Overall Benefit: In a word, "handling". While installing a Mustang II can look like a lot of work, in reality, the improved handling and ride quality are worth the effort. Combine that with improved stopping ability due to numerous brake options and it becomes more a question of “Why wouldn’t you?”. The independent suspension will give you a much better ride because there is double the suspension travel. A stock axle will give you maybe 2-1/2” of total travel vs. a Mustang II which will give you about 4-1/2”- 5” of travel. There are multiple spring rates available to accommodate varied applications and the rack and pinion steering is much more responsive than a standard steering box.

Drop: This varies and is dependent on application and options. Most kits drop the vehicle by 3-4”. Drop spindles and running lower profile tires than stock also adds to the amount of drop that can be achieved.

Track Width: You may want to mount custom wheels to your Mustang II conversion and determining proper track width for your application is essential for figuring correct backspacing and overall ride stance. Standard wheel base is 56-1/2” with a 60” version available for trucks. The various options for brake kits will vary this somewhat and some kits can add roughly 2” to the overall track width. Narrowed arms are available to move the wheel in by 5/8” on each side. See the link below for various track widths with different options.

Mustang II Track Width Options (PDF)

Economy or Deluxe?: Deluxe style crossmembers come with all welds ground for a smooth finish while Economy style crossmembers feature unground welds.

Assembly Notes: Either manual or power steering can be used with these crossmembers. The passenger side mount has a slot that will take the later model power rack. With all Mustang II aftermarket crossmembers, spacers and longer bolts must be used with the later (Fox-body) power rack.

Rack mounts are incorporated into the crossmember design and rotate the rack back 20° to get the input shaft lower. Stock, manual, power racks, or later model Mustang II or T-Bird power racks can be used. The rack is positioned so the bellows will clear most aftermarket full A-Arms. When using crossmembers with our "power" steering rack, you may also need (2) rack spacers (9101023). (These spacers are included with our Mustang II suspension kits.)

The holes for the lower control arms are 1/2″ (stock). If you will use tubular lower A-Arms instead of the stock lower arms, the lower pivot holes will have to be drilled out to 5/8″. Lower control arm pivot tubes and gussets are not included.

These crossmembers will work with stock control arms. If used with stock arms, these will require strut rods and strut mounts for installation. Speedway crossmembers DO NOT include strut rod mounting brackets. We recommend either our offset or no-strut control arms or the tubular strut rod (91034322).

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Details

Heidts Mustang II crossmembers for 1953-56 Ford F-100 pickups offer you the choice of Deluxe (welds ground) or Economy (unground welds). Heidts Mustang IFS kits for Fords are natural conversions for the Ford frames. They retain all the factory dimensions and locations, so you get all the benefit of Ford engineering in your front end. Included in these kits are Heidts own illustrated installation booklets.

1953-56 Ford F-100 pickup frames
Heidts crossmembers offer you the choice of Deluxe (welds ground) or Economy (unground welds)
Constructed of 7-gauge steel
Mustang II cross members using stock spindles will drop the stock ride height 3-4”
Built-in Anti-Dive is all fitted to your frame…No Grinding Required! Nothing to measure or trim…It’s All Done!
One-Piece Shock Cups are T.I.G. welded in place and have anti-dive built in. First class, for your car.
Vertical Inner Uprights. This is the strongest design available, with twice the weld area. This will keep your frame from twisting!
Main crossmember made from only 2 formed pieces for maximum strength and accurate fit.
Crossmember and Spring Towers precut and pre-welded to fit your frame…Nothing to Measure!
Lower control arm pivot tubes and gussets are NOT included
Frame Front Boxing Plates are included
Works with both manual or power rack and pinions
Requires use of 2" inner tie rod extensions
Features a raw welded finish

For a LARGER selection at a LOWER price, see Speedways collection of mustang II crossmembers.

Choose from the crossmembers below and add to an IFS kit to get a "hub to hub" front suspension.

Mustang II Crossmember Application Chart (Link)

413-34425 Crossmember Installation Instructions (PDF)

Note: Additional items may be needed to complete installation. You may want to include our Mustang II ride height adjusters (91034444) for installation with these crossmembers to fine tune your final ride height up to 2". Frame boxing plates are included. You must use 2" inner tie rod extensions for proper steering geometry with these crossmembers.

Note: This crossmember requires the use of rack extensions (91034345) for the manual or the power rack. Further, rack spacers are also required when a power rack is used. Please consider item #910-34346 or 910-1023.

Item Details

1953-56 Ford F-100
(requires use of longer tie rod ends)
Complete installation may require you to purchase corresponding a-arms, shocks, springs, brake kit, spindles, and steering rack and pinion

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Questions & Answers

2 Questions • 2 Answers

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I have a 302 that i want to use with this kit and has a front sump oil pan do you guys have a rear sump pan ? I think the engine is 1980s 1981?Not sure

by jc

• 11 years ago

1 answer

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does this kit include the strut rod bracket?

• 15 years ago

1 answer

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