Ok, I'm picking up a 56 F100 cab and front clip this week. I'm looking at putting it on a 98-02 2wd F150 frame. Figured it would be easier to set the suspension up for the drag strip. Plus it's getting a narrowed 9". Has anyone in here done this? I think the Explorer frames are closer to the wheel base and width, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel though. If there is a better frame to use without buying a high dollar custom frame, I'm all ears. Thanks in advance.

 

If you are going to put it on a 98-02, why not look for one that has a 9.75" rear. You might be able to find a F250LD or a F150 7700 with a 10.25" rear.

 

The guy I'm getting it from already has a 9" and the 4 link set up. Just have to weld up brackets.

 

I always had mustangs back in the day, so I really have no clue the best way to go. I did have a 00 lightning and a 56 F100, but never got this deep into them for a ground up build.

 

Dont go just for the front suspension of the 97-03 trucks

Lots of people run CrownVic subframe & suspension under the early F series trucks on factory frames

 

I don't have a frame at all for it. I'm just buying a cab and front clip with a title. Will the original frame stand up to 6-700hp and torque along those lines with a cage and some reinforcement?

 

Depends on how deep the pockets and if you want it right. Anything past 500HP and it's almost a requirement to go 4 link. Frame only on a conventional mount is never going to work at 700HP. You COULD do a clip only to the factory frame but it's a roll of the dice IF you want to avoid future issues. And Patman is dead on with using a Crown Vic front clip. LOTS of rodders use the Crown Vic front clip with great success. If you're really going to build this much HP into a truck, the foundation, the frame, has to be 100% or it'll never be right. Don't try to save money on a frame is the idea here. Frankly, I'd go full custom and have it designed around the engine and HP. You won't regret it.

 

It's getting a 4 link for sure. I figured if it would fly under a lightning, it would fly under a 56. I better do a little more research before I try putting that much power down.