What can I do to get better handling out of my old truck, after about 85mph it's hard to keep in my lane .someone said to put a late 70's tbird front end under it ,is this a good way to go???????:confused:
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What can I do to get better handling out of my old truck, after about 85mph it's hard to keep in my lane .someone said to put a late 70's tbird front end under it ,is this a good way to go???????:confused:
Depends on how much you want to spend (time and money wise) and whats actually wrong with your original front end.
Unless your dead set on putting another front end under it, I would first go over what is already there, you might just need a good front end rebuild and alignment. Check everything to include the steering box and your tires and wheels. You might also check around the aftermarket (and thru Ford) to see what upgrades/HD parts are available.
If your going to do a front suspension swap, check around and see what other people have put under these and what works/fits and what does not.
Although I haven't put one under a truck this new, I personally like the chrysler Aspen/Volare type units.
Ford made the twin I-beam front end with the idea that it would never need to be aligned once set from the factory. Ford stopped making the twin I-beam because they could never get it into alignment. If you must change the front end, try looking into a front clip out of a newer truck. You can put upto a '91 front clip in a '73-91 GM as a direct bolt in, I'm not sure about Fords though. The other, cheaper, solution is to slow down... It will save you money on gas, tires, and engines.
Another one of Ford's "BETTER IDEAS"...You couldn't get twin I beam Ford truck to track straight if your life depended on it..I have always wondered now people drove the things..After overhauling the kingpins I would check at least the camber (which is unajustable except with a torch) and it would be pretty close..Setting the toe in negative helped some and making sure the rubber bushings were good..BUT!!! I never could keep a Ford truck "Between the guard rails "...I don't think they put much thought into the caster..(kingpin inclination)..For some reason I am building one now..For resale of course...Al..
Streets....How many Paul Browns are out there ??...Lets see.......Too many too think about...Makes me think of a Ford Falcon I had that had a bent wheel that we put on the right rear (A real skinny 15")..We decorated the street with the burnouts it would make..Like a bunch of snakes out there..Of course we had to give the pavement a little shot of waste oil to get things started..There is nothing more fun than letting Mr "know it all" get himself into a fix...I saw one put grease on brake linning to get rid of the squeaking..The ole lady is making a fuss out here ..I'll think of more later.......Al...
Thank's for input , the front end of the old truck could use a good rebuild . The truck started life with a 302 but that was swapped out for a 460 and then a 514 and has been pretty hard on it. As for slowing down , yea right that'll happen! I was thinking of going pro street with it ,and I don't think the old twin I beam is up to it and remain safe!! And I have a story for STREETS ,a buddy of mine found a 1979 F150 4by4 that had been lifted about 8 inches , the rear axle looked ok but the front well this was the problem for me, they had cut the radius arm's in half and welded a 8 inch steel plate to the arms to get the lift they wanted. heres scary part this had been a father/son project that had ended up on a car lot that delt in four wheel drives only @they also installed lift kits,The dealer said this is how you lift a ford . I told him he was a moron ,you have to chage the radius arm brackitson the frame .And I told him to keep his rolling death trap. Now how stupid is that!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Freak, there are a few comapanies making front end kits for the Ford "wander beam" trucks. Got one laying around here someplace for my 72 F-150 someplace. You know, that truck been sitting in the warehouse for 3 years now that I'm gonna get finished soon as I have some time !!!!!
Hey Streets !!!...I got a 72 Olds 4 dr that I can take with me a young honey thru the left rear dr and presto--blink-blink she comes out the right rear dr a "REAL WOMEN"..Keep your camshaft oiled. !!!!