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Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 7, 2017, 10:59 am
by Blanger
SteveCanup wrote:I have found a Jaguar IFS very reasonably priced and close by
Steve,

I'm curious, I'm assuming that the IFS is from a older XJ model Jaguar? how much work in involved in doing the swap? and I'd guess you are going to gain rack & pinion steering from the swap, sounds like a really cool project and can't wait to see it unfold.

Jon

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 7, 2017, 12:43 pm
by SteveCanup
Jon,
The IFS from '79-86 XJ6 and XJ12 slide right in between the frame rails just like the crown vic does and there is some welding involved. I will gain even better ride and handling, further lowering and yes, rack and pinion steering. Also the possibility for 'bags' or air ride later....(that's a big maybe lol.) The straight axle rode and handled well, especially with all of the modifications that I did to it. But I have been wanting IFS since I acquired the truck. I love what you (and so many others) have done with the full chassis swap, but it's beyond what I have the time, funds, equipment, etc to do.

...and "just because"...
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Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 7, 2017, 1:29 pm
by Blanger
SteveCanup wrote:The straight axle rode and handled well, especially with all of the modifications that I did to it.
Cool..... the straight axle was one of the biggest deciding factors that pushed me towards a complete chassis swap, I'm old enough to have driven straight axle trucks back when I was a teenager and use to own a '76 F350 that was twin I beam (390 4 speed) that was my daily driver for about 10 years, never cared for the ride quality but was young enough to not care. Fast-forward and my lower back doesn't really enjoy a harsh ride anymore...lol

But the IFS sounds interesting to me as a option in the future especially from a Jaguar, around here the salvage years are selling the CV IFS units for over $400 and I had one guy tell me that they were shipping them west 4 to a skid as fast as they could get the cars in to remove them, so needless to say that along with what I'm doing (full chassis swap) has driven the CV prices beyond what I'm willing to pay....which is why the RM is up to bat! I also can't bring myself to cut up a car that is basically a perfect car, don't know why but I just can't do it.

So I'd assume you will also have to add a PS pump for the rack, what about the wheels? same pattern?

Jon

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 7, 2017, 3:03 pm
by SteveCanup
Jon,
I haven't decided on the PS pump yet as I don't mind the manual steering. I will just have to see what I will have to fab up for that. I need to get out and look at the front of my 292 and see if there is any way to add a pump on. Eventually I want to install a 302 and T-5, but that may be another year at least. As for the wheels the Jag is 5x4.75 and the Ford is 5x5.5. I have already sourced a pair of 1" spacers that convert the lug pattern for $40. That is the route I am planning right now...especially since I just purchased 4 new wheels from Summit :wink: I don't want my wife to kill me....yet. I'm still waiting to hear from the guy about the IFS...I'm in Virginia and he is in NC. He said he would contact me as soon as he could pull one. I am hoping it is within the next few weeks (fingers crossed.) I am planning to photo the entire process and put it on here for posterity's sake....lol. I've read quite a bit on the install and it looks pretty straightforward to me.

Oh, here's a link to matt 2491's thread where he installed a Jag IFS to his '64: http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/f100.html
It's a great write up with good pics of how he did his. He made some brackets, which I not going to do, and bolted it in. Funny, but he still had to do some welding to accomplish what he did. I'm planning on welding the cradle right to my frame rails. I believe his article is hidden somewhere (page 1 I believe) in the "Hints and Tricks" section of this site.

Stay tuned....(somethings going to happen...I just don't know how soon....lol....)

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 7, 2017, 3:08 pm
by SteveCanup
Jon...and anyone else interested,
I know that many do not like Facebook or Facebook groups...it that is the case, don't read any further....
Here is a link to a Facebook group that has some great info on the Jag IFS and IRS conversion... "Jaguar IFS and IRS Swap Group"
Just an FYI....or public service announcement.....or whatever....lol

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 7, 2017, 3:14 pm
by SteveCanup
And here are some pics of a Jag install into a '57 F-100
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This looks very much like the Crown Vic install. The track width is almost exactly the same as the F-100...It is 1/2" difference...I can't remember if it is 1/2" wider or narrower.

Hope this helps...

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 7, 2017, 4:10 pm
by Blanger
SteveCanup wrote: here's a link to matt 2491's thread where he installed a Jag IFS to his '64
Thanks for the link....read through the whole thing and it was well worth it.

I wondered about the wheel spacing, it doesn't sound like it'll be a issue especially if it's narrower, you can always roll the fender lip to get a good inch or more of clearance..

BTW....pin stripe new? looks really nice, someone has a lot of talent.

Jon

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 9, 2017, 11:52 am
by SteveCanup
Happy Holidays....Christmas and New Years that is. Took some random pics today, just because....
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Tried to write "Merry Christmas" on the windshield....the snow crumbled....anyway...
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Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 13, 2017, 9:58 pm
by SteveCanup
Picking up the IFS on Friday! Borgeson couplings ordered from Summit. I will order some wheels spacers off of ebay in order to keep my original bolt pattern. I will probably have to source some couplings for the brake lines. I'm ready to get this project going! Pics to follow....
Stay tuned....

