Here is the truck as we found it
After getting the truck home and into the garage we decided on a plan of action. Originally we were going to upgrade the Manual steering and non power brakes to power disc brakes and power steering from a 78 or 79 F150.
Wanting to lower the truck a bit and give it a more aggressive stance we decided that some drop I beams were in order but after pricing what a donor truck and some drop I beams would cost we decided on a more radical approach.
While reading the Fordification forums we came across a few trucks with a Crown Victoria front suspension, this set up is both independent and very economical including a power rack and pinion and disc brakes, most importantly the whole setup is practically bolt on.
The Crown Vic front assembly is a easy upgrade and it provides the power steering and brakes we wanted as well as lowering the front end about 4-5 inches. But first we needed to tear the old beast down and get her ready for her front end makeover so here are some pictures of the front end tear down.
After some thought about how to go about tearing into the front end to remove the unwanted suspension components we decided to avoid a blow torch as neither Jay or I know much how to run one and we didn't want to damage the frame whilst cutting away the front saddle and spring perches, so we invested in some cut off and grinding wheels for my 4.5 inch angle grinder and set to work.
Most of the suspension is held in by big rivets, so we took to grinding these off and banging away with a small sledge hammer to loosen the pins holding the spring perches and rear I beam mounts in place.
At this point the weather turned cold, snow on the ground and we decided to call it quits for the winter, but we are eager to get started again now that February is here and it's actually starting to warm up, I can say we officially have spring fever.
Antknee