50 F1 dropped axle and 351W
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New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12
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From: Southwest Iowa
50 F1 dropped axle and 351W
Hello!
I have a 50 Ford F1 in completely stock condition, never been apart. The old flathead is tired and the front end it worn out. I started looking at Mustang II IFS but then noticed the dropped axle and leaf spring options, allowing me to use a 351W motor that I have with parts from CPP. These guys look like they have everything I need for affordable prices. I want to do most of the work with my 16 year old son instead of paying some streetrod expert to do all the work for me installing an IFS. Anyone have experience with this job or any advice you can give me? They also have disc brake kits and power steering.
For info, I also plan to install a 9 inch rear out of a Galaxy and either an auto or 4 speed manual transmission.I want to drop both the front and rear at least 3 inches. I dont need power steering, but would like the option if I want to install it later. I also dont need rear disc brakes. This is going to be a drivable street rod, not a race truck. I would also like to haul a motorcycle, under 500 lbs at times, so am wondering if air bag suspension would do any good. Thanks for any info!
Scott Glenwood, Iowa
I have a 50 Ford F1 in completely stock condition, never been apart. The old flathead is tired and the front end it worn out. I started looking at Mustang II IFS but then noticed the dropped axle and leaf spring options, allowing me to use a 351W motor that I have with parts from CPP. These guys look like they have everything I need for affordable prices. I want to do most of the work with my 16 year old son instead of paying some streetrod expert to do all the work for me installing an IFS. Anyone have experience with this job or any advice you can give me? They also have disc brake kits and power steering.
For info, I also plan to install a 9 inch rear out of a Galaxy and either an auto or 4 speed manual transmission.I want to drop both the front and rear at least 3 inches. I dont need power steering, but would like the option if I want to install it later. I also dont need rear disc brakes. This is going to be a drivable street rod, not a race truck. I would also like to haul a motorcycle, under 500 lbs at times, so am wondering if air bag suspension would do any good. Thanks for any info!
Scott Glenwood, Iowa
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 765
Likes: 4
From: Fairmount, Georgia
As for the drop front axle I can't help you. I have the same plan for my 48 but I am a long way from it. For the rest of the mods you are planning, have you looked in the Articles/Specs section that is listed at the top of the page? There are excellent articles on lowering suspension and diffs. I have found that there aren't as many 48 - 50 guys here as there are 53 - 56 guys but I'm sure someone has a better answer for what you are looking for.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
If you can weld you can do the IFS yourself. Look into a Volare or Jag for the easiest installation. I have done the Volare myself and if I can do it you can too. I know the Volare will get you 3-4 inches lower. If you plan on any serious cruising or daily driving I'd go with the IFS for the improved handling and ride. An IFS will also give you power steering and disc brakes without resorting to kits. 
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Co. Fl.
Funny my story is the same 16y/o and everything except mines a 48 F2 I've been waiting for my axel and disc brake kit from CCP for about a month. I've replaced all bushings in the front and rebuilt the streering box. I'm also waiting for lower rear shackes and removed 4 leafs. Theres anther company called NPD National Parts Depot lots of stock ford parts good luck this forum will help ya git er done
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
well i just got one thing to say about the IFS VS Straight axle thing, I drive a Jeep Grand wagoneer with a soild front axle (D44 to be percise) and so does almost all 4wd jeep owners as well as 4wd F-250, F-350, Ram 2500 , 3500 and early ram 1500's as well. Doesnt seem to bother me much in my jeep or any of the owners of the aboved mentioned vehicals. Straight axles are not old technology thats isnt used anymore becuase of ride quality they are not as soft as alot of others but in a truck thats slamed to the ground most pepole would not be able to tell the diffrence casue the ride is going to be stiff any way unless its done with air ride of course. now there will be some bump steer but a well set up power sterring system will hide alot of it. thats just my 2 cents
I say go for the straight axle im going to on my 51.
I say go for the straight axle im going to on my 51.
Last edited by rodbuildingfool; May 1, 2007 at 03:57 PM.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12
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From: Southwest Iowa
Ok, thanks for the advice. Im going to used a dropped axle and rebuild the rest of the stock front end. I cant use the 351W with the Mustang II IFS and thats what I want to use. Im going to shop around for the dropped axle. I cant weld but I still want to box the frame in the front so I'll have a buddy do that for me. Good advice on the long wait time from CPP, I appreciate it.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12
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From: Southwest Iowa
Well now someone told me I CAN use the 351W with the mustang II IFS. I just need to get a different oil pan and oil pickup. I'm still going with the dropped axle, new springs, tie rod extensions and shocks and hardware. Anyone have any experience with the Posie 2 leaf front springs? I guess the mono springs get bad reviews. A hotrod shop told me I dont need to box the frame rails in the front if I install the 351W unless I have some big meats on the back and really step on it. He said the 50 F1 was already pretty sturdy and was built like a real truck. He also said the weight diff between the 239 flathead was about the same as the 351. Since I dont plan on drag racing my truck, I kind of agree with him, just because its another thing I dont have to get welded.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 907
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City, Mo
Drop axle
There is a drop axle for sale on ebay.1948 ford pickup, 1949 ford pickup or 1950 ford pickup.I don't remember which one. Have a great day, chuck
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