Now that trapping season is over, I was finally able to get some work done on the old truck that's been long overdue. Back when I installed my front sway bar, the spacer that goes under the front spring for the end links raised the front of the truck about 1", kinda like a leveling kit. It looked fine, but it caused the front tires to be cambered way out, so it rode funny; wandered all over the road. A bunch of suspension bushings were super worn out too. There's no adjustment for camber on these old trucks except to bend the I-beam, and I don't know if I can even find anyone who still does that. The only other option is to lower the suspension, so that's what I chose.

For the rear, I got some lowering shackles. Pretty basic.

For the front I went with front springs off of a 1991 Ford explorer 4x4. They're commonly used to lower these old trucks, and they're the exact same thing as my springs, just 3" shorter. I used some aftermarket urethane replacement bushings.


Before and after. Not a massive difference, but I like it. The front came down 2 3/4", and the rear came down 1 1/2". Camber on the front is greatly improved, tires are now basically straight up and down, and the truck drives much better.

Is that pre-EI or did you convert it to EI? Those old school vehicles will still run after an EMP strike.

Why not just catch more fur / kill more deer. The extra weight would lower it . Just put some blocks in back that works too....

Used to have a 2 barrel and points ignition. Now it's got a fuel injected 5.0

nice job!
I'm thinking of getting an old pickup for my next daily driver, I don't do many miles anymore, so gas use isn't a big concern.
Tired of all the newer crap on vehicles, nothing but potential headaches.
I have put fuel injection on a old Pontiac years ago and I'd do the same on a truck like you did.
Did you plug in a newer motor or upgrade the old one?

I'm not too keen on Fords tho, my dad had a '69 f100 and my brother a ford van, both had issues with the front suspension, GM's front suspension is better IMO.

It had a 302 and C4 before, I put in a 5.0 and AOD out of an 87 grand marquis. The physical installation was basically just a direct replacement, as far as the wiring, the grand marquis wire harness for the truck perfectly, right down to battery cable placement. I just had to hook up like6 wires for powers and ground to the PCM, and of course run new fuel lines and a different fuel pump

Among all your other goofy notions, I never figured you to be a 'Low Rider'.

Glad you're happy with the results of your labor, Captain.




Charlie

How is your truck or at least your rockers not rusted out!?

Bend the I-beam thats something i haven't heard in a long time

I was in a shop last summer that has been around a long time. The fella running it now is a real nice guy and him and was talking as he mounted some tires on my wifes car. I looked over in a corner and seen the tool like I used to use for bending those I-beams. When I told the guy I hadn't seen one in years he was amazed I even knew what it was. Then he told me if I still remembered how to use it I would most likely be the 2nd person, him being the first.

P.S. the only reason I didn't run ford trucks back then was because of those I beams. I absolutely hated them things. Bending them wasn't as bad as having to change the stuck king pins.

Hahaha ! Fuche' copeste' Man! My eye's are burning

Very nice loosegoose!