F-100 Front Suspension Swap

I just had an idea come into my head and just thought I'd throw it out there. On these trucks we use M2, Nova, Camaro, S-10s and any number of other front suspensions to get rid of I-beams and straight axles. The question I have is why don't we use the front suspensions off of Chevy trucks? The parts for them are readily available. Any thoughts on this???

i think it is an interesting idea. i would be curious to see how different the track width is. there are alot of these available in my area, it would be easy especially if you were stock flooring it at the same time and used the chevy rear to keep the bolt pattern the same all the way around.

Edited: 11/22/2007 2:39:23 PM by MagicMikey

i have thought about this for awhile my biggest argument is for some reason i dont like mixing different models. say gm parts on chevy-caddies, ford-lincons and so on are ok cause there made by the same people.but i have been thinkin about the chevy frts cause it can be a real nice set up with good lift. the width should be close on them. on the breaks i would rather change the pattern on the chevy frt cause the f-100s have the famous 9in rear end in them. i just have a hard time of bringin my self to cross ford and chevy parts lol.

i just measured my 67 ford f100 as it sits with 255 60 15s on it and the out side of the tires are about 6 ft wide and the finder on the inside is 6 ft 1 in. and here is a pic of how it is sitting. with 3 inch drop i-beams and cut springs and the i-beams bent to adjust camber, its been this way since 2001 when i started on my s10

I'll have to go tomorrow and see if I can get a measurement on a Chevy. It's not that I'm too cheap to buy a M2 I just was looking at other options.

we do. frames are identical widths. no need to build new rails, same track width as well. its as easy as cutting off and welding back on.

least 67-72 trucks were the same, chevys stayed for a while and i believe 73-79 are the same up front, just the rear is wider

You're a lifesaver man. I've got a friend who has a 72 that I could get the suspension from and I thought it might be an easy swap. What about the steering now?

Edited: 11/22/2007 4:21:13 PM by 72bumpside

just run a double d joint, you'd have to make an adapter from the rag joint of the ford, but it would be basic I believe.

look into it before buying the truck, I know a guy has done quite a few on 67-72 ford trucks, and I want to say 73-79 gets wider at the rear, which is why people dont use the newer frames on the 67-72 resto builds, new holes in the bed and all.

just so you know im not talking out of my ass.....heres proof.

http://s69.photobucket.com/albums/i70/CobraF100/?start=80

SO that may help out a bit but do you have any idea about the width of a 64 effie like I have and the Chevy trucks?

measure your frame outside rail to outside rail, if its 34....or close, your good to go.