1964 F100 with 514: ladder bars

fox331
11-04-2009, 06:16 PM
Crew,

Need some advice on building a 1964 F100 into a "Gasser" lookalike. It has a straight front axle from the factory. We have a 514 with iron CJ heads that have been mildy ported and port matched to a Victor intake. We will run a solid lifter or mild street roller cam for 600 hp or so with a C6. Eventually, we will run a 150-200 hp shot of nitrous at the track. We hope to run with

The ultimate question is "hook". I have Cal-Tracs on a 1965 Mustang that hook pretty well, but I've read some threads that Cal-Tracs / leaf springs on a truck can be difficult to hook up consistently with BBF torque.

So, what is the board's experience with adding ladder bars to the early 60's trucks? The East Coast Gasser association does not seem to have any rules against them, and I think they would still be period correct for the late 60's early 70's. Chassisworks has a sweet kit with coilovers included for around $750, including all needed brackets.

Cj Ford
11-04-2009, 09:32 PM
I run bears ladder bars with coil overs I am tubed with 31x16.50 et streets and I hook like no tomorrow.

1979 F150 all steel truck except for hood that was when I had my 466 with the alum cj heads it was running 11.31@118mph with a 1.63 60ft weight with driver 4190 lbs

White Lightning
02-22-2010, 09:58 PM
Ladder Bars will never replace the ability of a four link when it comes to finding the correct instant center, but if you're set on using them make sure you put floaters on the spring perch or you might just as well put a piece of rail road rail in place of your leaf spring 'cause you'll have just about as much suspension movement.

Hoofbeat
02-25-2010, 11:40 PM
I have Chassis Engineering ladder bars with rear leafs and floaters on my 66 F100. Body sits on a 76 frame. Truck hooked good with a 460. New 545 will be in this summer, that should tell the story then.