72 F100 project, longbed to short conv, CV swap, 20s

[sport71]

great job!!

[JG F100]

thanks, and yes I'll be using the explorer rear.

[JG F100]

well I didn't get to do as much on the rear as I had planned. I'm using an explorer rear and wanted to do a four-link but ended up using the leafs for now. I did get a shorter driveshaft and since the 8.8 uses a flange got that one too. I was able to reuse the ubolts and explorer shock mounts if I rotated them. The angle is a little off but it seems to work even with the old shocks. There isnt much room between the axle and frame, may notch it later. I still need to set the pinion angle and weld on the spring perches.




cleaned up and brushed on some rustoleum then sprayed some undercoating on the bed



I should have matching wheels soon, need to get some tires...




thats it for now.

[flyboy71]

Lookin good! You and I are almost at the same point. I just installed the Explorer in mine and so far it seems to be working ok. I ended up setting my perch at 10 degrees relative to the pinion and installed my pinion angle is at 5 degrees. Its almost screwy but the perches only need to move 1/2 inch to the outside per side to get them to the 40.25" spacing. What wheels are on there and what backspacing?

[JG F100]

Lookin good! You and I are almost at the same point. I just installed the Explorer in mine and so far it seems to be working ok. I ended up setting my perch at 10 degrees relative to the pinion and installed my pinion angle is at 5 degrees. Its almost screwy but the perches only need to move 1/2 inch to the outside per side to get them to the 40.25" spacing. What wheels are on there and what backspacing?

I'm going to set my pinion angle to match the transmission shaft, but opposite of course. The wheels are 20x10 but I didnt get the exact backspacing I wanted. I ordered 3.75" and these are closer to 4"; the fronts will have 5.25" on an 8.5 wide rim.

[dad23boys]

Looks good! You will be very pleased on how well your truck will drive. I have a little over 5000 miles on my conversion and I love it.

[JG F100]

Got the tires mounted, here are few pictures...







I'll take better pictures once I get it outside.

[LOWERED 69]

Truck looks great man

[ROBT257]

I can't wait to go see the bed and hood a buddy is giving me. And then of course onto the project. Thanks for your time. It doesn't sound too bad. Though while looking at it today, I believed I'll probably have to reclock the rear end. The angle is pretty steep now, and when it gets shorter it will only be more of an angle. Not sure the U joints would be able to handle it.

[48prerunner]

looks great.

[JG F100]

It was nice today and got to drive it a bit today, here some more pics from today.

[JG F100]

Got the parking brake working, feels good to not have to grab a block of wood to keep it from rolling down the driveway. I used one of the OEM explorer cables for the passenger side and bought a longer cable at lowes to get the drivers side working. I also bought a long bolt and shackle to make them reach. Seems to be holding up and should be enough to pass inspection.

[JG F100]

The rear suspension needs more work, there is very little clearance between the sway bar mounts and the frame, about an inch as the frame curls downward. A c-notch is planned.

[flyboy71]

Good catch on the swaybar mount! Mine has no weight on it yet so I never even thought about that being an issue. Ill have to plan ahead now if Im keeping the 8.8 rear.

[48prerunner]

Truck looks awesome love the stance. Do you think there will be room enough to hook up the rear sway bar?