The classic Ford F-100 and F-150 platform presents some unique challenges when setting out to build an air suspension system that delivers the ride and handling people have come to expect from a Ridetech suspension system.
The old Ford was designed and built for a different era – back when the speed limit was 55 and trucks were meant to work hard. While the original twin I-beam front suspension was certianly built “Ford tough” but it wasn’t exactly built to carve corners.
The front suspension of these trucks are particularly problematic to get lowered… and we like our trucks low. So we set out to design the best handling classic Ford truck suspension – and build it in a package that you can install yourself with hand tools and a little elbow grease.
Our complete bolt-in suspension system for the classic Ford trucks removes the entire factory front crossmember in favor of our bolt-on front crossmember…
Yes, we said bolt on… we have built our front suspension for the Ford truck to be bolted in and it is super stout… significantly more rigid and stronger than the original. It aligns with the original rivet holes in the frame, and does require some additional drilling for the many grade 8 fasteners we include in the kit.
This system utilizes the popular (and easy to find) “Fox Mustang” style steering rack. The control arms are set up with the ball-joints installed and include delrin bushings for smooth, squeak free, long-lasting performance. They also provide options for caster so you can set your truck up as aggressive as you want. When compared to other salvage-yard / crown vic options or street rod sourced front suspension systems, the Ridetech system is significantly more structurally sound and provides un-compromised suspension geometry for vastly superior ride and handling and the simplicity of keeping your factory frame.
At the rear of the truck, we utilize a proven 4 link design to provide a low stance and still retain full use of the bed floor and load capacity of the truck. The Ridetech bolt-in c-notch, just like our bolt-in front cross member, is designed to actually improve the strength of the original frame and provides all the mounts for our new control arms and panhard bar.
1965-1979 Front Suspension:
Removes bulky, heavy, poor handling twin I-beam suspensionBolt-in cradle is super strong and strengthens the front of the truck while providing structural mounts front control arms – utilizes substantial “H” style design compared to other “I” style crossmembers.Superb suspension geometry, built without compromise – vastly superior to adapted salvage yard “Crown-Vic suspension swaps” or “street rod style” / Mustang II front systems with optimized roll centers and anti-dive.Delrin bushings on upper and lower control arms provide smooth, squeak-free long lifeUpper control arm cross shaft allows for easy alignment and use of caster slugsAdjustable steering stop on lower control armUtilizes Ridetech tall spindle which uses “AFX brake kits” – many of the kits (Wilwood) are dual drilled for 5 x 4.5? or 5 x 4.75? lug pattern.Brake kits for the stock 5 x 5.5? lug pattern are available as wellIncreased camber gain with tall spindle, 5-8 degree’s caster for improved high speed stability63.5” in front width (wheel mount surface to wheel mount surface) – provides options for “traditional” offset wheel choices (4? narrower than Crown Vic)Fits 14 inch and larger wheels. If using more than 4.5? of backspacing,18? wheels are required.Motor mount “loops” connect cradle to frame rails to reinforce frame Motor mounts options for Modular Ford, Ford FE, and Small Block Ford, Chevy LS / Small Block / Big BlockFront sway bar measures 1.5? x .250 wall and provides confident cornering and smooth rideAdjustable bump stops Rack and pinion steering conversion with 15.5” center to center bushing mounts for 79-93 Mustang style steering rackIncludes billet adjustable tie rodsBump steer has been virtually eliminatedAdaptable to stock steering column using kit 12319505, includes column adapter, U-Joint and shaft. High quality satin black powder coat finishEntire system saves approximately 130lbs. from the front of the truck. Rear 4-Link Suspension:
Removes factory leaf spring suspension and bracketryComplete parallel 4-link with panhard and c-notchesWorks with Coilover or Shockwaves Air SuspensionIncludes R-Joints on all links for smooth, bind free, quite operation and long lifeOptimized roll center and anti-squat (60% anti-dive) for amazing traction and elimination of wheel hopHigh quality satin black powder coat finishReduces rear weight by 50 lbs1965-1972 – No bed modification needed1973-1979 – Slight bed support rail modification needed (not visible from the top side of the truckCompatible with short bed and long bed trucksAir suspension system:
This system uses Ridetech Shockwaves to provide air suspension to your classic Ford. The Shockwaves mount just like coil-overs and provide full adjustability over spring rate / load capacity / ride height using air pressure. Along with providing the ability to “air-out” and lower the truck completely when parked for a super aggressive stance, the air suspension also significantly enhanced the ability to cary a wide range of loads while maintaining adequate suspension travel and ride quality.
Air suspension lowers ride height by approximately 5” at ride height with an additional 3” when fully deflated
We offer several option for air suspension control systems to work with this truck.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP FOR CONTROL SYSTEMSShockwaves
Ridetech’s patented “Shockwave” (integral “shock-within-a-spring” air spring and shock absorber assembly) is a proven winner at shows and in motion. With 24-position rebound adjustment clicks, you fine tune the shocks to your driving preferences and vehicle demands. Advanced Fox Factory Shock Technology hides within the shocks.The Fox Factory monotube-gas-pressure design features large 1.834? pistons, heavy duty 5/8? shafts, and impact-forged aluminum bodies.
Shock calibrations and air spring specs are based on more than 20 years of extensive air ride development on the street, highways and race tracks. It all adds up to predictable handling that is comparable to Coil-Overs but with instant ride height adjustment. You get the best of both worlds.
Our 1976 Shop Truck Height for Comparison:
Stock Ride Height Before Install
Fender Lip Height @ Wheel CenterF- 30 ¾” R- 32 3/8”Aired Out
Fender Lip Height @ Wheel CenterF- 22 ¾” R- 24 ¼”Ride Height
Fender Lip Height @ Wheel CenterF- 26 ¼” R- 26 ¾”Fully Raised
Fender Lip Height @ Wheel CenterF- 27 ½” R- 28 ½”
