F100 Crown Vic Swap Pros and Cons Episode 453 Autorestomod
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- F100 Crown Vic Swap Pros and Cons
Jeff Ford looks at the reasons to and not to do a Crown Vic swap in an F100. IS the Crown Victoria Front suspension good for your F100? Is it better to buy a Crown Vic or a Front Suspension for your swap?
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jford@autorestomod.com
Agreed, don’t cut your truck up! I have a ‘67 F100 with DJM beams. They work great if you’re satisfied with a 3 inch drop, but I’d like to be a little lower. I plan to use explorer coils (2inch lower) then pie cut and modify the boxed steel part of the beams to correct the castor. This will yield a 5 inch drop without hacking up the truck, and can be put back to stock if desired. The rear will require a c notch, but that’s minor in comparison. Another issue is brakes, the ‘73-‘79 disk brakes widen the front track, making it hard to tuck in the tires. Wilwood makes a disk brake kit that keeps the stock track width and gives dual bolt pattern 5x5 1/2 and 5x4 1/2.
But you can't put an i beam system on air without camber.. this is my sole issue.
$900 for 5" of static drop.
Or...
Vic swap on air for $1500. W/ No camber problems.
@@austinlane5533
Good point, I guess it depends on how much you are willing to modify the truck. In my case I would not want to cut it up to that extent.
@hvspeed6102
You're entirely correct though.
It's all in what your trying to achieve.
You also lose a ton of hauling capability with a vic swap. Lug pattern changes. Width is a little different.
Pros and cons!
But isn't it fun?!
@@austinlane5533
For me, my ‘67 is too cherry/ original to make that drastic of change. I wouldn’t want it cut it up. But I do want it lower. Since writing the first time, I did get a pair of 4 1/2 inch drop I beams, that will replace the DJM’s. But yeh for a complete build, a crown vic or even a full frame swap would be a good option.
@hvspeed6102
I completely understand! If it's in good shape leave it that way.
Who are you using to replace your JDM beams? Is there a reason why? I've used jdm's DreamBeams in 80s rangers in the past several times and loved em. The price is always the breaking point. Quality seemed superb 10 years ago when I last ordered from them.
Some many people are doing the crown vic swap now when i first bought my truck the crown 👑 vic was not such a big thing so I had had my engine and transmission rebuilt front end rebuilt all the bells and whistles rebuilt and I wasn't about to pull all of that stuff out pull my front clip out pull my motor out and trans out just to put the crown big front end in just to do what everybody else was doing.
Especially just doing it on the weekends it would have took me 6 months to complete that job in a lot of frustrations as well I just went with the lowered I beams it's perfectly fine with me.
There ya go!
I have a 68 f-100 I did QA front and back, love it
Actually the twin i beam front end is still being used today on even brand new 2wd trucks. My 04 super duty has it. Though an updated version still the same concept.
absolutley love this great content and answers alot of questions. thanks so much
what if you dont want to have a dropped look to your truck, is there another chassis to use or do you just add lift to the body, also the crown vic frame looks a bit long for the short bed 56 F150
Erik I'm not too sure on that one to be honest with you
Erik, Let's say you can lift it up 5 in. Does this now mean you can carry a load of concrete blocks in it? Or do you just have to forget about it being used as a truck?
I'm gonna listen to you... simply because you have an epic hair style.
i did it my 56 f100 CV front end and explorer 8.8 rear end, its not that hard it cost me about $300 for both at a junk yard
What years did you use?
I'm glad to hear that it worked on your 56. I'm considering doing this to my '57. Did you keep the stock motor and trans?
@@malabor_paints the truck came with a 223 inline and 3spd, engine shot. i have a 351m i want to put in but trying to find a fox body manny trans, i also got a 8.8 explorer rear end im hoping to get in before winter
@@alfonsosalgado6352 very cool. It seems like the explorer rear end is a popular one to go with as well. I'll have to keep my eye out for one.
@@malabor_paints gotta find a explorer/mountaineer with the a 5.0 engine otherwise any 8.8 wont work if you use a v8 on your 57. many wreck yards have them or a ifs 8.8 from a lincoln mk8 rear end i believe 94 to 97 they sell kits to hook those up. midfifties.com has them
Great video the project im on does not have any front suspension i think the crown would be easyer than cut and clip
Might be the case.
This work on the 90s f150s?
Would a after market frame be cheaper than buying a car and all the fab work?
