Progress on 57 F100

[Darkman]

Well I finally have accomplished something on time. Last year I predicted a Jan IFS install and it actually happened. OK I know that a lot of you aren't big crossmember fans but that's the best I could do.

[Jimc]

Looks like Fatman's and welds look good.
Make that ol truck drive like a new one.

Jim

[enjenjo]

Do they include the piece on the inside of the frame  now?  They didn't last ones I bought from them, I made my own.

[nzsimon]

over here in NZ many people graft in a JAG unit as there are plenty around in the wreckers yards and they have good breaks etc

[Darkman]

It is a Fatman unit and no they didn't include them. I made them out of 1/4" wall 2x3 tubing. I cut a 18 degree angle at each end and the height was the same as the frame rise. Marked diagonals on each side and cut it open. Checked the fit and welded it in. I feel that it will make a big difference in the ability of the frame to twist. Should stiffen it up a lot.

I guess I not as open minded about inserting parts from other makes onto my Ford. Of Course Ford does own Jaguar. If this were a real rod I could go there.

[Jimc]

I picked up a tip this week end at the Tulsa Starbird show from a fellow rodder who had built his own version of the Fatman's IFS
He raised his crossmember 2 inch to get his car lower rather than using dropped spindles.
Mine is just tacked in at this time, so I may raise it after I get the front sheet metal hung to see how it looks.
That will take some time this next week.

Jim

[Darkman]

Since I'm working on a truck, which I plan to use as a shop truck, I don't want mine too low. As long as you raise the top as much as the bottom it should work fine. If you are running strut rods you will be limited to a couple inches which should be enough to scoop dirt. LOL