1956 F100 Frontend swap question
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
1956 F100 Frontend swap question
I was wondering if someone might be able to answer a quick question. I just pickup a 1956 F100 that I am looking to restore. I see a lot of people use the Lincoln or Crown Vic suspension as a viable option. I found a thread on here named "Front Suspension Alternatives for 1948-1956 Ford trucks" It mentions that the 1980-1991 Lincoln will work. My question is are those the only year Lincoln that will work? Will a 2003 Lincoln work? I have an option to pickup a nice one from a 2003, but I am concerned it might not fit properly.
Thanks
Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 129
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
I need to read that so that we both talking about the same thing and not going down rabbit holes.
Would you please send me a copy of that specific link or the link? Thanks.
(See EBEAR I can be nice!)
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,792
From: Burbank, WA
I was wondering if someone might be able to answer a quick question. I just pickup a 1956 F100 that I am looking to restore. I see a lot of people use the Lincoln or Crown Vic suspension as a viable option. I found a thread on here named "Front Suspension Alternatives for 1948-1956 Ford trucks" It mentions that the 1980-1991 Lincoln will work. My question is are those the only year Lincoln that will work? Will a 2003 Lincoln work? I have an option to pickup a nice one from a 2003, but I am concerned it might not fit properly.
Thanks
Thanks
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 10
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@Old F1 Here is the link from here that I am referring to. It is an 11 part series. Thx https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...cks-part-four/
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,795
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From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
@Old F1 Here is the link from here that I am referring to. It is an 11 part series. Thx https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...cks-part-four/
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 10
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haha, no worries. I understand how it goes. I am in the research phase of my build. I am in the middle of getting my paint booth spray foamed as I type. I still have to finish trimming it out and getting everything ready to start working on things. So I have time. Thx for the assistance.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: australia
If you look on the forum you will find information on fitting a jaguar front suspension .
I have fitted 3 so far to 53 - 56 f100's and wouldn't fit anything else .
I have fitted 3 so far to 53 - 56 f100's and wouldn't fit anything else .
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 208
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
I was wondering if someone might be able to answer a quick question. I just pickup a 1956 F100 that I am looking to restore. I see a lot of people use the Lincoln or Crown Vic suspension as a viable option. I found a thread on here named "Front Suspension Alternatives for 1948-1956 Ford trucks" It mentions that the 1980-1991 Lincoln will work. My question is are those the only year Lincoln that will work? Will a 2003 Lincoln work? I have an option to pickup a nice one from a 2003, but I am concerned it might not fit properly.
Thanks
Thanks
I contributed a bit of that detail in the suspension alternatives back then. A 1980 - 2002 Ford Crown Vic, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Towncar all have the same front suspension. In 92' the lower control arms changed some. This front suspension is a clip. Meaning you have to cut off your suspension at the firewall and graft in the FOMOCO front suspension. In 03' FOMOCO went to the aluminum suspension you speak of that is often bolted into later vehicles especially of the 67-79 Ford F100 era trucks. FOMOCO used this front suspension, 03-11 model, commonly known as Panther Platform, in the Grand Marquis, Crown Victorias, and Towncar until the demise of the Rear Wheel Drive Sedan by FOMOCO in 2011. I don't know much about this front end in 100% stock form but I did see a 1956 F100 at the F100 show last month in Pigeon that used a narrowed crossmember that would accept all stock parts of the 03-11 era except the rack and pinion. You have to use a 1996 Lincoln Mark 8 rack and pinion. The owner raved about it's ride and handling characteristics. Let me know if I can help you any.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 208
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
I have heard very good things about the Jaguar IFS ALSO. It fits the 53-56 OEM stock chassis well and has good ride and performance. IF
Black 56' with a company called Team321's Narrowed crossmember that uses 03-11 FOMOCO suspension parts with exception to the rack and pinion. Narrowed crossmember necessitates the need to use a 1996 Lincoln Mark 8 rack. Silver 56' has a Jaguar Front suspension. i believe the years of factory application was 86ish to about 92. Jag is very good suspension I'm told.
