Hi folks,

I've been looking for a bolt-on IFS kit for my 50 Ford F-1, but haven't found much out there.  Is there any advantages of going welded vs bolt-on?  I'm a terrible welder and would love to just bolt on a solution (if one exists).  Any advice out there?

Thanks!

Montana '50 Ford F-1

 

There is a lot of IFS out there for sale, but I really don’t know if there is any bolt in types. The bolt in front suspensions that I have seen were mostly for 30’s & 40’s cars and pickups. I am like you, my welding skills are very lacking. You will need to find someone who is a good welder (my good friend is a great welder) or have a shop install it for you. The other option is an after market rolling chassis. They are expensive, but with the cost of the separate parts needed to upgrade an original frame, their cost doesn’t seem so bad. Good luck Mike.  

Montana,

I'm a new member to this site and forum. I saw your questions and thought I would respond, hopefully not to late. I have recently purchased a 1948 F1 and have been doing a ton of research. This is what I have found, which should help you. Chassis Engineering is a company that has been around for many years building Street Rod chassis components, noot to long ago they released a complete bolt in Front and Rear suspension system for 1948-1952 Ford Trucks. The front suspension is designed around the standard Mustanf IFS, with a few modifications. They added some width to the track so it matched the stock F1 track width, the stock mustang is to narrow, they added adjustable spring pockets so you can adjust the height of the front end by upto two inches. But the main feature you would be interested in is that it is a true bolt in installation. They somehow cradle the frame with there front crossmember to create a very strong unit. Check out there website, I believe it is www.chassisengineeringinc.com

Good luck
rbrunson  

I have a 1952 Ford F1 that I am customizing and restoring. I purchased a bolt on IFS through ChassisEngineeringInc. They have a website and will mail a catalog to you. It is very easy to install. They recommend though you box the section were the IFS is installed for added strength so some welding will be required. If I remember correctly one other manufacturer has a bolt on IFS, I think it is Heidt's.  

Chassis Engineering, Inc. offers a bolt-on IFS.  I am currently installing one on my 1952 Ford F1.  I will let you know how it works out.  

I say weld it.  We did 95% of the work on our truck but the first thing we did was send the stripped frame out to our local and trusted rod shop.  talk to the rodders in your town, they know who the good guys are.  Odds are he's got all the right jigs and measurments to set your IFS and new leaf spring shackles in the right places.  I take a great deal of pride in knowing that when you open our hood, there isn't a 2" stack of shims trying to minimze the dogtracking of the truck.  we've got a Mustnag II front end in our 51 and love the stance and ride.