I decided to use the stock frame but I want to change the front end to disc brakes and different lug pattern so I can run 15" wheels! I also want to change the rear end and drive shaft to match the front bolt pattern! What would work out the best and does anyone make a kit for my truck and where could I find it? Or if anyone has done this please tell me how and what you all had to do! This is my first resotomod I will keep all the original parts so it would be returned back if wanted! Please any info would be very appriciated sorry for the spelling!

 

I forgot to mention I am going with a 302 and C4 trans with a shift kit if that makes a difference!

 

Check out Fatman fabrications. They make Mustang II front ends.

 

What other places can I find original and aftermarket parts other than Mac antique parts?

 

here is my vin 699y 1275424

 

We are in the same boat here. Mac's is the only source that I have found for 42- 47 Ford Truck parts. I have a 46 1.5 ton and I want to go the same route. Measure your rear axle flange to flange and go to salvage yards and find a late model with disc brakes that will fit. Check into Fatmans they couldn't help me out with anything current, but where willing to try and fab something if I had the bucks, so they should have something that would fit. You might loose the 1 ton cap. He this helps.

 

Someone on here http://www.computerliterates.com/47Ford/ said he got a Mustang II front end from fatman. Some other guys have said they think a Mustang II IFS for a 38-41 (I think) should work, while some others have made mention of one for a 48-51(again I think those years) might also work with minimal modification to both. Once it warms up a little and the ground dries, I want to investigate this for mine as well.

As for parts for these trucks, there are a few places to find stuff:
MAC's, Dennis Carpenter,Bob Drake, Northern Classic Trucks, F-100 Central has bed stuff (as does MAC's),Midwest Early Ford,Mike Dennis Ford Parts: Inventory Categories
I have a few others but its to much to put on here, if you are looking for something specific, let me know. Or if you need web sites for any of the others, let me know. Only thing I havent found so far is running boards for my 1 ton, and they go from front fender to rear fender which makes it even harder.

Any sheet metal repair stuff for the cab is the same for 1/2 ton all the way up. Hood, front grill panel, inner fenders are also the same.

 

Thanks a lot for all the great info on parts places I have a lot of great plans for this truck but will have to wait until my job picks up more before I have the dough to get working on it! I have more time than money if I had the money I would have it done in no time but my bank account looks like my gas gauge EMPTY!

 

Thats how I am as well. I want to sorta restore my 47, but moderenize the suspension and drive line. But the bank account says no right now. At least I can start working on the body once it warms up a little bit.

 

Well jdhudall, If you want to install disc brakes on your existing straight axle, you should check out someone like MP master power brakes, they sell kits to install several sizes of wheel bolt patterns that bolt on where your drum brakes are bolted for a little less than $500 bucks. I don't know how your 1ton frame compare to a 1/2 ton frame as far as width goes but the MII IFS for a 48 + will fit a 46-47 1/2 Ton frame. I know because I put one on my 46. If we can get Gary to comment on this he would know. Some of this stuff is very expensive and its hard to throw down big bucks.

 

I would like to change the bolt pattern so I can run different rims but I want to keep the original steering wheel, steering box and tie rods! I will upgrade the master cylinder to the power brake set up that replaces the factory one and the rear end to a ranger 8.8 with drum brakes! I just need disc brakes in the front end along with the bolt pattern to match the rear off the ford ranger which I believe is 5X4.5 bolt pattern!

 

According to one site, here is a list of Ford vehicles with the same bolt pattern:
Bronco II, Explorer 90 ->,Escape, Aerostar,Crown Vic(LTD,Galaxie,Custom)79 ->,Probe and Mustang 94 ->

 

The 5x4.5 is what I want to go too the original is 5x4 3/4" lugs and there is no other rims that will fit except the original wheels.

 

The vehices I listed are supposed to have the same bolt pattern as the Ranger.

 

Thanks I just need to switch my 46 so I can use the ranger rims along with the other vehicles you listed. It has 3/4" lug nuts now and can't find any other rim with that bolt pattern.