newbie with need of advice

[nrobideau]

Hello,
I just got a 1972 f100 2wd shortbox, it has powersteering. I would like to raise the body 2 inches. This will mess up the stock steering box alignment. Is it possible to move box to the side of crossmember? Like a 4x4. Could I just switch my calipers(disc brakes) from one side to the other? Thus allowing me to also move tie rod assembly? Has anybody done this? Thanks

[Wes]

sounds like a allot of work, I'm not sure if it will work. Another solution might be to install a universal joint in place of the rag joint. Why the body lift ? Why not a suspension lift ?

Oh and to the board

[nrobideau]

Thanks for the welcome! I am retired and when I was in my teens my father had a f100, what memories!
I need more vertical room in engine compartment above the present tie rod location for my engine swap. Either that or move tie rod to front of crossmember. The work involved is my enjoyment. I would like to know if it feasible to do.

[fordman]

it sounds like it would work. i think you would need a 4wd steering column extension. to reach the box.

[crewcabfan]

welcome.
when i was doing my 67 f250 diesel swap in ran across the same problem, i tried using an econoline's (82 e250 i think) steering set-up, they are very similar but the frame and track width is wider in the van,plus the gear box would flex the frame too much when mounted forward of the cross member .
if you dont mind the labor involved i think a fatman fab mustang 2 set-up is a good choice, plus you'd get a car like ride.
by the way what kind of engine are you installing?

[crewcabfan]

aloow me to chime in again.
this member's home made lift should work but you'd need a dropped pitman arm for the tie rod to actually move down .
http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... ?pos=-1408


and this is the frankenstein i mentioned i tried in mine.

[nrobideau]

Thanks for advice, I have a cummins 4bt that I would like to put in there. There seems to be a fair amount of positive comments that I could move tie rods. The fatman front would be nice($$$), I have read about a ford crown vic rack swaps.
Does anybody know if a a 4x4 chassis would be better? It sounds like tierod assy is in front of crossmember?

[fordman]

the 4x4 frames don't have a engine crossmember like the 2wd trucks do. and those axles do have the steering linkages in the front. on most of them.