They say that the '98 and '99 LS1s are absolutely the worst strength- wise and mucho computer problems. So if it is one of those; I'd think twice about it. Also you will need a gas tank, high volume fuel pump, fuel line, motor mount adaptors, possibly a new oil pan for clearance, has the ECM been flashed, has the Wiring Harness been altered for different application, new Drive shaft, Exhaust issues, Steering clearance, Air filter plumbing , + ???.....not to discourage you; but $$$$$.
Good luck ...it's yours; do want ya want.

 

Well it's yours so do what you want with it. I don't know about the LS1 but I have a LT1 with 700R4 in my 51 and love it, wouldn't trade it for anything, runs extremely well and gets 22mpg so let them say what they want to and ask them how much they drive theirs, I DRIVE mine everywhere, good luck, Garry

 

It's your truck, do it your way. I even put a Mercedes diesel in mine, so don't worry about these guys, just don't ask questions about the engine or the swap As for the IFS, why not put one from a large Ford car? I have a clip from a 87 Town Car and love it. Used the rear-end, master cylinder and proportioning valve from the TC and have one of the most balanced brake systems I could ask for.

 

Being a Ford in a Ford guy, my choice would be a Ford engine. Having said that, yes it is a great deal, but in the long run, the chevy mill with computer etc will be much more work and money to adapt to your truck than to fix the 351. As far as the IFS, the camaro clip will work but grafting it into your frame will look messy no matter how skilled you are. I'd get the Mustang II kit. Works great and made for your frame for a professional look but more importantly the front alignment geometry will function correctly. A camero graft will throw off the geometry of the front suspension causing alignment problems and more adapting and money to get it right. Doing it right the first time saves time and $$$

 

Until 2008 Ford owned Jaguar

Do you know much about clevelands? They are awesome, getting expensive and getting very hard to find, not to mention that it's a Ford engine. Whereas the Ls1's, made by GM (generally mediocre) have many shortcomings already mentioned in this thread. If it were me i'd make the trade and sell or part out the Ls1 for extra money for the Ford.

Why do people in these threads always say, "don't listen to these guys" or "build it the way you want it, not the way we want it" Didn't he specifically ask us what we would do? Maybe i'm missing the point of these threads entirely...

 

My comments regarding the clip have nothing to do with it being a chevy part, and everything to do with the things zoot mentioned above, plus a few others.

Installing them correctly, which includes safely, with correct geometry, ride height where you want it, etc., is difficult and rarely done properly. Since all the front end sheet metal is assembled off the front of the frame via the core support, cutting off the front half of the frame loses that positioning. Now you have to try and locate the sweet spot again or else your body will never fit right.

The clip is also extremely heavy for what it is, so you're adding even more useless nose weight to a vehicle with an already extreme front weight bias. You may think you're saving money, but it could cost you a fortune in the long run. And if you're comparing costs, be sure you're comparing apples to apples.

When pricing an aftermarket suspension kit, you are getting all brand new parts. Brakes, bearings, bushings, control arms, steering, nuts and bolts, it's all there. Plus instructions, too. Factor into the cost of your clip rebuilding the control arms, replacing the calipers and rotors, wheel bearings and seals, rebuilding or replacing the steering box. Tie rods, ball joints, the list goes on and on. These parts on your clip are 30-40 years old and will likely be very worn and need replaced. I'll bet I just spent at least a grand or more for you.

And I won't go into the asthetic factor that zoot mentioned, since that is subjective and as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But I've never seen a pretty clip job. And pretty equals resale value.

Regarding your rear end question, the most economical way to get rear discs is with the 8.8 Explorer rear.

 

Depending on your vision for wheels, the 2000+ crown vic suspension is becoming quite popular (I don't think prices have gone through the roof for one yet, lol). No "real" cutting of the frame, and lowers it at the same time. Just that the offset of the wheels is a kicker, especially if you want wheels that look traditional. Another odd option is the Aerostar front end. Explorer 8.8 is beefier than Mustang 8.8's, and is a good fit. Look for later 90's for disc brake options. I suggest you read the front and rear suspension options articles here: Front Suspension Alternatives for 1948 - 1960 Ford Trucks, Part One .: Articles towards the bottom are related articles, and you can keep clicking from one page to another. There's like 11 or 12 altogether.

As for the engine, I will gladly take the Cleveland off your hands if Tim doesn't beat me to it, lol. I see nothing wrong with the LS1, except as noted about the extra stuff needed. Axracer has a nice set-up in his '56 panel truck, and he would be worth asking about how his works. Good luck, and welcome to FTE!

 

Put a ford in a ford! Just my 2 cents....


Lance

 

I agree with them,i would make the trade & keep the 351 in the truck-sell
the LS1 & use the money on the truck-I still like a ford in a ford

 

what isn't being said is that Jag wasnt bought by Ford until late 1988. Most of the clips that are being used are from earlier cars that had nothing to do with Ford.
The other side of this is that it is a nice front suspension setup, better than the Camaro though, nope.
Havi brings up a WONDERFUL option and one that I would probably look real closely at if I hadnt already got a front suspension setup. A friend is doing a CV clip on a diff body style f100 and its great.


As for the engine, you have two great engines to play with, a LS1 and a 351c. Fact of the matter is, whichever choice you make for the f100, you cant go wrong. Hows that for decision making!!!


PS, if you need to ditch that ls1, I have a GM project that could use it!

 

True that.

 

I got an Ls1 in the corner of my shop waiting on me to put it in my 53. But my truck was in such bad shape when I got it that even the guys that go all original couldnt be mad at me! Good luck on what ever you decide.

 

Sell the Chevy stuff to a Gm enthusiast and use the money to build the Ford. No use in being practical on a hobby truck. If you needed to throw something together for a work truck or a money maker then fastest, quickest, whatever works. I personally plan on keeping the flathead in my 52.

 

As much as I'm all ford, it's your truck man so do with it as you want. I dont mean any disrespect by that, there are alot of old fords with chevy motors in them. Ford motors aren't cheap to build. I'm almost done with my 289, its stock no hyping it up or anything like that and I have close to $4500.00 in it. So if your looking for it to be cheaper to work on stick with the chevy...lol

 

I gotta say I'm with the majority here...IF

...the Cleveland is physically installed, all mounts are finished, a tranny is in there, and the driveshaft is cut and fits. Once these are finished, you're golden. Run a compression test to see where you're at, and get it running. Ask your friend if he'd be offended if not, make the trade and sell off the GM parts. Use the money from the GM parts to get whatever stuff you need to finish the Ford. It's a win/win!

Now, if the above isn't finished, and you're going to have to fabricate mounts and a driveshaft either way. I might give the LS1 a bit more thought, maybe. I got some GM lovin' friends that would give me load of crap if I did though.