Lowered stock axle ideas on F100?

Hi folks!
I've got a '54 Ford F-100 project that I hope to start on soon, and I'm trying to get a game plan worked out to some extent. I want to run it somewhat as a mild 50's custom, lowered, bright red exterior, red/white tuck & roll on the inside.... but I have some questions about the front end setup.

I want to build this as a low buck driver, but I ocassionally would like to tow my vintage 20' Airstream travel trailer. I plan on using a late model rear, and would like to go with a disk brake conversion on the stock front axle to help with stopping while towing the trailer. I was also considering going with power rack and pinion. I know it's not traditional, but for this build I would like to try and merge safety and updated braking/steering with the old style axle. Plus I want to keep the '54 front drum setups and rear end for my roadster project later on.

Anyway, what are your ideas and experiences on lowering a stock axle on an F100? I also wondered about pulling a couple of leaves from the front springs and maybe setting up air bags or bag shocks to help with the ride. I don't want it to beat me and my wife silly, but I also want to make sure it handles well and is safe.

I'm up for any and all suggestions here. My mind is not set in stone, I'm just liking the idea of running as much of the stock front end, IF that is feasible. I know there are a ton of guys (and gals) here that know a lot more than me about this type of stuff so fire away! Thanks!

 

Do it right... dropaxles.com talk to Sid and get you the correct dropped axle, and steering arms.

 

If I remeber correctly, a 57-59 F-100 axle will give you a 1 1/2 drop over the stock 54 axle, and will bolt right in.

 

Thanks for the link. Had to hunt for it, it's droppedaxles.com, but glad I did. Definately a site worth bookmarking.

I had forgotten that. Seems to me it is 57-59. I'll check into that option too.

Now, what about ride quality with a straight axle and leaf springs? What setups have any of you guys used and what works and doesn't?

 

It's 1" more drop if you use the 57 Ford axle with no smile in the middle....SID.www.droppedaxles.com

 

remember that when you drop an axle in an F100 and use stock steering setup you WILL have bump steer issues, it alters the geometry on the drop arm / draglink relationship.
If you want it to drive nice and tow the airstream nicely I'd consider an IFS .... I drove my '53 with the stock setup for approx 6,000 miles and then changed to IFS with power rack and wondered why I hadn't done it sooner .

 

The inclination angle at the kingpin is different and will set your camber off. I wouldn't advise doing this.

 

If this is the case, bend the axle and straighten it to where it needs to be.
We used to do this where I worked all the time for people with hot rods and straight axle trucks.

 

yes, but seems a bit of work for 1- 1 1/2" of drop.

 

The inclination is the same from 1953-1964.

 

Move the axle to the top of the springs. You can overcome the bump steer by bending the steering arms on the spindle. Or I guess if you really want a rack get one of those setups that is dead on one side look in any R&C or Hot Rod for an ad.

You shouldn't need bags in the front to haul a travel trailer but you may want to go with leveling bags or air shocks in the back.

 

I opted for a Volare front end in my 54 over the stock setup.

 

Check with Sy at Mid Fifty F-100 Parts. This lady knows more about F-100's than most any 2 guys. She can tell you about all sorts of front end set ups.

 

What year Volare and was the swap pretty hard?

 

80 I'm not real smart on suspension swaps, A friend of mine did most of it (He welded it in i rebuilt it). It's not that bad a job.

Here's a good article on swapping to a volare setup.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...Volare_Front_Clip_Install_On_A_1953_F100.html