The RideTech Independent Front Suspension (IFS) Kit is a revolutionary, high-performance chassis conversion engineered specifically for 1965–1979 Ford F-100 and F-150 classic trucks. While the original factory twin I-beam front suspension was incredibly rugged for work-truck duties, it suffers from poor alignment geometry, massive weight penalties, and an inability to corner effectively.
This RideTech system replaces the entire factory front crossmember and suspension assembly with a modern, race-engineered, pure bolt-in setup that drops the ride height by approximately 5 inches while saving roughly 130 lbs off the nose of the truck.
Heavy-Duty Structural Bolt-In Architecture
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Substantial "H"-Style Cradle: Unlike flimsy aftermarket "I"-style street rod crossmembers, RideTech utilizes a massive, high-rigidity "H"-style crossmember cradle. It bolts directly into the factory frame rail rivet holes (requiring only supplementary drilling) and includes motor mount reinforcement loops that tie the cradle back to the frame rails to prevent chassis twist.
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Modular Engine Mount Layouts: The cradle includes adaptable motor mount swap brackets to support a massive range of powerplants, including Ford Modular/Coyote, Ford FE, Small Block Ford, and GM LS/LT, Small Block, or Big Block engines.
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No-Compromise Geometry vs. Salvage Yard Swaps: Delivers optimized roll centers, built-in anti-dive, and increased camber gain that adapted salvage yard "Crown Vic" swaps or standard Mustang II kits simply cannot match. At 63.5 inches wide from wheel-mounting-surface to wheel-mounting-surface, it is 4 inches narrower than a bulky Crown Victoria axle, allowing you to tuck deep-dish, aggressive offset wheels comfortably inside the fenders.
High-End Mechanical Components
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Delrin-Bushed Control Arms: The heavy-duty upper and lower control arms arrive pre-assembled with premium Delrin bushings for long-lasting, squeak-free performance. The upper shafts utilize adjustable caster slugs to let you dial in an aggressive 5 to 8 degrees of positive caster for maximum high-speed stability.
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Fox Mustang Rack & Pinion Integration: Converts sluggish factory steering boxes over to a precise rack-and-pinion steering layout. The lower control arms include adjustable steering stops, and the kit includes billet adjustable tie rods engineered to virtually eliminate bump steer. (Requires a 1979–1993 Mustang-style rack, sold separately).
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Massive Front Sway Bar: Features a large 1.5" x 0.250"-wall tubular front sway bar held secure by custom black-anodized billet aluminum frame straps and low-friction bushings for minimal body roll.
Advanced Spindle & Late-Model Brake Adaptability
The kit is engineered around RideTech's tall spindle design, maximizing cornering grip and offering two distinct spindle hub configurations:
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Option A: Tall Pin Spindle: Designed to accept high-performance aftermarket brake setups (such as Wilwood AFX kits) dual-drilled for classic 5 x 4.5" or 5 x 4.75" car lug patterns, or custom brake kits to retain the stock 5 x 5.5" truck lug pattern.
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Option B: Modern Hub Spindle: Adds the ultimate durability and serviceability of modern factory Mustang hubs. This setup includes actual S550 (2015–2023) Mustang wheel hubs and integrated caliper brackets, allowing you to bolt factory or aftermarket S550 Mustang brakes directly to your vintage truck frame. (Hubs feature a 5 x 4.5" car lug pattern with robust 14mm wheel studs; requires minimum 17" wheels).
Technical Specification Matrix
| Feature / Metric |
Technical Specification Detail |
| Manufacturer |
RideTech Suspension |
| Vehicle Fitment |
1965–1979 Ford F-100 and F-150 2WD Trucks |
| Suspension Stance Change |
~5-Inch Drop at ride height |
| Total Weight Reduction |
Saves ~130 lbs from the front end |
| Track Width (WMS-to-WMS) |
63.5 Inches (4" narrower than a Crown Vic swap) |
| Control Arm Bushings |
Zero-Deflection, Squeak-Free Delrin |
| Caster Adjustability Range |
5 to 8 Degrees of adjustment via alignment slugs |
| Sway Bar Dimensions |
1.5" Diameter x 0.250" Wall Thickness |
| Required Steering Rack |
1979–1993 Fox-Body Mustang Style (15.5" Mounts) |
| System Finish |
Premium High-Quality Satin Black Powder Coat |
Coilovers vs. Shockwaves: Choose Your Dampening Technology
This cutting-edge front system requires the addition of RideTech coilovers or Shockwave air springs to complete the build. Both options share advanced Fox Factory monotube-gas-pressure damping technology, featuring impact-forged aluminum bodies, heavy-duty 5/8" shafts, large 1.834" pistons, and a 24-position rebound adjustment knob.
1.RideTech Coil-Overs:Simplicity & Performance Tuning.Features premium, ultra-consistent Hypercoil springs mounted over the Fox shock body. Perfect for pro-touring street trucks where you want to set your exact target corner weight, lock in a permanent 5-inch lowered ride height, and hit the track or highway with maximum mechanical reliability.
2.RideTech ShockWave Air Suspension:Stance Customization & Load Management.Replaces the traditional coil spring with a heavy-duty air bag assembly that mounts directly into the shock tower. Provides instant adjustability over spring rate, load capacity, and ride height using air pressure. Allows you to air up to haul heavy parts or cross steep driveways, and lets you fully deflate the system to drop the front end an additional 3 inches when parked for a slammed stance.
Wheel Clearance Advisory: This front suspension system fits 14-inch and larger custom wheels. However, if your chosen wheel style utilizes a modern deep backspacing layout measuring greater than 4.5 inches, you must step up to an 18-inch or larger wheel diameter to ensure the inner rim barrel completely clears the newly engineered control arms and outer steering tie rod ends.
INSTRUCTIONS
