So I've decided to take the plunge and swap my straight axel for a 2004 Crown Vic IFS. I've been about finished with my 61 Unibody for several years, but the brakes and the column shifter kept giving me problems. I've been reading about and seeing all of the Posts that deal with this topic. This forum is such a good resource, I felt confident all of the information I need to make this happen is only a search away. So let me share some pics and progress notes to add to this growing library of DIY for the next guy thats ready to make the swap.




Almost done for 5 years

 

The teardown

1.) remove front clip
2.) remove 292 Y block
3.) drop old front suspension




Front Clip Removed





Take out the Old 292



Drop the old front axel and springs



Test fit the IFS

 

With much measuring, remeasuring and measuring again I drilled the first mounting bolt hole only mis it slighty. I decided that for me to ensure a good fit that I should drill the holes from the bottom. So off to Harbor Freight for a set of large drill bits. 11/16 bit seemed to work just right. I drilled the bottom holes first then transfered the hole measurments to the top rail using a carpenters square. The next three holes went great!




Mock-up with all four mounting bolts drilled and test fitted. I used some big ol' nuts I had laying around the barn for spacers.

 

The great thing about the 61' Frame was that so far it has required no modifications. I've seen in other threads guys fighting with the Twin I-Beam setup and removal of the engine crossmember. So far, I've not cut anything off except the shock towers. For the most part, I could go back to stock with very little effort.

My next step will be to cut a 1.5" spacer for the top rail and some crush tubes. I will then box everything in an move on to whatever comes next.

 

With all four on the ground, here is my rear ride hight. I want it a little lower in the rear so I am considering flipping the front spring shackle in the rear. I expect a "half-flip" may give me enough to lower 2 or 3 inches.




Rear 295/50/15 with stock spring setup. Thinking of doing a 1/2 flip on the spring shackle





Front is sitting on 205/55/16

 

Looks good, now pull that out of your truck and drop it into mine

 

did you relocate the centerline of the frone wheels forward (1"-1.5") to place the wheels more centered into the front fenders? Or, did you maintain the existing wheelbase measurements and live with the 'looks' of the factory front wheel centerline being pushed-back a little?

I plan the same front swap but will be moving mine ahead a little to improve the looks of the wheel in the fender opening.

Best of luck with your upgrades.

 

Yes I did move my centerline forward. I moved it .75 as recomended by some other posts I have read. I'll post some pics so you can see how .75 looks with the front clip reinstalled.

 

So I've been making slow progress. Here are some pics deoicting what I've been up to.




I removed the temporary spacing and welded in a permanent spacer. I took my inspiration from https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...to-finish.html

 

Working on some motor mounts for the 351w I'm installing.

 

Things are fitting up pretty well. Next i'm going to try to test fit the front clip to check for clearance issues.

 

A little help never hurts!

 

I'm pretty satisfied with the centerline. I'm not really sure about my tire selection though. I might go for something with a taller profile.

 

Here is a side profile. It has a little to much pitch for my preferences. I think I will be doing a rear spring shackle 1/2 flip to lower the rear about 3 inches.

You can probably see in the picture that the inner fender on the far side is hanging low. Thats due to a fit issue. Apparently I am going to have to trim a portion of the inner fender on both sides to accomodat the K-member spring towers. The shim highth between the old frame and new rubs the lower center portion of the inner fender. Not too major I think. Nothing a cutting wheel wont solve.

 

I didn't have the gonads for this. I punted it to a local shop and from the look of it, I'm glad I did. Keep up the good work!