Usually not. The good frames are generally many thousands of dollars.
If I was going to do a swap, it would be a ranger!
Interesting
Drop axles are probably less expensive and less work.
Yes.
A crown vic is not a Donk. a car with big wheels is not a donk. A true “donk” car refers specifically to 1971-1976 Chevrolet Impalas and Caprices whether it’s stock or customized.
Right, meanwhile people are misappropriating that word like a like a white guy eating salad (used that because it is the last bastion of words that can be used without offending anyone that cares)
umm 🤔 ok I guess. Lol. Use it how you wish. 😂
Lowering any F100 just looks bad 🤨🤨👎👎
It's all a personal thing. Done right I actually like a lowered F100.
Simple answer. NO!! Leave the poor thing alone.. there’s more than enough hacked up lowered trucks at this point 🙄
I get it. It's like LS swaps...Any more it is nice to see a '69 Camaro with an honest 396. But I also say have fun, do what you want..you and me, we'll stay I-Beam.
Autorestomod Manic Mechanic Gasoline Media ya I agree, if it’s no my truck that I paid for I can’t say anything really, I just get tired of every truck build being a lowered chopped up old truck that’s getting its long bed torn off to be converted to short bed, I just like good old trucks the way they are, maybe with an old school big block thrown in
Jeff... Thanks for the great explanation. I, too use my '66 F100 as a "working" truck, so no Crown Vic front end for me.
Gary Oakley If you drove one you just might change your mind...
I used a QA1 front end. fits like a glove and actually fits better than a crown vic, more or less just bolts on, all the parts are brand new. Yes it costs more, but I think it's worth it.
How do you like it.
May I ask what that runs and was it a complete kit?
Great episode. Thanks for confirming what I've been telling people for years. If you're going to use a truck as a truck, twin I-beam is tough to beat. To clarify one point, Ford only stopped using the twin I-beam in 1996 in the F150. It continued in use until 2014 in Econoline vans, and through the 2016 model year in F250s and 350s. Not many automotive design features have had a 51-year run essentially unchanged.
Very true! I knew it was through 1996 for sure. But couldn't remember past that.
The drawback to the i-beam is most all trucks are a-arm suspension and most body shops are set up to repair those suspension. The I beam frame mounting brackets are really hard to straighten once it’s been damaged in a collision and ford doesn’t give many tie down points.
Where the I beam shines is off-road because of the almost unlimited suspension travel aspect.
Seeing how these old Ford trucks are getting harder to find, as a purest, there's no freaking way I'd put one of my Crown Vick front ends on my classics! But does look cool all lower... But I like climbing into either of my 72's the way Ford built them... And the 94' bench seat swap was stupid easy :) Thanks for that video!
How do you only have 70k subs?!? Seriously under rated channel. Especially considering the amount and quality of information you put out.
Wow, thank you! Go tell everyone! We don't do any kind of advertising to speak of. And the algorithms prefer vlogs to hard core how to I guess...🤔
Two things, first it'd be a damn shame to part out a Marauder. The word you're looking for is Panther. 2003+ Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, and Lincoln town car. High mileage Town Cars are still practically free these days. Still a shame to cut them up, the Panther is the best platform built in the last 30+ years, though the rack cars built 2003+ don't ride quite as nice as the previous generations.
Second thing, as car folks that like to get the details right, the term "Donk" specifically refers to the 1971-1976 Chevy Impala. anything else is just a raised car on big wheels. For the folks in to "Donks" the distinction is rather important.
I have heard the other cars referred to as "Slabs" but I also don't care either way. It doesn't offend me when I hear someone call a lifted goofy camaro a "donk" or when they call an fj40 a "jeep". I did about poo my pants when a woman called a 36 chrysler a "vw bug" so... I do get it. It can get annoying.
That was interesting. Sounds like a lot of work and when ur done it can’t really be used like a truck anymore. Nobody is gonna get their meat hooks on my marauder frame cause it’s getting bolted back onto the car soon
I did the complete frame swap on my '65 F100 short bed....wasn't that difficult and it looks great as the saying goes if it's your truck do what you like
Hello, I have an 57 f100. Could I do the same? Thanks.
Great video. I'm restoring a 78' Bronco and trying to decide what motor to drop in (budget minded). You should do a video on selecting an engine. Rebuild original? Big bigger? Go completely different? Maybe a brake down between different ones? Pros and cons? Thanks!
