Extreme front end drop...I want to lay frame...

[johnboy72]

Ok, I've read the thread about basically lowering...I've also read the one that seemed to be an argument between MII frontends and GM front clips. My mini truck was Z'd, channeled and bagged on 20's. I've been reading and saw that Fat Man's will be coming out with a bolt on MII crossmember for our trucks. But one of the earlier threads caught my eye...I'd like to know more about getting the MII crossmember and exactly what I'll need off a parts car. Also, with a MII frontend, won't the front end be narrower???? I've heard the comments on frontends like the MII was designed for a car not a truck and that clipping has to be precise. Off by a _____ hair and your truck will chew up tires and not drive right. But for my so-so experience level, I think a MII cross member would be best. But what I want is to lay frame...so would a MII work? I'm assuming I would have to notch the frame rails for the steering rack but what would it really take to lay frame on my 72????

[fordman]

strat looking here. thats all i know to do.

http://www.fordification.com/FAQ-suspension.htm

[johnboy72]

Yeah, I've read that but I'm not talking about your basic lowering job... I'm talking about laying out my 72 on the rocker panels...I'll attempt to submit a picture of my 99 Ranger I have just recently parted with...

ok, this site is a little different so here's the link

http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.com/ ... en?id=4936

[fordman]

wow talk about a low rider. i don't know much about lowering but maybe a mustang 2 front end.

[Kraig]

I think if you take the wheels off it'll sit that low

[FORDification]

While I'm no expert, I'd have to think that to get it that low AND have it sturdy, you'll have to subframe it with a full-size car/truck as a donor and then use drop spindles and lowering springs, or bag it.

....or go with the Fatman MII kit. However, while I know others have used the MII setup on full-size trucks, I'm still not convinced it's sturdy enough for street use. I'd be very interested to see what they come up with for our trucks, and especially in hearing some real-world reports on long-term driveability and durability.

[GT-Racer]

Buy http://www.fatmanfab.com/06page7.htm and air bag it you should be set. They only make the weld in version right now.
The also make complete frames for 61-66. Arent they real close to ours?

[LOWERED 69]

Got any prices for the Fatmans front end kit?

[marz68]

You can lay door's since these trucks barely have rockers. You can do it by using a mustang II on bags and a z'd frame without loosing any leg room but you will have to modify your frame with some 2X4 1/4 inch wall tube.I have had my mustang II for over 10 years with no problems to report (from fat man). When I bought my kit it came with a weld in cross member,upper control arm mounts witch also hold your bags in place and it also includes a rack extender, for this you will have to specify if you are using power steering or manual. Power is the way to go if you are going with big wheels. When I bought my kit there were no bag mounts made for it,so I had to build my own mounts. Another thing you need to look at is that if you plan on keeping your 390 or fe motor, you will have to find a 4x4 oil pan or some custom made pan to clear the cross member. I was never able to find a 4by pan or afford a custom one but I did get a great deal on a 89 mustang efi. I used the motor and trany and I got it for less the cost of a custom oil pan. I used the stock upper a arms from a mustang II and built the lower arms from scratch.
My truck is 3" from the rockers to the pavement with bags 20" wheel's and 2" drop spindles and the frame is 1/2" from the pavement. My new frame will put me flat on the ground with 22" I will post some pics of a frame that is being modifyed with some 2x4 tube for a stock floor bodydrop.

[marz68]

Here are some pics of a truck that is geting a section from the 6" tall frame replaced with some 2x4 tube. This will create some room between the top of the frame and the bottom of the cab. Once this is done you can now drop your cab mounts down until your gap between your cab and frame is 1/8" or 1/4" away. It takes time but very well worth it.
That's what custom is all about anyways.

[CACWBY]

Buy http://www.fatmanfab.com/06page7.htm and air bag it you should be set. They only make the weld in version right now.
The also make complete frames for 61-66. Arent they real close to ours?

Thanks GT - I knew they were going to do this, now it's just a little longer and I can get the parts and wait for an excuse to do it (again).