I have a 47 Ford 1T full size delivery van. I am considering a Mustang II front end and maybe a 4-link rear suspension. Does anyone have any experience with such a mod?

Ed

 

Is it a one ton panel truck, or more like a big square milk or bread truck?

 

It is a 1 Ton truck, about 122" wheelbase with a 10 bolt free floating axel. It is a delivery van but not a delivery sedan if that makes sense. It is a lot taller than a bread truck. I'd post a picture but they want a URL

 

Just curious, but does it look like any of these? Lower left is a one ton panel truck, middle of page is a one ton pickup. Sounds like it's a one ton 'pickup' with a box on the back. If it's the one ton panel at the lower left, don't modify it... Sell it to me as is

 

Looks like the one in the upper right. Not for sale. I had a question about using a Mustang II suspension. Guess you don't have the answer.

 

Not really, just always wanted a one ton panel. I do however know quite a bit about the one ton fords. You mentioned the rear axle. Does your truck have 17" split rims? A 122" wheelbase? Full floating rear axle? Big 5 lug wheel pattern? ( I think it's 5 on 6.75 or 7.25, not 5 on 5.5) I'm thinking it's a one ton like the one on the lower left. I have way too many trucks already, so I was just half kidding. It IS april 1, btw. But really, in my opinion not a good candidate for the mustang 2 thing. Just too big and heavy for a small car front end. Then to match the little front lug pattern, you'd need a small car rear end to boot. It has larger than normal wheel openings in the fenders adding to the look of little wheels on a big truck. You will find it very difficult to find parts for or conversion pieces in regard to suspension, frame width etc. The big trucks are in a world of their own as far as anything aftermarket fitting up. Of course please do whatever you want to your panel truck, I always do with mine. That's what is great about this hobby. There is no right or wrong way to fix up an old truck. I've had folks here get on me about putting a diesel engine, later one ton rear axle and a gm tranny in my '59 ford one ton pickup. I rarely keep anything stock. Just be careful that your modifications will hold up under the weight of that beast. (all the above is based on you saying it had a 122" wheelbase, so to me that says 'one ton') But I've been wrong before. Best of luck with your project. Maybe someone will chime in that's got more experience than me with the mods you want to do.

 

Ok, I'm heading off to bed now, but I just thought about the crown vic front end swap that so many do on the slightly newer trucks. The CV is a lot heavier than the mustang 2 and it would still be all ford and have rack and pinion ps, pb with 12" ventilated discs and bolts to your existing frame as a whole complete unit. Of course if you got the rear end to match, you would be the same wheel pattern all around. Just stronger gear for your big truck my .02

 

Fat chance. I think you got the bases covered pretty well.

 

This, I think is a 1/2 T. Is you back end longer than this? I don't think the wheel openings are any larger than my 1/2T P/U.





My son is planning a Fatman Fabs IFS and '89-01 Explorer Rear (d4). I've got a Fatman IFS under my '47 PU and it's holding up a "built" GM 427 and a '69 Heavy-web 10-bolt GTO "Judge" *** (correct width ~ 59").

 

I have a 46 1.5 ton and plan on using a Chevy p30 chassis. You can also use a G30 Look at motorhomes, step vans and such. It will give you the IFS and a good geared rear end, good brakes, and easy to find parts for them as well. Just my 2 cents

 

Hes, yhou lastg poster. Right on, big truck cchassis.. I'm going tomsleep

 

sleep walking? wtf?

 

Wondered what was going on GB???

 

Without any doubt whatsoever, that is a half ton. Actually in your favor for the kind of mods you want to do...... OK, so here is my explanation for last nights message........ .. Married 25 years, 4 kids, wife ran off with widowed neighbor... I raise all the kids on my own. Now 3 are done with 4 years of college now, last one starting next year. Been 15 years single and tomorrow morning my girlfriend of 5 years and I are flying to Hawaii to get married . Her son and grandkids live there. Soooooo, last night a bunch of my island buddies of 35 years shanghaied me to the local pub and got me wasted, and like my kids say..." Dad, you aren't very good at this" (drinking)... So that's my story. Funny, it has been frozen here in time.. See you when I get back in two weeks. BTW, that is a really, really nice panel truck. I am jealous! Can't wait to follow the progress on FTE!!!

 

Hey GB - The picts were not of Ed's truck, but my son's. Just trying to help ID what he has. Have a great wedding!