Great suggestion!
My truck is my shop truck, so it’s a rusty beater. I chase parts all over for my other junk so I want this thing to drive excellent. I don’t build stuff for other people, or to sell. I actually end up cutting them up for other projects if I get tired of them. I always get them cheap, and have maximum fun on a budget. My F-100 will be getting the CV front end swap, and a linked rear with coils, and airbags to assist when I’m
Hauling a load, or towing the jet boat...or that occasional ungentlemanly pile of bricks. Good show man!
Am I the only one who despises Crown Vic F100s? I see them ALL OVER the Internet
Not a fan of the shallow wheel look it gives these trucks
No. You are not.
NO! you are just one of many of us, but we don't have YT channels nor deep pockets. I kinda think a flogging is in line for those who ruin a good F100. of course some may disagree : )
You can do the swap tastefully by picking the correct tires and rims. You can also raise the Vic front end. I have never used my 72 XLT Short Bed for work. It is a Sunday cruiser only. I don't like lowered trucks either. Just making it more fun through the S curves.
I don't despise the swap. I just don't think it is for everybody or every truck. To each his or her own. Like is too short for me to get too upset with anything swapped...except and LS swap...that is just over the line.
What about the lowering kit that uses dropped I-Beams? What are the drawbacks, if any?
We'll hit that subject soon. A friend has a truck with the DJM Dream Beams. I think we'll do a driving comparison if this video does well enough.
@@AutoRestoMod
Great. I'll be watching for it.
Autorestomod Manic Mechanic Gasoline Media please a show on the djm setup
Finally someone to tell me why, and I agree, I'm sticking with the best front truck suspension ever made, Twin I Beam
I have a 64 F100. Is there any swamp besides a car swap so I get to have updated suspension and still on a truck?
it is a lot of work.. I'm almost done with mine. this is all very well said
I was on the fence about doing this to my 65, leaning toward not . Since I still use it for putting things in the back sometimes, this was good info.
You can do the crown vic swap and use the rear 9" or explorer 8.8 rear axle which is basically a bolt in. All the while still using it as a truck, plenty of people do.
I rode in one, it beats the twin-I-beam. But I do despise the idea of it, cause part of the old trucks is having a rough ride.
You can go with the Crown Vic front and a narrowed Crossmember, but it also requires a new width rack. I believe they use a Lincoln Mark VIII rack. It allows Classic style wheels.
Great information. I felt like Johnny Carson....”I did not know that”
Well only one company makes lowering springs for the Vic.
Performance parts are wicked expensive.
Wheel offsets are goofy.
That said it's the best front end for the truck.
I agree with most of what you said except the part about it being a gentleman's truck I beg to differ I know several trucks that have been swapped and still do just fine these early f100s weren't like the 150s made today they didn't have an 11 k towing capacity they'll still haul plenty of stuff swapped .😊
I would stick with the crown Vic swap or a newer truck platform, OEM quality beats aftermarket mostly made in China junk all day long
I did what your doing with the front disc brake swap on my 68.
Crown Vic swap makes the truck feel light and nimble for cruising /dragging but you are right ford built these right for work but for a light f150 f100 that came with a 302 or 351 small block a 4.6 260 hp version would make it fun since hp makes trucks/cars feel like they don’t stop making power and the old small blocks made torque but ran out of steam midway thru second gear but I would like to see one of these trucks with a new Godzilla motor
I made the comment on the last video about the truck suspension another in fords line of bad suspension designs. To clarify. The Fords had a very strong suspension with the I beam but for handling. tire wear etc it was really bad but that was the trade off for it being strong.
I agree with the reasons for the crown vic swap. If I were using it as a truck I would leave it stock. If it's used as a car like most trucks are then I would definitely do the crown Vic swap. Even for typical hauling the crown vic suspension will be fine though.
All those points are valid.I agree.
The answer is no because you're turning the truck into a car! The front suspension of the Ford crown Vic will not hold up like the original truck I-beam suspension!
