A buddy of mine just picked up a 52 International p/u. In graet shape. He wants to bag it rear is simple~ but the front has me scratching my head. Two ways I see. One same as rear concerns about pannard rod clearance or Two put a new front end on it like a mustang or camaro. Any advice will be appreciated

Something like this.

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/hotnews/135_0410_traditional_air_cen_pen_speed_shop/

Yeah. replace the springs with links extending from the front spring hangers, bolted firmly onto the beam axle. No need for a Panhard rod.

This would also use the axle/links as a sway bar.

I have some thoughts about caster, it'd be a balancing act, set it for the desired caster at ride height.

Or you could use a 4-link, think about it for a while, have to keep the axle from moving sideways.

R.

It has a tube type front end. But using the front spring perches is a good idea!

for an economical solution the front main spring could be used to locate the axle----all the other leafs will be removed---the main spring is the softest---then put on the supplemental airbag....

I'm not really sold on the idea you wouldn't need a panhard bar by using just the front or rear section of the original springs bolted to the axle. that setup is basically called a "quarter eliptic" suspension. that setup requires either a triangulated upper rod on each side to keep the assembly in place, or a panhard of sorts. [see mopar ron's post on his latest truck project. he is doing a quarter eliptic with a couple of angled rods to locate the axle.]this is also extremely important if you do a "cross steering" setup, as this will impose forces that will try to push the axle sideways when you turn the axle side to side. I feel that even tho you have the axle bolted firmly to the spring, then the front spring half bolted to the front hangers, without the rear spring half bolted to those respective brackets, that assembly would act like a box with only 3 sides: very easy to move around side to side. if the complete main leaf were to be used in conjunction with bags, then a panhard bar would definitely not be needed. just my thoughts. I have studied suspension design and theory for many years before I built the setup that is under my humpback, and I would hesitate to build in a problem that couldn't be fixed without major surgery.

So if I am understanding right I could cut the rear section of all four leafsprrings- front and rear. The front part or the springs on the rear would then act as trailing arms then we could install the air ride. Probably with a panhard rod to keep the rear in its place. Sounds easy. The front I would do the same if there is room. I did not think of the turning forces on the suspension! This truck will have its original driveline in it.