larry , used an entire mn12 thunderbird { 90-97 } suspension in his bonus built . well i just happen to have a 91 bird v8 sport sitting here for parts , it was free , for my 95 and geuss whats going under my 53 now ............... it'll be a flatty powered effie'n' bird ........... these cars are everywhere and my 95 v8 { 4.6 } cost me $200 and like i said the 5.0 powered 91 was free . if all goes well anyone on here be looking for a good frame with an 8.8 diff to go in it a { the frame will be a roller } spare front axle , all sorts of new parts such as king pins , extended rear shackles , the v-8 engine x member , blah blah , the parts and peices i've gathered for the front homemade disc conversion , well i might just have one to sell to make the other half happy .........................

 

I installed my jag ifs in one weekend, except for upper shock mounts. It really is as easy as we say. Check my gallery to see my install, and run a search. There's tons of info here on which jag to buy, how to install etc.

 

I went with No Limit Wide Ride IFS. I like the geometry and the way the lower control arms are positioned along with a a full 7'' of travel, I will start installation once I can get an old x member out the po installed.