Easy As 3, 2, 1 | Crown Vic Swap Setup Into a Ford F-100

SOLOMON LUNGER . May 14, 2019 . Department

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Part 2: The Finishing Touches of F100 Crown Vic Swap Setup

Team321’s front setup is designed with a weld-in steel crossmember to mount the crown Vic suspension components—including control arms, knuckles, bearings, brakes and sway bar links. Due to the narrowed track width, you can’t use the factory sway bar or steering rack. And this is not a cut/weld of the factory Crown Vic crossmember. Team321’s Narrow Crown Vic swap crossmember is a purpose-built crossmember that fits the F100 frame with no modifications. Team321 offers this setup in two packages: the base package includes the crossmember, upper control arms, all mounting hardware and sway bar; the complete suspension package adds the lower control arms, steering rack, coilovers, knuckles, steering tie rods and sway bar links.

The narrowed track width crossmember solves a variety of issues, like the increased wheel options and, beyond the benefits of narrowing the track width, the crossmember is designed for mounting coilovers, which opens up an endless selection of spring rates and allows for fine tuning of the ride height. For those looking for air, Ridetech Shockwaves can also be used. The steering rack is sourced from a Lincoln Mark 8, and brake options begin with factory Crown Vic disc brakes and include 14-inch or larger Wilwood options. Motor mount options include small block and big block Ford V-8s, Ford Mod motors and Coyote V-8s while adding more selections as customers request them.

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SOURCES

195 MOTORSPORTS
954-583-4215
facebook.com/i95motorsportsfla

TEAM321
321-960-5945
www.Team321.com

Picking up where we left off. It was time for disassembly and final welding.

We removed the nut on the sway bar end link and holding the sway bar to the crossmember to be able to remove the sway bar.

Next, we removed the bolts holding the brake caliper in place and removed the caliper and rotor.

removed the caliper and rotor

We used a temporary coilover place holder as we might still end up on air ride with this project, only time will tell!

Next up for disassembly we unbolted and removed the rack and pinion.

Next, we unbolted and removed the upper control arms.

Moving right along, we unbolted the lower control arms.

Once stripped back down, you can really see the Team321 crossmember and how she looks tacked in place before final welding.

With the crossmember bare, we finalized all of the finish welding on the top, bottom and sides of the Team321 crossmember.

The crossmember was fully welded and ready for some color and final assembly.

Since we’re still undecided on A LOT of things for the final direction of this chassis and project (color, air ride, etc.), we decided to just spray some no-rust primer to protect the frame from the elements until we’re ready to blast for powdercoat.

After adequate dry time, we went through the process in reverse and reinstalled the rest of the Crown Vic gear back onto the crossmember.

…the narrrowed track width crossmember is designed for mounting coilovers, which opens up an endless selection of spring rates…

And here she is for now: the Team321 Narrowed Crown Vic crossmember fully installed and completed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of engine swaps are compatible with the new coilover and spring setups for the Ford F100?

Motor mount options include small block and big block Ford V-8s, Ford Mod motors and Coyote V-8s while adding more selections as customers request them.

Whether you’re running a 5.0 Coyote swap, opting for a big block, or going with a built 289 or 302, we’ve got a coilover and spring setup for your Crown Victoria IFS swap on your F-100 pickup truck. Our setups are designed to provide optimal performance and handling, ensuring that your engine swap is complemented by a suspension system that can handle the increased power and torque.

Key Features:

Engine Compatibility:
- Small Block Ford V-8s
- Big Block Ford V-8s
- Ford Mod Motors
- Coyote V-8s
- Built 289 or 302
Application Specificity:
- Tailored for Crown Victoria IFS swap on F-100 pickup trucks

Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction means we continuously expand our selection based on your feedback. Ensuring you always have the best options for your build.

Why do most people only perform a front-end swap rather than a complete frame swap?

Many opt for a front-end swap because it can improve handling and suspension performance without the extensive work or cost involved in a full frame swap. It also allows for customization while maintaining the vehicle’s original structure.

What is the Crown Vic front end swap, and why is it popular for F100 trucks?

Part 2: The Finishing Touches

Team321’s front setup is designed with a weld-in steel crossmember to mount the Crown Vic suspension components—including control arms, knuckles, bearings, brakes, and sway bar links. Due to the narrowed track width, you can’t use the factory sway bar or steering rack. This is not a cut/weld of the factory Crown Viccrossmember. Team321’s Narrow Crown Vic swap crossmember is a purpose-built crossmember that fits the F100 frame with no modifications.

Team321 offers this setup in two packages. The base package includes the crossmember, upper control arms, all mounting hardware, and sway bar. The complete suspension package adds the lower control arms, steering rack, coilovers, knuckles, steering tie rods, and sway bar links.

Why Choose the Crown Vic Front End Swap?

The Crown Vic front end swap is a popular modification for F-100 truck enthusiasts. Offering modern performance and ride quality while maintaining the classic truck’s charm. This swap provides several benefits:

Compatibility: Models from 2003 and newer are preferred for their bolt-in compatibility, eliminating the need for extensive modifications.
Enhanced Suspension: The narrowed track width crossmember not only solves wheel fitment issues but also allows for coilover installation, providing a wide selection of spring rates and customizable ride height. For those interested in air suspension, Ridetech Shockwaves can be integrated seamlessly.
Steering and Braking: The steering rack, sourced from a Lincoln Mark 8, complements the setup with improved handling. Brake options range from standard Crown Vic disc brakes to high-performance 14-inch or larger Wilwood options.

Considerations and Customizations

When opting for a Crown Vic front end swap, there are important considerations to ensure a successful project:

Registration and Legal Aspects: In certain states, replacing the frame entirely might alter the vehicle’s registration status from a classic truck to a modern vehicle, affecting taxes and emission test requirements. This swap allows enthusiasts to retain the original frame rails, preserving the classic registration while enjoying modernized suspension.
Motor Mount Options: With a variety of motor mount options available, including small block and big block Ford V-8s, Ford Mod motors, and Coyote V-8s, the customization possibilities expand as more selections become available based on customer requests.

By integrating personal experiences and practical advice, the Crown Vic front end swap emerges as a balanced blend of old-school style and contemporary performance, making it a sought-after upgrade for F-100 aficionados.

What are practical solutions to common issues associated with the swap?

To maintain the classic truck status while enhancing performance, some suggest using the front suspension from a Crown Vic and the rear from another model, like a ’90s T-bird. This avoids a full frame swap and retains the original frame rails, bypassing some legal and registration challenges.

What are the legal implications of the swap?

Swapping the entire frame may require re-registering the vehicle. As a newer model, which could result in higher property taxes and necessitate emissions testing. This could impact the vehicle’s classic registration status.

Which Crown Vic models are suitable for the swap?

The 2003 and newer Crown Victoria models are the ideal choices for a bolt-in swap, as they fit more seamlessly with the F-100 frame without requiring significant modifications.