Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

Has anyone in the group installed a Classic Engineering IFS? Looking for feed back about the installation. Thanks!

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

I think there is an early Ford truck site devoted to these type of modifications. Can't remember the name of it at the moment.

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

Ford Truck Enthusiasts probably.
Someone has undoubtedly done that exact mod on there....

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum41/


And come to think of it I've never heard of Classic Engineering IFS.
Is that for sure the company name?

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

Sounds like one of those Hoffman Group companies we discuss over on the HAMB, which by the way would be good to stay away from.

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

I have a fatman fabrication mustang two under my 51. I like it, only next time I would get power steering. Are you thinking of Chassis Engineering out of west branch Iowa?

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

A late model Ford Crown Vic/Mercury Marquis front suspension unbolts as a unit from the frame. Everything attaches to one crossmember that you can unbolt and drop out in an hour's time. A power rack and pinion and front disc brakes are part of the package. Measure the tread width and see if it's too wide for the F-1. A lot of people have put them under '53 and later F-100s and '55-59 Chevy/GMC pickups.

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

We are in the process of finishing up the installation of a disk brake, rack pinion IFS on a '37 pickup utilizing an assesembly made by TCI (Total Cost Involved 800 984-0884)
The system is engineered for the '37, did not require cutting the frame, however, we did box the frame back to the front of the rear spring perch, to allow for the added stress a larger engine and auto trans could produce.
We also utilized a parabolic rear spring set up made by TCI for the rear end.
The whole set up. including 11" disk brakes, a power rack and sway bars, shocks, was $3,500. including tax and shipping.
I am a firm believer in the old adage, 'if you can't find the time to do the project right the first time, when are going to find the time to redo it'.

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

Yes, I heard some good things, its a bolt on, but would still prefer to weld.

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

Heidts has one for your F1. They are located in Lake Zurich. They have a showroom there and will give you a tour. 800 841 8188 TCI is another good one,
they are out in southern Cal. Then you'll want a 4 link, relocate the gas tank, add a OHV motor etc.

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

Ah yes, the slippery slope...;)

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

I'm with Seery and 48 F1. Check out FTE. It's pretty slow with the '47 and older trucks like mine, but a '50 is right in the wheelhouse and nobody cares if you don't adhere strictly to the 'rules'. They just like to have fun working on and driving their trucks.

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

being the old grouch that i am, straight axles are a wonderful simple devise that is easy to rebuild, and cheap to maintain, and if all in good shape works as good as anything...so why change. they still use straight axles in lots of "modern" rigs, like motor homes, 1 ton trucks, and even big trucks. if it works, dont fix it

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

I installed anIFS in a 52 F1 back in the 90's and it was quite simple and worked very well. Ride quality was improved 100%. Engine was a 302 W/C4 trans PS was stock For the flathead, you could use electric PS, another inexpensive improvement to our old cars. All this may go against the grain of some people, but some people can't afford too build a trailer queen either. The might just wan a safe Dailey driver.
Gramps

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

I believe in the KISS principle.. 'Keep It Simple Stupid'. To accomplish that I like to keep my builds safe, reliable and trouble free with enough power to get out of the way when the crazies are loose on the road.
Mustang II front ends are not what the average person thinks they are. The Mustang II was a glorified Pinto, it's one claim to fame was that it was a Euro design made for disk brake front ends.
The mystic of the Mustang II suspension, and all of it's cousins, the Gremlin etc., is so far out or date I find it hard to believe that people still want to go to the salvage yard to harvest suspension components for their current project.
The TCI we put under my '37 is based on new technology using a fixed point to attach the upper control arms to, similar to modern cars, then alignment is achieved utilizing shims in lieu of slots and bolts like a MII, thereby eliminating problems caused by road rash, potholes, etc.

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

"I am a firm believer in the old adage, 'if you can't find the time to do the project right the first time, when are going to find the time to redo it"

Funny you should say that. I was in that same industry for about 4 years as a General Manager. Nobody wanted to fix the TCI stuff to make it work right. It was easier to remove and start over. I haven't "poked and prodded" the particular kit you're talking about though..... maybe it bucks the trend of most of their stuff.

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

My avatar has a MII, PS, PB 302 C6 etc.
I've installed at least 6 front ends and 1 was a Chassis Engineering.
I'd be glad to supply pictures and discuss this with you if you're interested.
Pretty straight forward process.
Dick

Re: Installation of IFS in a 1950 F1
 

If You don't have the money, you have to try other means to solve the problem