63 F-100 - Dakota IFS Swap

Here are the pictures of the Dodge Dakota IFS installation.

I have never done a front suspension graft of any kind and all I can say is, WOW that was easy! The kit from ICI was awesome! The instructions were clear and Steve and Dave always had the answers I needed. Steve is selling new kits...I don't know how they could get better...but I am sure he found a way!

First step: Removing all the old brackets.

Second Step: Weld in Center Section.

Third Step: Cut Frame for Spring Towers.

Notice how you have to cut out part of the VIN. Be sure your frame got stamed with the VIN under the Cab to avoid DMV problems later!

Forth Step: Weld in Spring Towers.

Fifth Step: Clean Up Welds.

Sixth Step: Weld in Bump Stops.

(I didn't do it)

Added Parts: I didn't like the look of the stock front cross member, so I made this one. It spans between where the front leaf spring mounts use to be.

I had to fab some mounts to mount the sway bar. Since I took out the old front cross member, I made these.

I had all the parts (minus the rack) rebuilt with poly bushings. I used the Epoxy Implement Paint from Tractor Supply Company. Once you let it cure a few weeks it is very hard and doesn't scratch very easy.

Here is the before.

Here she is all ready to go!

You do have to cut one coil off of the V8 springs to get them to fit. I tried and it wasn't even close. Not sure if this is still true with the newer kits.

I used the rotors from an '86 Dakota 2x4 to get the 4.5x5 lug pattern. I will have the 9" in back re-drilled to match. I have a set of Mustang rims I want to use.

Here is the steering linkage and column mounting. I used a '65 2x4 manual column.

The end result! (no front end weight)