Thank You for the advice, I have an F250 wich I short the chasis and bed and converting it to actually an f100 from 8 lugs to 5 lugs cause I bought a chassis with all new suspension parts for 200 bucks ( I sold the chassis only for 300 bucks by the way and keep all suspension, differential and 90%good Michelin tires 😂😂🤣🤣😂🤣 ) and it was even powder coated but is a 1977 I though I was going to be able to just transfer my cab and bed since looks very similar but I WAS WRONG they are completely different,
width and long so what I decide to do is just use my own chassis shorter and power coated now with the suspension everybody keep saying it won't fit and I just did it yesterday all perfect except that I have to relocate my lifth springs perches and my rear shocks brackets but I'm very happy I converted from 8 to 5 and short bed, was about to do the swap but I still want to have a full use of it since is going to be my daily driver, "forgot to mention I drop in a nice 5.0 fuel injection" and I have another Ford 2009 250 for work and heavy loads but these will be my baby.. thanks for all the advise and for sharing You knowledge
I just subscribe to Your channel,
"""just letting You know""""
7:05 the twin I beam is still used in 2wd f250 and f350 trucks and has been in use in the econoline van since 1975. Even the cab and chassis/ cutaway vans made in 2024 when this comment was made still use the twin I beam suspension.
Why anyone would swap a crown vic suspension to an F 100 I cannot fathom. I bought a 1979 F 100 which was already old. I drove it for 10 yrs and it never needed an alignment. All II did was upgrade to Rancho RS 5000 shocks for some better off road functionality. Find a crown vic you can run off road and on that drives for way more than 10 years without an alignment, I dare you!
I purchased a crown vic front end from a salvage yard not far from here. I will let you know how it goes. Frankly, I'm not looking forward to it, but I am looking forward to the benefits when its done.
One day we may do a CV front.
is there anyway to keep my 15x10 torq thrusts with a vic front end?
the wheels are 15x10
with cooper 295/50/15 on all 4.
Youre making it sound way more complicated then it really is. There are kits available for the vic swap with the plates and everything. They run roughly $250. The hardest part is cutting out the old suspension. Its a pita.
And just because you swap a vic front end in doesnt mean you cant use your truck like a truck anymore. Vics are arguably tougher then the old twin I beams. My 78 has a hanger flip out back and cut coils up front on the stock beams. Granted I cant toss 2k lbs in the bed anymore but with air shocks Ive got no issue with 1k lbs and it still tows well as well.
Not saying it is complcated. I LIKE the swap, just putting considerations out there for people to think about.
I've bought 3 running and driving crown vics for $122 bucks at auction been driving mine for 8 years now . Other 2 our used for my 57 f00 and 76 f100. My son is a welder. . Bought the instal kits for both trucks under $300 both still running 9 inch I'm still cheaper than what he quoted. . I'm way under what he is saying .you csn find them cheaper than you think .
I completely understand everything you're sayin, BUT!!!!!! As a Grand Marquis owner, nothing cruises like a panther!
Agreed. I own a P71 Crown Vic and LOVE driving it. And would do the Vic swap to a different truck.
Let's say I end up having to go with the crown Vic swap. This lowers my truck 4 to 6 in. Can I lift the truck back up for 6 in? I have new 30-in tires. 0:
A Chevy/GM guys opinion here.Heres one other plus.Finding OEM parts for the classic truck at your local parts store may be a problem.Finding OEM parts for a newer vehicle would be much easier and likely less expensive too.I upgrade to newer model OEM on my GMs as much as can.Better parts availability, brakes,steering,ride quality.No brainer to me,but that's just my opinion.
I thinking I could dp this yes I have a 1966 f100 long bed no motor or transmission I do have a 5.3 and 4l60 and the crown Victoria front suspension 2006
Thanx for the video. Helped me decide NOT to Do the swap on my 63 Unibody. I need more of a truck than a cool ride. Thank so much.
Your right Jeff, are you going to build a street truck or do you want to haul firewood ? We're talking street trucks so, I've LS swapped a bunch of C10's, even did a late model 5.7 Hemi in an old Power Wagon but my favorite is the Crown Vic swap in a F100. I've done the complete frame under F100 sheet metal which is easier than it sounds as long as you have some fabrication skills and that's the rub. Fabrication skills, don't have 'em ? Don't do this job but if you have a little welding skills you can do this easy. Just go to the Pick & Pull and find your Crown Vic, a lot don't have engines and chop off the frame behind the strut mounts and take the front frame clip home. I got mine for $250. There are steel kits all over the net and Ebay for the installation, $150-$180. The hardest part is pulling the engine, tranny and front sheet metal then cleaning all the garbage off the frame rails. Lots of grinder and torch work. Measure twice and weld the kit in and put everything back together with your choice of engine and tranny, sounds simple ,right ? Well it's not a weekend project and takes me around 2 weeks of steady work and yes, you do need to do something with the rear end. Is it worth it, you betcha', the last one I did (don't yell) I put a junk yard 6L LS in with a Turbo 400 tranny I had sitting around. The truck was a short box already and it is the ultimate sleeper and a ton of fun to drive, in fact it's my son's daily driver in the summer.