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2012
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Thx @tacson and @seaves46 ,
It sounds like the 03' might be extra work to make it fit properly. I do not mind having to cut my old suspension out. I have a full shop and can do any of the mods needed. The problem I am running into is there are soooo many posts and it seems everyone sort of has their own opinion on what is best. There does not seem to be any one solution that works best. haha I do plan to do all the stock chassis mods (i.e. boxing, stiffening, etc.) so cutting to make something fit should not be an issue. I do plan to do a Coyotte swap so I want to keep that in mind and want the best ride for the HP. Also I would like to use bags/air ride to lower it on demand.
Seaves46 - Are there specific year/models I should look for on the Jaguar? What type of mods to the stock frame would I be looking to do? And can they handle the HP and bags?
Thanks
It sounds like the 03' might be extra work to make it fit properly. I do not mind having to cut my old suspension out. I have a full shop and can do any of the mods needed. The problem I am running into is there are soooo many posts and it seems everyone sort of has their own opinion on what is best. There does not seem to be any one solution that works best. haha I do plan to do all the stock chassis mods (i.e. boxing, stiffening, etc.) so cutting to make something fit should not be an issue. I do plan to do a Coyotte swap so I want to keep that in mind and want the best ride for the HP. Also I would like to use bags/air ride to lower it on demand.
Seaves46 - Are there specific year/models I should look for on the Jaguar? What type of mods to the stock frame would I be looking to do? And can they handle the HP and bags?
Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 129
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
Hi, I started looking in to this but it is a much bigger can of worms then I expected. A lot will depend on you ability and your budget.
Can you weld, frame modifications and sub-frame installs are not easy and if done wrong it will be unusable
Some of the info in the alternates article written in 2005 (19 years ago) about 1980 Donner cars (44 years old) is out of date now and they would need new parts, ball joints, bushings and tie rod ends if even available and will be costly. I find it interesting that to use the newer Crown Vic cross-member a narrowed aftermarket one is required ($ 3000?) and that confirms that the CV is too wide and kind of defeats the purpose of any cost savings.
Nothing against the Jag but know little about it. I have done many mustang two type installs that required welding but I think there are some expensive bolt in ones.
The MII is just a name, they are designed similar to the original mustang two car but they are manufactured new and better now and made for your vehicle. The cheap imported kits are not that good so consider USA made ones. All things considered I think the MII kit is the best option for you.
.
Can you weld, frame modifications and sub-frame installs are not easy and if done wrong it will be unusable
Some of the info in the alternates article written in 2005 (19 years ago) about 1980 Donner cars (44 years old) is out of date now and they would need new parts, ball joints, bushings and tie rod ends if even available and will be costly. I find it interesting that to use the newer Crown Vic cross-member a narrowed aftermarket one is required ($ 3000?) and that confirms that the CV is too wide and kind of defeats the purpose of any cost savings.
Nothing against the Jag but know little about it. I have done many mustang two type installs that required welding but I think there are some expensive bolt in ones.
The MII is just a name, they are designed similar to the original mustang two car but they are manufactured new and better now and made for your vehicle. The cheap imported kits are not that good so consider USA made ones. All things considered I think the MII kit is the best option for you.
.
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2012
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Thanks @Old F1 for the info. I have done a good bit of C-Notches and bag on different newer cars/trucks. So welding and fabricating is not an issue. I mainly am looking for best performance and what will work best for air ride / bags and can handle the Coyote swap. I do not mind the work as this is a project and expected.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 3,650
Likes: 816
From: Swan River Valley M.B Can
Oldf1 is exactly right . First of all the age of posts has a bearing on things , as what was available-accepted even 10 years ago has moved on . The jag seems to be the best low buck salvage option but again a no longer used system that will need rebuilding with parts that will become harder to find if they can be found now and limited modification options . There is also the flat out engineering corvette swap kits which involve a fair bit of measuring -welding but give you a great option for a performance suspension with allot of upgrade and rear diff options available . Buying a complete c4 vette would give you virtually everything you need as far as suspension and brakes . The initial shock of buying a complete m11 based front end kit brakes and all customized to your needs from the same builder will save you time and headaches . jmho
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
For the Jag swap (highly recommended), IRS caged or uncaged can be used as well with some more work. Donor is any Jag sedan with ROUND headlights. Suspension changed with the change to square headlights.