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does anyone know much about the Volarie IFS im thinking about it for the 55 thanks
http://www.f100central.com/frontsusp.html1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956 Ford F-100 (F100) Volare Suspension
While not considered a show suspension exactly, the Volare suspension is well suited to the 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956 Ford F-100 (F100). It fits on the frame well, and maintains good geometry. Width is nearly perfect for the Ford F-100 (F100). The donor cars have similar weight as your Ford F-100 (F100), so the suspension components are substantially strong. Ride height has some adjustability and that is attractive to lower your 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956 Ford F-100 (F100). Be aware that you can reduce the torsion bar pre-load adjustment, but the ride can be too soft at the expense of handling, and probably not what you want. Drop spindles for the Volare suspension are available to lower your truck properly, but are pricey. Finding a donor car is pretty easy. Tons of Chrysler cars used this suspension from the mid 70's to late 80's. You don't necessarily have to find a Volare automobile. This makes this suspension swap inexpensive. The key is finding a good donor that isn't worn out. Benefits include a fantastic IFS ride, power steering and nearly 11 inch diameter power disc brakes. Wheel bolt pattern is 5 on 4 - 1/2 inches which matches up with other Ford bolt patterns. Finding a 9 inch rear end with the same bolt pattern should be easy. Stock 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956 Ford F-100 (F100) wheels may not work on this suspension as the hubs are bigger.
Taking the suspension out of a donor car is fairly easy. You simply unbolt the front k-member and suspension from the donor car. Installation involves knotching the existing Ford F-100 (F100) frame to allow clearance, but the frame remains stock otherwise. This install requires some fabrication skill, but is not terribly difficult. A Volare suspension swap is a graft onto the Ford F-100 (F100) frame and should be welded on, not bolted. No Limit Engineering used to have a video that showed this install. Check with them before you install this suspension. Remember, you should box the frame with the Volare suspension. One down side to this system is that the power steering box sometimes gets in the way of engines (headers/exhaust).
That is interesting stuff to know. The 1st and 2nd gen rangers used 15" wheels (the 4X4s anyway). I think the 2WDs used 14" back then.
At some point the 4X4s switched to 16". My 01 explorer came stock with them.