First Build 52 F1 Learning the Hard Way

[projectF1rat]

Ok so I got my truck about 6 weeks ago. Got a new welder, cutting torch, grinder, chop saw and started to tear into it. I'd like to thank hot rod preacher with his help asking all my questions. I was trying to attempt his same build. But being lazy and not observant I have scewed it all up. LOL. You live and learn. I tried the pie cut method but on the driver side rail i never removed gear box and did the cut forward of the cab with the cab still on the frame. Nothing but headaches frame rails not at the same height not level side to side. After a few days of trying to fix the major screw up that I should have noticed, Ive come up with a new game plan. I plan on using the rear of the truck as is and forward of the leaf patch in some 2x4 tubing. I figured out with the rear end level Im looking for about 6 in. of frame rail clearance. So I have cut a 19in. In theory this should give me those 6 inches. Correct me if Im wrong. Big question how do I set up the front how much kick up should thier be. Im using the original front axle and going to set up tranverse leaf spring. Check out the pics. Most of them are from when I wasnt using my brain and checking things 4 times over. Lesson learned. Thanks guys for any input.

 

[projectF1rat]

learning as i go

Its all a leaning process

 

[projectF1rat]

More pics

Also Ill be running a built 305 and 350 turbo trans. Going with the 305 because everybody hates them so i figured I would be different . Stock rear end for now has 4.27 gears.

 

[rainman]

Looks like a great place to start very solid looking truck. I would suggest you do some research on here look at frames that guys have posted you'll get a lot of ideas. If you have any questions about them just ask.

 

[scrap metal 48]

Research,research,research.............Check frame threads........

 

[projectF1rat]

Have update on build

Hey its been awhile. Learning as I go but here are some pictures of what is going on. Ran into a problem when trying to set up front axle, spring is higher than where mount is going to be. Any help would be appricated(?)Also give me your positive and negative input of my build. Thanks guys.

 

[projectF1rat]

Update on Build More Pics!!!!!!!

Here go more pics!!!!!!!!!

 

[roddguy1]

Looks good so far, but just a little heads up here. Make sure you build in al least 5-6 degrees of caster into your front end.

 

[Reverend D]

Looks nice, I like the stance.

Regards,

Rev. D.

 

[earthman]

Why the round tube? I suggest continuing with rect tubing and just fabbing the suicide perch to fit the need. Those spring mounts need some gussets.
The project so far looks excellant and that is a pretty weld

 

[projectF1rat]

actually I was up in the air about that round or square. as far as the spring mounts those are just temp to get a idea of how off i am. Im thinking about doing spring behind because it should clear it. i think

 

[rainman]

Make sure you listen to Rodguy about the caster, I would say between 5 and 9 degrees.

 

[BUSTEDKNUCKLE]

Hey its been awhile. Learning as I go but here are some pictures of what is going on. Ran into a problem when trying to set up front axle, spring is higher than where mount is going to be. Any help would be appricated(?)Also give me your positive and negative input of my build. Thanks guys.

Looks like your off to a good start. You should weld some plate to the inside of you Z for added strenght. Safety first...........

 

[projectF1rat]

Update with Pics

Its a roller.After long thought on round tube or rectangle for the front perch. And what I wanted to taper the front down too. So I decided to go with the round tube and tappered the front down to 29". Rear is 34" under cab 31" while the front 29". Well check out the pics and stance. Give me your input good or bad. Thanks guys.

 

[Andrew]

I like it! Nice welder, too

 

[rainman]

I really like the stance the only thing I would have issue with is not having the rear tires in the center of the bed sides. As a matter of fact I redid mine just to solve that problem. But thats prob. just me. Still looks very cool.

 

[hotrod preacher]

wow! i had not seen this thread! that looks very familiar![S yet different, too!

that's looking good-nice photo-shoot.......how long is your bed? you did cut it didn't you?

BTW-the 1st pic shows it w/front cap, the front cap obviously isn't original, but it is from a 51-the hood trim is different.....just thought i'd share some of my useless ford truck knowledge

keep up the good work--great lookin welds [

 

[projectF1rat]

Update on build

Here go some new pics of the build. I know some might give me some grief with the engine crossmember. Let me know what yal think of anything and if yal dont like it ill change it. The crossmember was just easy and it also brings stregnth to the front end. I was using a trailing spring but after getting the correct shackles had to get a spring from speedway. Has anyone had the set up like mine and kept rear steering. Cant fit the centerlink and tie rod cause it hits the brackets and spring. any help or info would be great good or bad. thanks

 

[dmw56]

Looking good. Keep up the good progress.

 

[trxdoc]

Glad to see you got rid of trailer spring. I think they are too stiff. I am running the front spring brackets like you have and Speedway spring. I have my tierod in front don't really like it there but it works good. Some say it messes with the Ackerman but in my instance it works fine. The way the brackets are set up I don't think you can run it behind. Be sure to fishplate your frame for a little security and gusset your uprights on rear of frame. Also be sure that nothing touches the ground with just rims on your truck IE no tires. If you have a flat it WILL drag if it is lower than rims.