I have acccess to a '79 camaro clip and a '74 rear steer nova clip. Which one of these would be the best to install in a '53 - '56 F100? Also, does anyone have pictures of doing such a swap? Thanks!
I put a 79 camaro clip in my 56 F100. I have over 40k miles and no problem. I think if both subframes are in good shape, one should be as good as the other. The type of engine and headers may dictate what clearance issues come from the location of the steering box.
I really don't like using a Camaro front clip as it's wider than stock and that limits the wheel/tire combo you can use. Plus using a used front clip means you are bolting on more worn out parts which may have to be replaced... My F100 has the old Gibbon Fibergl***-manufactured MOPAR B-body torsion bar set-up... nice and narrow, great ride and steering and priced right. It's still available from Dwight Bond's brother in Gibbon, NE the last I heard. You'd still need the donor parts but the kit fits real nice under the fenders. Another option is dropping the original I-beam axle and bolting on disc brakes... lots less fabrication to do. You can use a Toyota steering box...
I used the front steer '77 Camaro and it worked out great. Just a tad too wide, but not a problem. We set it up with the wheel further forward by about 3 inches, then brought the rear edge of the wheel opening forward. This really helped road clearance with a lowered truck, and it looks better. Frank
Another option is the Ford Aerostar van. The whole works--independent front suspension, power rack and pinion, and disc brakes--attaches to a single crossmember that unbolts from the unit body of the van. Unfortunately don't have any photos, but I saw one under a '54 Ford pickup, owner said it went together pretty easily and drove well. These are plentiful in the junkyards and all parts are readily available. Don't have firsthand experience with this swap, but it is worth a trip to your local pull-your-own-parts place with a tape measure.
My 54 has a volare suspension, It's similar to what krooser is talking about. Here's a link to a install on a 53. http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...Volare_Front_Clip_Install_On_A_1953_F100.html
I am with Krooser on this one, I have put 2 Gibbon kits in a '55 and a '56 and they go in easy and use full size car components and drive great, No need to butcher up the frame to install either. I am glad to hear they are still in business. I would buy another from them if I was to do another...Scott
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