On my 67 F-100 I thought about doing the Crown Vic. thing, but I went with DJM Dream Beams and their shackle kit in the rear. If you do the Crow Vic. swap for the rear end you can swap in a Ford Explorer rear end. It is pretty much a bolt in deal. You need to move the spring perch hole over I think a 1/4 to 3/8's of an inch and if you buy the right one you get factory disc brakes.
lilorbie lilorbie I’m curious what your opinion is on that kit you used. Did you get a nice stance out of it? How does it all hold up?
Mr.Anaheimification Yes I'm happy with how everything turned out on my truck. I wish it was a little bit lower in the rear, but that might be caused by the amount of leaf springs that Ford put in my truck when they built it. There are 9 leaves in the spring pack, which imo. seems a bit much for a truck that has a 240/3 speed on the column which my truck was born with. So far everything is working out o.k.
@@lilorbielilorbie2496 so if I do a crown victory front end I would need a explorer rear end? What years ? Also the driveshaft?
Good video, tons of great insight and info. I AGREE.Get a whole crown vic for 2-4 k here in WA state. 40-80k miles. Get a Detective car if possible. use as much as you can. I personally did several crown vic.front on short bed nice gentlemen trucks. Wouldnt onna long bed work truck. Maybe.for a rat rod....maybe. I like the explorer 8.8 inch rear end for the back end....rear disc b4akes....and.8.8 Inch limited slips in many usually 3.55 gears in my experience as well. Also I like the watts linkage from the crown vic. Way better than sway bar set up only or the old simple pan hard bar.....just thought i would add that.
Anyhow. I am subscribing to this channel and will keep learning and sharing my mad cap shade tree experiences. Lol thank you again for the knowledge and putting things in perspective.
Love your show ..... You are wrong . Put the whole frame under it , and it will be cheap . If the frame is hit , of course , do not . But if the engine is blown , or if cheap salvage car , yes . Some bed room will be lost for the rear suspension hump , but not much after the sawzall . The truck body is three light parts . So just set them on the frame on some wood to just setup and make brackets for it . You will need to by thick metal for the body brackets and mounts . But if you can do a trany crossmember or a radiator surport , you can do this . The frame is used on cars that are heavier then a F350 . If it can be used on armered cars and limousines ...you will be fine . Side note , you can put it under any Torino too .
i like swaps n all that mess lol
The frame is a problem too because of the rear axle hump in it. But I might be wrong...lord knows it happens a LOT. LOL
@@AutoRestoMod me 2 friend i am wrong wen i woke up ..lol
@@AutoRestoMod keeping the crown vic frame you have to build a bed hump or raise the bed floor, neither are ideal but it's done regularly and works well. I prefer the crown vic front and explorer rear 8.8 swap.
I have a 1971 Ford F-150 XLT, in your experience would it be better to do a crown Vic swap or build the motor in it which is a 351-M.
Can't say. It's your cool truck what do YOU want to do. I like the CV swap...but I also have a soft spot for the Twin_!...
muy grande !!!! muito grande!!!! very big!!!
非常に大きい !!!! (Hijō ni ōkī)
:p
I agree
I have a 66 F100 and an 07 Crown Vic in the yard awaiting the full blown frame swap. I don’t need the truck for the truck functionality since I already have two 4WD Ford trucks to use for that. The 66 will just be for fun driving around town.
You can still do truck things, your swapping to a better front suspension, the rear can be the stock 9" or a almost bolt in Explorer 8.8 axle. I have a friend who did the full swap and still hauls a bed full of cinder blocks. Rides fine, tracks, fine, no issues. Also his has the cop front crown vic, which has heavier ratio springs.
Absolutely great video. I have a 71 and was thinking about it but i am going to stay with the original chassis.
Feel about cutting the frame on a long wheelbase truck to make a short wheelbase? I have a 1967 f250 camper special if interested.
Not real sure how I feel about it. I've always thought I'd just go find a SWB and sell the other truck.
