Some info on the 2003 Crown Vic front suspension swap

[TxSlick66]

I have started on the front crossmember conversion. Thought some might enjoy the dimensional information.

To start with, my truck had 15x7 aftermarket wheels and 215x70/15 tires up front. Since they fit pretty good, I decided the outermost dimension of the tire is what I was working towards replicating.

I first measured the width of the I-beam hubs from side to side. Then measured the CV front hubs. The Crown Vic was almost exactly 4" wider than the original 66 Twin-I setup. That was a little disheartening at first, but my plan is to use 17x8 Mustang Bullit wheels up front.

Once the Mustang wheels (17x8 with 5.72" backspacing) were bolted to the CV front end the whole thing with tires and all would up 1/2" NARROWER than the wheels I had. That was measuring to the outside edge of the tire's sidewall at the widest point. Since the 17" tires have less sidewall bulge, they were not as wide as the 15's with a bigger bulge.

Now that the math is out of the way, I will proceed to further disassemble the truck, once I get the new floor installed in the house. First things first or the cook quits cooking, if you know what I mean.

Also found my right front frame rail pushed in about 1/2". I know that can be fixed pretty easy, but found a really nice frame with zero rust, already disassembled, with a nice cab sitting on it, for $200. So now I have the clean frame to work with, plus a cab that has no roof rust like my original one does. Also the truck came with a nice 66 steel front grille and painted bumper, plus two near perfect doors! Can't wait to get the floor done so I can get back to the slick.

[mikewirth]

sent pm...have you planned what steering column you are going to use yet?

[TxSlick66]

I have a tilt automatic column out of an older van. It was in the truck before. I have some shafts out of different cars that have the u-joints on them. Hope to use pieces already in hand...