I'm new to the site and looking for all types of help rebuilding my 55 f100 completly. I've already taken it completley apart, sanblasted, primed. Everything is off the frame and ready for IFS and IRS. I want it to be a custom build within reasonable budget. Trying to do everything myself as much as possible. I'm no mechanic but I get by. Just haven't done much with vehicles since I started buying new cars/trucks. I'm wanting to install a 390fe (which I already have), a Jaguar IFS and IRS and a 4 speed transmission. I think I can put the Jag parts in pretty well based on what I've seen already on the forum but not sure which tranny to install. The 390 motor was purchase recently rebuilt from a speed shop. It was from a 66 cyclone/fairlane gta, 402 cubic inch, 378 stroke, 9.5 compression ratio silvolite pistons/390 GT rods balanced. 14 bolt heads,, 522 hyd isky cam/lifters. Remanufactoryed rockers topped with new edelbrock intake, 5 quart oil system. Crank is a 1964 427 crank. At least this is what I beleive I bought. What 4 speed tranny would work best? and do I need to find a certian Jag rearend with a certian ratio? My plan is just use truck to show off, have fun riding around an sometimes pull a small covered bike trailer. I want it to have good speed and takeoff. No racing in plans. All advice and assistance is deeply appreciated.
I've decided to put a 84 jag front end and rear end in the truck and might use a C6 tranny in the truck. Will that work? The jag rear end is a 2.88 ratio so would a C6 work well with the big block 390? I'd like to use bucket seat in the cab and thats why I've change my mind from a stick shift to a auto trans.
I have a '55 F100 with a 390 in it. If you're going to go with an automatic transmission you will want to use a C6. I have the weaker FMX? automatic transmission in mine and it's probably the weakest link in the drivetrain. I've been needing to have it rebuilt for a few years but have managed to get by for the last couple of years by dumping a bottle of SeaFoam Trans Tune in it every year. If you get a C6 make sure it came from an FE series engine so that it will bolt up. I have a mid-60's F100 9" rear axle in mine and have been very happy with it. It's pretty much a 'bolt-in' swap from the original axle. If you have your heart set on the Jag axle go nuts but it will be A LOT more expense and work. Same goes forthe frontend. A decent original front end will work well. I converted mine to front discs and it performs well. Good luck with your project. Jay
Thanks Jay I've try twice to reply but it didn't go through. Hope this one does. I'm about to pick up a C6 tranny. its been a little tough finding the right one with the round bellhousing for the 390. Most likely will have to rebuild it unless I can find one rebuild without braking the bank for it. Does anyone have info on modifing the oil Pan on a 390 to clear the jag IFS crossmember? I need some ideals and pointers incase modifing it causes problems. I seen on another post somewhere that someone did it. Can't seem to find the post. I got the get the engine down about 2-3 inches. The motor is a front sump pump style. I''ve check with Canton but nothing in stock, it would have to be custom made so I thought I might give it a try instead. Mac
I want to say I remember reading something about the Jag swap on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts' website. I don't remember the exact web address but Google it and you will find it. Look on there in the 48-60 section. There may have been info about the front end swap in the FAQ section or just ask in that section ofthe forum. They will know how to help you.
I like the Jag IFS and IRS... I owned and drove both an XJS and XKE - (both Chevy V8 Powered) but I highly recommend the Crown Vic front and Tbird / Lincoln Mark 8 IRS for early ford pickups. It is very inexpensive and gives a great ride... Plenty of examples on the 'net using this combo. dave Cocoa Beach FL
search threads here for more ideas keep it all ford !!!! sell the jag stuff at a swap meet get a mustang II kit for the front or a dakota kit from elpolocko and do a tbird/markIII / cougar rear http://www.team321.com/truckirs/TEAM321TruckIRSInstall.html http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=683419 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=255247
The Jag IFS and IRS are great choice and easy to install. I did the same on my 52 GMC. Just pay attention to caster angle and pinion angle. The rest is just careful measurements and welding it in. If you have the 84 jag donor, use the brake master and booster as well. Use as much off the donor as possible to save money. The C6 is a good choice with the 2.88 gear. You will be able to drive on highway without over revving the engine so much. The auto trans will cushion the shock loads to the rearend. The Jag IRS is very close cousin and same strength as Dana 44 so it can handle reasonable V8 power.
Thanks guys for the advise. Just to update everyone. I got the Jag IRS and IFS installed (hard mounted). It Went pretty smooth and was lots of fun doing. Got the motor and trans together and waiting on headers to get in from Stan in Calf. Should be here tomorrow (I hope so) then I can set the engine to clear my steering and make motor mounts. Not alot of room to set motor with headers, using tri Y's. Headers were tough to find because my heads are the 14 bolt GT heads. By the way, I found the headers by reading these posts. Great information and great contacts. As 38chevy454 said, I am trying to use the master cylinder and booster from the jag also. Just took them of my donor car today. Does anyone have advise how to securely mount the set up on the firewall of the truck? I've read that it should be mounted very strong. Has anyone done this? I've also used the power steering pump. Used a ford truck (mid 70"s) bracket with some modifications and got it installed. It looks like it was made for the pump. Sure was cool making it work. I'll have to shorten the fluid lines a little becasue the pump is on the same side as the steering nipple. I almost kept it all ford as Derbydad suggest but I just loved that jag IRS look when all cleaned up and the ride I know is gonna be smooth as a babies behind. Also, It is very to easy to set your rake or height on the truck. It's not going to be really low. the running boards will be about 8 inches off the ground when finished. I didn't want a jacked up rear end look. Hopefully I'll figure out how and can find time to load some pics soon. Any info on installing the jag booster and mastercylinder, let me know.
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