First if this needs moved, Moderaters feel free to move. I wasnt sure where to put it. Thanks
Second, I want all opinions good and bad. The more info I can get the better I can make a decesion.
Here goes. I plan to have a heavily modified truck when finished. Mostly shows and cruise and such. I want to lower it some to get a better stance. I also want to run disc brakes eventually all four corners. Drop I beams are to expensive I feel only to be limited by the I beam suspension, mustang II kits are a lil outta my price range if I ever want to get started on this truck. So I am leaning toward hacking off the front and putting a new sub frame under it. I have a ton of friend to help with this as far as lining it up welding and such. But I want the HONEST opinons of my fellow truck lovers. The ease of finding parts and wheels and such is the main reason I am considering this. As well as the lowering issue. If you agree/support what I am thinking, then what sub frame would you recommend. Camaro/nova or thunderbird or what?
Oh wait you want lowered?:-( sorry I can't help ya there!
In life many men take the path of righteousness, some take the path many others follow (G.M. owners, for example), some take a more arduous path, some a simpler path. I, sir, took the PSYCO-PATH!!
Find a full-size (LTD) or mid-size (Torino/ Ranchero) with a full frame and just transplant the body onto it. I have never measured them out to see if one would work, it's just a suggestion. Be careful using the GM subframes. Next you'll be running a 350/TH350 combination with a 12 bolt bringing up the rear.
John, #424
1967 F250 crewcab x 2.
2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Quadcab
2008 Challenger SRT8
I've heard that the full-size Ford cars (Galaxie/LTD) have frames which are very close in size and spacing to our trucks, though I've never actually compared them. There have been quite a few front-end grafts using these for donors and they look good. Others have reported good success with Volare front ends, and the fact their torsion-bar suspension gives you a little up/down adjustment in ride height and suspension stiffness, and it's been said the swap is very easy (relatively speaking, of course).
....and I'll probably incur the wrath of the purists here, but I've also heard of a few using Che*y truck frond ends on their Fords. The selection of front end components for these trucks is much greater, including drop spindles, springs, etc, so getting just the right stance and ride would be a little easier.
Whatever you decide, keep us informed, since I know there are a lot of folks who would benefit by whatever you choose to do.
____| \__
-O-----O- Keith
'67 F-100 2WD SWB ~ '69 F-100 4WD SWB w/7" chop ~ 1975 F-250 Ranger XLT Supercab Camper Special My '67 restoration video -> Posting and you!<-a MUST watch for all!!
Thats the kind of advice I was looking for. I only mention the chebbie stuff for that reason. Every dang parts vendor has stuff for them but fords are limited. I am leaning toward this route because I want endless supplies of parts and accessaries. Are there any fronts that people have had trouble with? I want to know what to avoid as well.
But rest assured there will be NO ^%$# 350 in this truck. It will be a mild 351w until I collect the funds and parts to make it a 408 or 426 stroker. The only booger may be finding a way to match up the front and rear bolt pattern. I suppose I can by new axles with the same pattern as what ever front I choose to go with. Or maybe have them redrilled... Regardless the 9 incher stays. Why would I ever change it when chevy and dodge boys are running them for strength.
Oh my head is starting to hurt.
I agree that Chevy truck components should be used. But I would go with aftermarket stuff (ie drop spindles) not junk yard parts. You start getting into $ then, but when lowering these trucks there is always going to be money involved somehow.
I always cringe when I hear about mid size car components like Camaro or Volare front ends being used on trucks. A full size car, maybe, but not a mid size. Also, for new stuff, I know of people on the 64-66 models using Dodge Dakota components with sucess. Might want to check that out.
I cringe everytime someone talks about mixing different makes of vehicles together. If you spend the money on the lowered ibeams, you will have a bulletproof front end to match the 9 inch and it will probably outlast the truck.
John, #424
1967 F250 crewcab x 2.
2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Quadcab
2008 Challenger SRT8
I have clipped several Fords with gm pickup front clips. They are very easy to do. I am a True Blue Ford man, but I dont like the way they drive. I have 2 posted here. The frames from a 87 down gm pickupare the same size as our Ford frames. All you have to do is cut them , butt them toghether, and weld them up. Like I have stated earlier, stretch the wheelbase 1' to center the wheels in the fenderwell better. If you need more info I will gladly help any way I can. Chevy wheels are a lot more plentiful also. Dropped spindles are too. My phone no. is 325hotford or my e-mail is burrus@milestx.net good luck with your project
Well first of all exnay on the frame ubsay (sub frame) As the the cab is not strong enough for this the chebby's and other subframed vehicles have thicker/stronger/stiffer sheetmetal underneath to accomadate this frame style.
second The cevy way aint right id sooner just do a goofy looking funny riding reduction in just the front coil springs. Than try to mix n fix the frames.
Perhaps just wait a little longer. Unless you plan on driving it off the interstate over passess head first then the i beams dropped or not should outlast the truck.
"It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt." - Mark Twain
'70 f250 4x4 Crew cab 460/C6 '72 F100 390/C6 9.8 MPG AVG. '89 Mercury Cougar LS Dual Exh. V6 . 18.9 MPG AVG. In Town.
I don't want to give em a heart-attack. That is what would happen if I answered the door in the buff. Heck it almost scares me to death when I step out of the shower and look in the mirror.~Mancar1~
fuelly.com
trukcrazy wrote:I cringe everytime someone talks about mixing different makes of vehicles together. If you spend the money on the lowered ibeams, you will have a bulletproof front end to match the 9 inch and it will probably outlast the truck.
Yes it's true you will be limited by Dropped Beams and shorter springs to 5" and have basically a lousy stock suspension system. (Twin I Beams are great but not if you lower). But to me, at the time, it was easier to get my mind around using standard aftermarket stuff, but if doing it again I'd go for an IFS. Check out an Aerostar IFS system, Greg Masters (Truck Famer) at slick 60's and Classic Truck World - Ford forum) has done this and posted an on-line article/album at slick 60's, it looks like a better way than a clip, at least to me. Also at Supernats this year there was talk that Fatman is supposed to have a beefer Mustang II type IFS for our years but so far nothing has shown up in there ads. Good Luck, better to plan longer now than get impatient and regret later. But you may want to figure out a way to increase your budget because trust me it costs a lot more that anyone plans on to get it done right.
