Hello , just found this place tonight and am looking forward to doing alot of research for my project and it looks like I may have hit pay dirt!! I'm just starting a build on a 58 f100 2wd. I'm putting a 6.9 idi diesel and 4 spd transmission. For the time being I want to keep the suspension fairly stock and it looks like there will be a wealth of info here. I just rolled the pickup in the shop tonight , and removed the donor engine last weekend. I have the diesel and tranny hanging on the cherry picker right now and hanging in the 58's engine bay right now. Looks like I have quite a bit of space.
Welcome from a former Oregonian. Although diesels make great swaps, you may get some flak for it on this "traditional" site. You may want to check out Ford Truck Enthus. and a couple of the diesel conversion sites as well. (Consider some heavier front suspension, too, for the additional weight of that idi motor.)
welcome from northern calif...this is a good site for conversions...the search feature has many, there was model A in england that got a diesel!!
Thanks, I'll keep the diesel talk to a minimum. Mostly looking for chassis and suspension ideas. I know guys have run big blocks for years in these and the diesel is only a couple hundred pounds heavier. This will be trail and error. Petaluma huh? I haul hay down there sometimes, beautiful area as long as you don't go south!
Welcome halfdawg. Your truck fits in perfectly here, and while you may get a little flak from a few 'hard-nosed traditionalists', don't worry about it - after all, it's your truck and you can do with it whatever you want. Enjoy your time here. Cheers.