I've reviewed several threads on the CV front swap, and am strongly leaning towards this conversion on my 69 F100. Seems like there are no rear end options quite as slick as the CV front swap. I'd like to keep the stock 9" as it can be built to handle the power from my 400 when complete (targeting 500 lb/ft torque). Aesthetically I don't like the idea of the CV rear width, or the explorer width, one being wide and the other narrow.


Is there a mod where the CV front can be raised a couple inches, and the stock 9" lowered a couple inches to achieve the best look? How about the handling of a CV front mated to a stock 9" rear? I understand the rear disc options are limited on a stock 9" so I need to consider that also.


Thanks.

 

Find an '80-'83 F100 9-inch rear with the 5 x 4.5" lug pattern. The lug pattern will be correct and the width will match the width of the CV front suspension. You'll just need to move the leaf spring perches and lower shock mounts inward by 2" per side.

5.5" and 4.5" lug patterns were both possible configurations on the '80-'83 F100 9-inch rear ends so, if you find one, measure the lug spacing before money changes hands.

The '80-'83 9-inch with the 4.5" lug pattern will also have the 'Torino" large axle bearing end flanges on the housing tubes. This means you can adapt '95-'01 Explorer rear disc brakes to the housing.

All Bullnose 9-inch rears came with 31-spline axles. Traction-Lok differentials were optional in them.

 

Thanks this is very helpful. How does the 80-83 9" match up height-wise? Are there sway bars available that will match up, as I'm a little concerned about the handling matching up the CV front to a leaf spring rear without additional reinforcements.

 

I'm not sure I follow your first question (?) Longitudinally, the centerline of the Bullnose 9-inch would be the same as the current rear end in your truck. Vertically, the spring perches would be the same height so, the Bullnose rear end would be in the same plane as the existing rear end.

I would bet a rear swaybar from a Bullnose could be installed. In my case, I have a rear swaybar from a '79 Bronco on the stock 9-inch rear end of my '69 F100. Techically, it shouldn't fit due to the wider frame rail width of the Dentside/Bronco and yet, there it is. It's been on there since 2014 doing what it's supposed to do.

As it looked when I got it.









Bullnose rear swaybar.




I'm not certain what this bar is for/from but, whatever it is, it could probably be made to work on a Bumpside as well.

 

I used an 81 f100 rear in mine. I used the 81 rear sway bar also for improved handling. I initially moved the shock mounts on the 81 rear to mimic the location of the shock mounts on my original 67 rear but found it interfered with the 81 sway bar. So I moved the 81 shock mounts back to their stock location and I sectioned an inch out of my 67 upper mounts ( moving the mounting stud more outboard towards the frame) and they lined up perfectly with the shock mounts on the 81 rear and the 81 sway bar fit perfectly. I also used Explorer disc brakes that bolted on with a spacer available from Currie. I also got the new spring perches and slightly longer backing plate bolts from Currie.

 

I used 81 4x4 rear sway barlinks because they are shorter than the 4x2 links and are straight. Lined right up with the outside of the frame. Just leveled the bar and drilled two holes and attached with a couple grade 8 bolts.

 

Thanks again. My question on height has to do with the vehicle height. The CV lowers the front 4-5 inches and the stock or 80-83 9" will keep the stock rear height, which will look funny. How do I effectively lower the rear truck height with a stock rear end/leaf springs? I found the No Limit 4 link rear suspension which is an intriguing option for good suspension with the matching CV ride height, but I'm not sure I can justify the cost for this project.

 

You would need drop shackles for the rear leafs.

 

I've read on here that the C/V Police set up doesn't lower it as much. Especially with a lighter motor like a 300 or 302/351. Air bags also a possibility.

 

Ok that's good to know. I'm ok with lowering it some, but not 5". I don't have motor weight working in my favor, though (400). I do see there are ride tech adjustable shocks available to help raise the front.

 

From what I've read, the civilian model CVs had 440# front springs. P71 had 720# springs.

 

Sounds like you would be better off putting drop beams under the front end rather than the C/V/. Above is a pic of Randle's truck with them.