2nd generation explorer rear fits perfect. its an 8.8 with 31 spline shafts and the spring perch is on the bottom which gives you the drop in the back
Hmmm and the offset won't make for problems...nice idea! I'll look deeper into it.
your wrong about the years ford used the ibeam front end i have a dent side 1980 model with the ibeam front end
Flipped the the crown vic axel converted to leafs. 50mm. + offset wheels
Ford trucks are not meant to be lowriders! And it's not cool!
This was such a great, informative video. Thank you for making it! The only thing that's off to me is the end. Why is EVERYTHING in the US just based on it's monetary value. ...rhetorical question, just to clarify for anyone itching to reply. I realize it's a mix of the culture that's been built/our country is based on, and the fact that the majority of us are kept in a state where we Have to consider the monetary consequences of everything we do. But still, I'm building my truck because I love my truck, not because everything has to be profitable.
Somewhere along the way America thought that cheap was it. It is not always better to be cheap.
@@AutoRestoMod When corporations run a country and only marketing and profits matter...
Rims choice is the bitch other then that it’s ok. TCI makes a great front end.
Love your channel, you have great subject matter. I just painted my '72 Mustang coupe and after I'm done with the cut and buff job I will replace all the seals. Have you done a video on replacing the weather seals that I can look back on? Thank you
That is awesome! We will be diving into the '72 Mach 1 soon.
Great video! I have a question for you, I have a 1967 Mustang convertible and I'm going to swap out the front seats from a 2000 Mustang, do you think I can swap out the back seat also? If not do you feel the back seat could be shortened or reuse the leather seat cover and put on my original rear seat? Thank you for your time and consideration
Watch out with the 2009 seats, the bun height is a bit taller than the original and that can be an issue in a Fastback. Honestly, I don't know. We are planning to use 2004 Mustang Buckets in our '64 Falcon hardtop and will have to come up with a solution for the rear seats since we are getting the fronts done custom.
@@AutoRestoMod I just got the seats, the biggest issue it looks like will be we need to make new brackets, my convertible is a 67 the seats are from a 2000, the width on both cars seems to be the same from what I found. Thank you for the reply 👍
I’m looking at doing a front end swap or disc brake upgrade. What all do I need to do a disc brake swap. My 71 f100 already has DJM ibeams in it. I have a front end from a 73 f100 I was told so what else will I need? My truck already has power brakes but I think I’m gonna need a new booster or master cylinder.
Use the '73 brakes with a disc brake master cylinder. I'd contact DJM and make sure that your beams are compatible with the '73 brakes.
@@AutoRestoMod ok thanks. I have the radius arm ibeams and rotors. So I’ll just switch it all and use my DJM ibeams with new springs. I just need to figure out the proportion valve.
Call Cleatus McFarland he’s got 25 of them lol
What the difference p71 police to just crown Victoria
Great info, very balanced. 👍 I’ve lost count of the number of TH-cam videos I’ve watched doing this crown Vic swap. I looked at the mustang 2 and decided to go the crown Vic. Oh, forgot to mention I’m in Australia and have a 1965 custom cab, straight of the farm in USA. All patina and original. After a few months of contemplating buying an ex interceptor and shipping it out, I just purchased two marquis fronts and decided to buy local ford falcon xr8 for the running gear etc. the only reason was local parts. 260kw, 5 speed and limo diff.
Waiting on a few more parts to consolidate the freight then shipping. Let the fun begin.🤪
That will be a neat truck in Oz. Decidedly different from most of what is there. Get us some pics when it is done!
Hi David where in oz are you located? Im on the Gold coast and about to start a crown vic swap on my f100 62. Do you have a spare front end?
Mr. Ford, you had me throughout the entire episode, with great facts and figures. Then the subject of money came up... I sometime feel like I'm the only guy who doesn't look at the resale value of My project in order to decide how to build it. I know going in that I will never get to same money out, if I did decide to sell, then what I put in. My opinion... Good luck on the subscribers. Thanks.
I agree, and I don't build with dollar value in mind either. If I "dollar and cents-ed" the F100...or the wagon, they are as I have said, worth more in parts lol. Folks like having that metric of value, something to gauge how they are doing with a build. That was what I was trying to provide.
@@AutoRestoMod Gotcha. Thanks.
