Been lurking & learning from everyone here - Have a few Strategy questions as we seek to bring "The Beast" back to a full enjoyable life.
- Brakes - Not sure where we'll end up on the front axle vs. IFS question but the
brakes are just horrible & can't wait. If we spend the $1k+ to replace the front
Drums with Disks & upgrade the Master Cylinder will we be happy with the
braking power? What is the best option for rear brakes - We are stock?

- Fuel Tank - Man it really really smells when we fill up - We have challenges putting
the tank out back - straight tailpipes & a tow package are in the way. Has anyone
replaced the fuel tank in the cab & is happy with the result? No Fumes? Did you
add a vent to the tank? Is bottom fed gas line safe? Venting gas cap safe?

- Front Suspension - Would you spend the $1K+ to repair the existing straight axle
set up? Are people happy with it after king pin, ball joint replacement etc. Our
"Beast" currently drives like a tank - not safe at speed.

Thanks for all your continued wisdom.

Ben & son Zack in Austin

(Thanks Julie? for the wiring diagrams - our beast now starts & charges the battery)

 

Gidday Ben,On my '42 1 1/2 ton 134'' wheelbase truck I overhauled the factory suspension and brakes although I fitted a tandem master cylinder (duel circuit brakes). My gas tank will be going back in the cab to conserve chassis space for spare wheel (7.50x20) and hydraulics for 10' deck.I figure the Ford suspension & brakes must have worked OK in production, so I'll run with them. Why don't your brakes work ? adjustment needed, maybe a hub seal is leaking. As for the gas fumes, there must be a leak. Different folks want different things....I'm not too fussed about the ride or speed. Good luck, Steve.

 

I used Wilwood brand front discs with 10 3/4 in. vented rotors. MC is a Mustang type. No booster and they stop well, though with a heavy foot during emergency stops.

The front axle is a dropped tube unit. The only front suspension item that isnt/wasnt new are the spindles, and they were shaved for dropped steering arms. Springs are monoleafs all around. It gives stable control up to 70 mph (havent gone faster than that), but is bone jarring on rough roads. If it were to be done over a front clip would be the choice for improved ride.

The gas tank is an aluminum fuel cell, 17 ga., in the bed behind cab. Someday I want to hang one under bed on frame.

Rearend is an 8 in. with stock 1980 brakes. They work fine.

 

Hey Guys - Thanks for the suggestions. The Brakes on our F1 are 4 wheel drum stock brakes with poor maintenance - they don't work much - leaking & tired. Puffs of smoke come from a drip under the Master Cylinder.... I'd like to replace the back drums with newer - just not sure what year or make to look for - Any thoughts?

Fuel tank leaks - I'm replacing the sending unit gasket & the filler tube but I'd like to vent the tank outside the cab. Has anyone vented their tank? Where did you run the tube?

Front suspension - Fix it? or replace it with a clip? It drives like what it is a 60 year old farm truck but I don't want to turn it into a mustang - It already has a 69 mustang 302 engine in it.... hmmmm..

Ben & Zack in Austin

 

Hey..

I used a Tanks, Inc. UG3 and mounted under it the cab on my 47 halfer. There are picts of it at

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...way-guide.html

I mounted it to use the original filler spout (through the cab). It does screw up running exhaust down the passenger side, however pipes can be bent!

 

Thanks John,
Our '50 is black as well but not nearly as solid as your's. I'll take a look
at the gas tank you used - interesting location - I looked hard at putting our's out back
behind the rear axle but someone has modded the back bumper & the nice straight pipes run through there. Seatbelts arrive today - progress....

Ben in Austin