I'm rebuilding a Volare subframe for use in my buddies '55 F-100 Ford. This is evidently a popular swap to get rid of the factory straight axle. He found a place that sells cutting and welding templates for the swap and I have seen it before.
Is there any way to ID the specifics (year / model) this came out of? Any major differences in parts? Im looking at replacing all rubber parts, brakes, ball joints,tie rods,etc. Any parts supplier recommendations? I have not torn into it yet but its pretty rough. Looks like it was out of a tired car and then sat outside for a while before he bought the project. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks, Pete

Any NAPA/Auto Zone type parts house will have what you need. Order tierods/idler arm/b-joints, whatever, for any Volare....go with a 78, that'll work.

As for brakes....measure the diameter of the disc and order brakes from same place, for same year Volare. All front wheel bearings will be the same on the Volares.

I've seen this done a few times....it works out to be a nice front end package.

You're gonna love the sideways torsion bars and how easily you'll be able to adjust ride height on the new truck.

Sid

I really don;t have an answer to your questions ,but I put one in my 1956 plymouth and it is great...easy install..my only problem was making motor mounts for my 440 to fit right..other than that the car rides straight and smooth ..the disc brakes were a great improvement ,,and of course the power steering..I had the whole car as a doner so I got the master cly and proportioning valve, and steering colume and anything else I wanted ..mine is from a 1986 Chrysler 5th ave..Good luck

Just be aware that the torsion bar bushings are NS1 and there are no aftermarket replacements...so go easy on them when you disassemble everything. I'm 99% it's the end bushings, not the pivot bushings (which are still available).

M-bodies (Diplomat, Fifth Avenue, Gran Fury, Town & Countyr, etc.) use the same front suspension as the F-bodies (Aspen/Volare), so you can always use used parts from one if needed.

Don't forget to upgrade to larger diamter front disc brakes for better stopping.

http://www.moparaction.com/tech/archive/disc-main.html

I did the same swap in a '55 F-100 years ago. You don't need the fancy templates. Just use coat hangar to copy the shape of the "K" member and transfer it to the Ford frame for cutting. After you find where the wheelbase should be, stock, the most important thing is to have the "K" member moved 1" forward. Failure to do this will make the wheels appear too far back in the wheel wells because you are also going to be lowering the truck. Believe it!!. Box the frame, install suspension and brake components, and you are good to go.

F/J/M Torsion Bars

Dynamite - Beautiful job on your '56.

4186828 list $38.95 $28.02
pivot bushing still available from chrysler