Great points Jeff, as always, and you're not wrong. I did the CV swap on my truck, but... I drive a modern F250 diesel for truck duties and I have the F100 for fun. It has taken me years to repair all the rust and find all the parts I've needed but truck was a retired farm truck and needed massive repairs anyway. It has been expensive and has not been particularly easy, but I would do it again. I had to change the rear axle and replace the springs in the rear to get it to all work. I had to C notch the frame and wouldn't use that truck to tow now. Basically, the F100 is about as useful as my Harley but it keeps me dry in the rain. If it were my only truck, I wouldn't do it.
Have a little rust showing in that bed body at the seam
Find a newer rat truck and build that f100
I'm actually planing a crown Victoria front on a 68 f100 but my plan is to keep the ride height the same. I was going to c the frame on the front down to match the rear and go with a 3/4 ton rear leaf. Do you think I'll have any issues with this. Also going with a 300 6 cylinder. Also will probably go with conversion to 2015 and up mustang electric rack.
I think I'll still have good haulin and driving rig.
Your opinion please.
You can also use the Town car front ends as well. Its what I went with I can’t wait till my baby is on the road again 72 f100 short bed.
Oziel I too have a 72 sb f-100 Iam doing a CV swap on and many other up grades. 4.6 Dakota gauges, Ron Francis wiring harnesses, I didit column. What are you doing to yours?
Town car, marquis, and crown vic are all identical cars with different badges. I dont see why people reject the TC and Marq but will swear on the CV...
What???
Would you use a 96 crown Vic since the track width is narrower?
That does not have the benefits of the 2005 up as it uses a recirculating ball steering box.
Interesting. Why is there the working truck example a downside? If the rear end is the same then hauling things in the back shouldn't be a huge issue.
A lot of people want to lower the truck to the point that they are required to C notch the frame, killing the load capacity. The truck will sit high in the rear if you don't.
@@AutoRestoMod Ahh, some people dig the rake though. Are there any downsides in terms of a working truck if the front's lowered but the rear is stock suspension and height?
How about a crown Vic cradle in a 67-9 mustang? Seen it?
Not yet. But 2021 is still young!
I have a 57' F100 and its always hard to find anyone doing anything on a truck from that year. Sure the 58' is pretty much the same thing, but even when I go to look up parts to do some type of conversion the kits are broken down to 56' and older or 58' and newer...…….. Whats the difference? I've thought about doing the crown vic swap since I'm strictly going to hot rod the truck and want to do the four link in the rear. Is there a better alternative for the front? This truck may not have a lot of value on the market but my father had it since I was 1 yr old, we started making plans to restore it back in 2017 after it had sat out in the front yard for 15 years, sadly he passed away 6 months later but I still want to complete those plans.
Measure the frame rails and see what the width is, if it is the same as the Vic...go for it. There is also the Mustang II option.
hi, i started to tell what i did to my 61 unibody. it got to be a huge laundry list so i deleted my message. ill keep my comments short.
what i did was in put a fatman front end on mine. i guess its complicated but really it wasnt that bad. mine has four wheel disc brakes its kind slammed to the ground and it has 18 inch gennies on it. i didnt want to go far from stock appearance. other than 18 inch aluminum wheels it looks pretty stick. the fatman frontend solved a lot of problems.
What do you think about the Australian Ford Barra compared to the 5.0 coyote swaps...
The Barra is an awesome powerhouse. And if you are in Oz, a great option.
@@AutoRestoMod
A video feature explaining variations, horsepower, and dimensions on the Barra would be really cool...
I think they're gaining popularity...
BUT! BUT! You got no Ford FAMOUS TWIN I-BEAM SUSPENSION!
Good show Jeff!
Why does a swapped front end prevent/limit the truck from functioning properly with a load?
It isn't the front, it is what must be done to drop the rear for a "right stance".
@@AutoRestoMod Is there another modern front-end swap that comes closer to retaining or enhancing the proper height, load, and off-road functionality?
Has anyone ever said you look like Hank Schader on Breaking Bad ?? 😂
And Bill Clinton too.
You can basically bolt in an Explorer 8.8 Rear axle, FYI!
How bad is the center offset? Does it affect driveability or long term issues?
I just bought an Explorer Sport rear end with leaf springs and discs. $200, they pulled it. You can get the one with coils and do a 4link sus. Those are more involved. The problem is you have to run a deep dish wheel in the back and shallow in the front in order to get your front and back tires close to the same distance from the fender. 8.8 Explorer is only 59 1/2 wide. I never run wheel spacers for their notorious problems. I'm still trying to tweek the offset number on both front and rear so it is as least drastic as possible. Might even try running at the smallest spacer.
