[grizzlyj]

First post:

I've been driving my 51 ford pickup now for almost 10 years. It has never had any restoration work done to it, but I think it's finally time.

I am going to keep most of it original. The flathead will stay. I am thinking though that IFS would be good, so I've just started doing research. I want an easy, fairly economical solution, but it still has to perform well. don't want to cut the frame to bad. I've heard a Volare might be a good way to go, but I've also heard that the front suspension from a dodge dakota could work? That sounds like it could be a good solution. Anyone got any info on this? years of dokota that would work? web sites that have info, or companies that supply stuff?

Thanks

[oldschoolrods]

I believe poncho62 used a 76 nova front clip under his 51 f1. He's on vacation right now but I'd drop him a line when he returns.

[johnnymopar]

i'm using a '88 dakota frame for my plymouth project. i managed to make back enough $$ selling parts to pay for the whole truck.

the dakota should work well if you want to subframe. the only thing i'd be worried about is the front frame rails. after the suspension they angle up and are kind of high on the front. this may cause problems with relocating your rad or trying to hang a bumper on there. i'm not far enough along yet to address these issues.

but, if you have any questions give me a PM.

later,

JB

P.S. I added a couple pics to my photo album of my dakota frame. this will give you an idea what to expect.

the frame is boxed from behind the tranny crossmember. i should also mention that the engine mounts just bolt to the crossmember and frame which makes it very easy to remove them and put whatever you want in there.

one thing if you're going to go with a dakota. i had a hard time finding dropped spindles for my frame because it is an '88. there is a lot more stuff available for '91 and up.

JB