1953 Ford F100 Bolt On IFS - The Big Bob

The mounting bolts were installed one-at-a-time as each new bolt hole was drilled. Notice the drill was held steady at 90 degrees and not allowed to drop at more or less of an angle as it bored the hole.

The three 1/2-inch bore vertical mounting holes were drilled last, and then all of the mounting bolts that were snugged down initially were then tightened completely.

With the installation of the Big Bob crossmember completed, the next step was to mount the upper and lower control arms.

Then the upper and lower ball joints were installed, and tightened down in a star pattern.

Next, the coilover shock absorbers were bolted to the lower control arms first, and then lifted upwards to align with the top shock absorber mounting holes located on top of the crossmember.

The Nova spindles were attached with the steering arms pointed towards the front, and then tightened down.

The Timken wheel bearings were packed, the hub grease seals were installed, and then the Nova brake rotors were slid over the spindles into place.

The castellated spindle nut was threaded on, torqued down, and then a cotter key was installed.

With the Nova brake rotors installed the next step was to install the Nova brake calipers by spreading the brake pads far enough apart to allow the calipers to slip over the brake rotors, and then install the two Allen head brake caliper retaining bolts.

Once the left and right sides of the suspension and brakes were properly installed, the T-bird power rack-and-pinion steering rack was bolted into place on the Big Bob crossmember.

Then the tie-rod ends were inserted into the steering arms and the initial alignment was "ball parked" with a measuring tape.

The last step was to install the Big Bob's super-trick front engine mount to the crossmember. Once the '53 is completely assembled, it will have to be sent out for frontend alignment of the Big Bob IFS.