@@RobertNolanvaragon It's not an issue, check this guy out he did a great video explaining it all th-cam.com/video/Ic9PbFcfjwE/w-d-xo.html
Compare QA1 front and rear kits compared to a custom chassis (Roadster Shop).
Roadster chassis' are way expensive for this kind of build. But they are an option.
@@AutoRestoMod
I'm just saying to do a numbers breakdown. I think the price of both front and rear QA1 kits would be really close to a custom chassis...
I’m definitely gonna keep mine as a truck… I do want disc brakes on the front and sway bars at least.
If I did this it would be a body swap.
Love my Vicky swap. 75 f250 xcab shortbed.
We're planning on doing a video testing the 3 different versions of these trucks: stock, drop beams, and Crown Vic swap.
@@AutoRestoMod I'm excited about all of that. Love the Tesla truck as well. Always wanted to drive my RC car. Lol
I’d like to do this but I wanna know if the Town Car would also be a candidate for this swap, I know that they do share a platform with the Grand Marquis, Marauder, and Crown Vic but I’m not 100% sure if they’re all the same frame wise
Pretty sure they are. I use eBay as a way to delineate parts like that. The Front end photo in the episode is a town car.
I saved a 62 unibody from the scrapper by doing the crown Vic full frame swap. I used a 96 Vic though...it was a friends car that had a new jasper 4.6 with less than 10,000 miles ...gave him 600 bucks for it. The 96 doesn't have rack and pinion....but the track width is a little narrower. I used the dash from the Vic and everything...original wasn't a concern for me....and like you say it is a "gentleman's truck"...I don't intend to do anything in it ...other than look cool. It isn't done yet but I have been kicking around in it...go put gas in it etc and its great....its no power house but it is a fun zippy little truck. I'll have about 2 grand in the whole thing by the time is all said and done. I think if I had a nicer truck to start with I would just do the front end swap.
Can a crown vic rear end fit a 55 f10?
I CV swapped my 72 F100 XLT short bed. It was fairly easy except for the trailing arms. There's just not too much to work with on the truck C channel. The first time I tested it on rough ground romping it the welds cracked on the trailing arm brackets. I had to grind all the welds back off and really beaf the the crap out of it. For the rear, I used a later model Ranger 8.8 leaf under. Did not see any need to cut C channels in frame. Used racing quality$$$ 2 inch wheel spacers to bring the wheels out. It set 2 inches lower in the rear than the front. Simply raised it with air shocks. But to get enough shock and shock travel, I had to use shock bracket extensions. The truck handles curvy roads like a Crown Vic should. I used the Crown Vic wheels and short police intercepter center caps and beauty rings. Painted the weals the same to match the Burgundy truck. Note: Being a police intercepter front end, came with the expensive rotors and they cleaned right up. But I went ahead and rebuilt the rest of the front end to new condition. I deleted the cab fuel tank and mounted a new one between the frame in the rear. On the FE I added an Eddy Performer manifold and 600 cfm carb, 3 inch exhaust, Eddy aluminum water pump. I used a racing quality steering shaft and knuckles. My total parts was about $4,000. I had to pay my Nephew for help on top of that. I would do it again in a heartbeat for a great handling great stance short bed. Long bed, not so much. They are work trucks. Would like bucket seats but the original black bench seat is in great condition. Hard to swap out things in great original condition for a Sunday driver.
Interesting thought on the trailing arm issue, I hadn't encountered that before with anything I had read.. Glad to see it worked out so well for you well for you. I do like the Crown Vic idea for truck.
I have a question about djm drop beams and drop spindle I have heard so much good on installation but have heard and seen a lot of bad as far as breaking and bent and cracked welds I have a 69 short bed F100 Ranger 460 BB t56 magnum 15x8 an 15x10 I'm wanting to lower the truck I am under slinging the rear end now and was wondering what drop beams are the best and strongest I dont want to be cruising down the interstate and hit a asphalt drop and have ass dropped lol from a broken beam any info would be awesome and appreciated I love the show you always explain everything in a great way that gets the point across with a great sense of humor hahah thank so much cant weight for the next show
Honestly, I don't know. I like the idea of drop beams and looked hard at DJM, but like you, I have seen a couple of posts about weld issues. The thing we don't know on those posts is: What was the cause? So...
FYI the p71 has stamped steel a arms