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 15, 2017, 11:22 am
by SteveCanup
Obtainium! Now let the fun begin... '87 Jaguar XJ6 with power-steering pump in excellent condition.
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Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 18, 2017, 5:09 pm
by SteveCanup
Goodbye old straight axle...you've been a great and dependable friend...but it is time that we parted ways.
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The axle is out and the next step is to prepare the '87 Jaguar XJ6 suspension for installation...
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Waiting for suspension...I still have to remove the shock absorbers and mark and scribe the axle center-line. I will move the axle center-line forward about 1 1/2".
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I have to go to Tractor Supply and obtain some cut-off wheels so that I can remove some un-needed brackets from the Jag front cradle. The new cradle is complete and otherwise ready to install. All the bushings appear to be in good condition except for the sway bar bushings. The rotors have rust on them and hopefully will only need a light touching up with sandpaper. I have the Borgeson joints to attach my steering column to the rack. My wheel adapters arrived today...they will change the Jag lug pattern (5x4.75) to Ford pattern (5x5.5). I have to also pick up some 10 mm nuts for the brake lines. Tomorrow, time and weather permitting I will begin installing this beast onto my truck. I will photo-document the process for all interested parties. I anticipate that this will lower my truck another 2-3 inches, which will get me to the perfect stance. I will probably pull a leaf or two from the rear spring pack to level the truck. Stay tuned....

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 18, 2017, 8:29 pm
by Blanger
SteveCanup wrote:Goodbye old straight axle...you've been a great and dependable friend...but it is time that we parted ways.
WOW! Steve, I thought I moved fast, your not wasting any time, can't wait to see how it turns out and I hope the weather holds out for you., truck should be back on the road in no time.

Jon

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 19, 2017, 10:11 am
by SteveCanup
Supposed to be in the mid-50's today, so I hope to 'get after it.' I have assembled all of the parts, but I have used up all of my cutoff discs, so I need to run out and get some and also take my wife to the doctor (Severe Sinus infection :( ). I need to remove some extraneous brackets from the cradle. After that, I want to get the suspension under the frame and see how low it sits, check tire clearance, etc. Once I do that I can move fairly quickly with the installation...I hope. Often the "Murphy" guy comes around and messes with me (Murphy's Law for those who don't know states, "If anything can go wrong, it will.") That often applies to me and whatever project I am working on. But we will press on and overcome. Stay tuned....

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 19, 2017, 11:16 am
by Zax63
Decided on a price for the old front axle and springs?

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 19, 2017, 5:45 pm
by SteveCanup
Zax63 wrote:Decided on a price for the old front axle and springs?
Yes...$600 for the complete unit which includes axle (of course) with tight king-pins, Mono-springs (they were $500 new), Disc brakes with lines (Speedway kit $280 new), KYB gas shocks ($98 new), sway bar with brackets and end links ($130 new) and I left the idler arm from the steering box attached to the drag link. This thing is 'roll under and bolt up ready.' It will lower your truck 4 1/2" in the front and it will handle and drive well...unless your steering box is worn out... Thanks for asking....

UPDATE: Well...the straight axle is gone...sold to a local guy restoring his grandfather's '64 F-100.

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 19, 2017, 5:57 pm
by SteveCanup
As usual, I didn't get as much done today as I wanted. Especially in light of the fact that it was sunny and 62 here today...perfect day to re-suspend my truck. I did get the extraneous brackets removed from the IFS and some grinding on the hubs for the wheel spacers to fit.
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I also got the shock mounts removed from the frame and the bump stops as well...started cleaning up the frame. I will mark my wheel center-line maybe tomorrow.
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It got dark on me....I couldn't see under the wheel wells and didn't want to drag lights out. I'm hungry, so it's quits for today...Stay tuned....
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Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 20, 2017, 10:16 am
by Zax63
SteveCanup wrote:
Zax63 wrote:Decided on a price for the old front axle and springs?
Yes...$600 for the complete unit which includes axle (of course) with tight king-pins, Mono-springs (they were $500 new), Disc brakes with lines (Speedway kit $280 new), KYB gas shocks ($98 new), sway bar with brackets and end links ($130 new) and I left the idler arm from the steering box attached to the drag link. This thing is 'roll under and bolt up ready.' It will lower your truck 4 1/2" in the front and it will handle and drive well...unless your steering box is worn out....Zax63 if you're truly interested shoot me a pm or let me know on here. Thanks for asking...


I'm currently Christmas broke, but if you still have it next month when my project budget recovers I would be interested.

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 20, 2017, 1:37 pm
by SteveCanup
Second Update: the straight axle is long gone....sold!

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 20, 2017, 4:36 pm
by SteveCanup
Wiggled and squirmed and clenched for about 2 hours this afternoon...it was fairly productive. With the help of my neighbor, who is a mechanic by trade, we were able to raise the complete entire IFS up to the frame. It didn't want to go without a fight...the upper A-arm rear bolts wanted to hang up on the frame even though we set one side up and over the frame and then raised the other side. It was tight...very, very tight! But it is installed onto the frame. We installed the tires and set it on the ground to see how it would sit. I ran out of time and will come back and measure, measure, and measure some more before welding it in. So far, so good...but, I have interference between where shaft comes off of the rack and the end of the steering column. I had to remove the drivers side header...and will probably need to reconfigure my header.

A note about the wheel spacers for anyone interested. I used 1 1/4" aluminum spacers to change the bolt pattern from the Jag 5 x 4.75 to Ford 5 x 5.5. It set the tires outward just right in my opinion. I had just purchased a new set of wheels from Summit and I was going to use them...

Pics of it just sitting there on the Jag suspension....It sits about the same as it did with the straight axle, but the handling and steering will be like night and day.
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Because of holiday commitments, etc I will probably not be able to work on the truck again until next week....so, stay tuned...I will take more pics

Re: Steve's 64 Short-bed Project

Posted: December 21, 2017, 7:56 am
by Blanger
Steve,

That is going to look great, the stance is perfect, can't wait to here what it drives like.....should be sweet.

Jon