Hello all. I'm new to the site.
I just bought a 1946 ford pickup and going to put a subframe on it. What is the best subframe to use that will line up close? Don't really want a mustang clip!
Please state a good year of frame to use.
Also, i'm a good backyard mechanic but this is my first restoration project so bare with me.
Gonna have a lot of questions in the future. Thanks, Lee

dont cut the frame, if you're dead set on changing the front suspension then what I would do is find a late model Ranger p/u & use the complete frame under your truck. I have seen a few of these swaps done & have talked to the folks who own them & what I have been told is it's pretty much a simple bolt on. You will have to move or make new body mounts but IF you use a late model frame you get all the modern suspension & brake upgrades. Also the trucks I have seen were running 5.0's & V6's, so you could run just about any power plant you like...joe

IMO the correct way to go would be to get with No Limit Engineering and talk with Rob about installing one of his front crossmember....... Doing that you can also get updated brakes and steering. I dont recommend doing a ranger frame....... the ranger front suspension is junk when it comes to modifying them and there are very few quality aftermarket components available for them. If you were going to try to chassis the whole thing using an OEM chasis, I would try to squeeze an S-10 under it. But still the easiest route to go is with an aftermarket cross member.

Tony....

Thanks for the reply's.
What do you think of using a camaro,firebird,or nova subframe and what year ? I see alot of people use them on there old pickups!
PS. I am also a certified welder. I wont have any problems welding the subframe to the existing frame. Thanx Lee

http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/ifs&rearend.htm
http://www.streetrodstuff.com/Round...October/177.php <~~ scan down the post

check these sites & they'll tell you how wide the different suspension are, so you can see what you can use.........joe

Hey Joe.
This is what I have been looking for. You have been very helpful, and i do thank you for the info. I'll keep ya posted on what i decide.
Thanks,Lee


PS. Do you have a good site or a catalog that i can get repair panels for my fenders on my 46 ford p/u ?

Thanks Again,Lee

http://my.execpc.com/~sonoma/

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/archive/forum/42.html <~~you can post a QQ here also
http://www.RestoreTrucks.com

http://www.parts123.com/inven_antique_and_classic.htm

http://www.mercurypickup.com/ its mercury but it may help

these are a few I have found, but also look for a Ford forum & they maybe able to help you more........joe

Hey Joe,
Thanks for the new sites. Visited all of them and this should keep me busy for a while. Can't tell you how much I appreciate the help.


Thank You,Lee

Hey All,
If any of you have anymore helpful hints on restoring this 46 ford p/u, please reply back to me with your coments. This is a great site to have and it has benefited me already. Hope to use it more in the near future.
Any idea's on what rearend to use? Planning to use this p/u for everyday running around and showing it off. Not planning to put it in any car shows but mite pop in a couple here and there. Not planning any heavy loadsd on this old beast. I prefer to use leaf springs on rear and not coils.

PS. Please e-mail me with any coments or helpful hints if you prefer.
Thanks, Lee

check this site http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/ifs&rearend.htm it'll tell you how wide the rearends are. What i would use is just about anything that will fit since its going to be a daily driver. I have used ford 9"- 8"- chevy 10 & 12 bolt or even a chry 8 3/4, but really anything will work fine AS LONG as its wide enuff for your truck.........joe

Hey Joe,
Thanks again for the help. I'll keep ya posted on my findings.
Thanks, Lee

My 61 F100 is getting the Aerostar treatment. I'm in the process of making the upper control arm brackets right now. The only thing I dont like about this swap is that it will only lower the truck 6" which means I have 6 more to go. My bumper is 16" off the ground now and I would kile it to be down to 4" from the ground. Will have to see how it sits with the weight back on it.