RIDETECH 12330298 HQ AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR 1973-1979 F-100 FRONT AND REAR HQ SHOCKWAVES FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND BOLT-ON 4-LINK PIN SPINDLE

HQ Air Suspension System For 1973-1979 F-100 Front And Rear HQ Shockwaves Front Suspension System And Bolt-On 4-Link Pin Spindle. The classic Ford F-100 and F-150 platform presents some unique challenges when setting out to build an air suspension system that delivers the ride and handling people have come to expect from a Ridetech suspension system.

The old Ford was designed and built for a different era - back when the speed limit was 55 and trucks were meant to work hard. While the original twin I-beam front suspension was certianly built Ford tough but it wasn't exactly built to carve corners.

The front suspension of these trucks are particularly problematic to get lowered… and we like our trucks low. So we set out to design the best handling classic Ford truck suspension - and build it in a package that you can install yourself with hand tools and a little elbow grease.

Our complete bolt-in suspension system for the classic Ford trucks removes the entire factory front crossmember in favor of our bolt-on front crossmember…

Yes, we said bolt on… we have built our front suspension for the Ford truck to be bolted in and it is super stout… significantly more rigid and stronger than the original. It aligns with the original rivet holes in the frame, and does require some additional drilling for the many grade 8 fasteners we include in the kit.

This system utilizes the popular (and easy to find) Fox Mustang style steering rack. The control arms are set up with the ball-joints installed and include delrin bushings for smooth, squeak free, long-lasting performance. They also provide options for caster so you can set your truck up as aggressive as you want.

When compared to other salvage-yard / crown vic options or street rod sourced front suspension systems, the Ridetech system is significantly more structurally sound and provides un-compromised suspension geometry for vastly superior ride and handling and the simplicity of keeping your factory frame.

At the rear of the truck, we utilize a proven 4 link design to provide a low stance and still retain full use of the bed floor and load capacity of the truck. The Ridetech bolt-in c-notch, just like our bolt-in front cross member, is designed to actually improve the strength of the original frame and provides all the mounts for our new control arms and panhard bar.

1965-1979 Front Suspension:

• Removes bulky, heavy, poor handling twin I-beam suspension
• Bolt-in cradle is super strong and strengthens the front of the truck while providing structural mounts front control arms - utilizes substantial H style design compared to other I style crossmembers.
• Superb suspension geometry, built without compromise - vastly superior to adapted salvage yard Crown-Vic suspension swaps or street rod style / Mustang II front systems with optimized roll centers and anti-dive.
• Delrin bushings on upper and lower control arms provide smooth, squeak-free long life
• Upper control arm cross shaft allows for easy alignment and use of caster slugs
• Adjustable steering stop on lower control arm
• Utilizes Ridetech tall pin spindle which uses AFX brake kits - many brake kits (including Wilwood) are dual drilled for 5 x 4.5 inch or 5 x 4.75 inch lug pattern
• Optional Hub Spindles offer the same geometry improvements as the pin spindle but add the performance and simplicity of late model Mustang hubs and brakes. Includes S550 2015-2023 Mustang hubs for maximum strength, consistent braking and reduced maintenance. Compatible with 2015-2023 Mustang brake systems, OE and aftermarket (caliper brackets included).
• Minimum 17 inch wheels.

Hubs fit Ford car 5 x 4.5 inch lug pattern and include 14mm studs.

• Brake kit for the stock 5 x 5.5 inch lug pattern with Ridetech pin spindle are available as well
• Increased camber gain with tall spindle, 5-8 degree's caster for improved high speed stability
• 63.5 inch in front width (wheel mount surface to wheel mount surface) - provides options for traditional offset wheel choices (4 inch narrower than Crown Vic)
• Fits 14 inch and larger wheels. If using more than 4.5 inch of backspacing, 18 inch wheels are required.
• Motor mount inchloops inch connect cradle to frame rails to reinforce frame
• Motor mounts options for Modular Ford, Ford FE, and Small Block Ford, Chevy LS / Small Block / Big Block
• Front sway bar measures 1.5 inch x .250 wall and provides confident cornering and smooth ride. Includes billet aluminum frame straps (anodized black) and low friction bushings.
• Adjustable bump stops
• Rack and pinion steering conversion with 15.5 inch center to center bushing mounts for 79-93 Mustang style steering rack
• Includes billet adjustable tie rods
• Bump steer has been virtually eliminated
• Adaptable to stock steering column using kit 12319505, includes column adapter, U-Joint and shaft.
• High quality satin black powder coat finish
• Entire system saves approximately 130lbs. from the front of the truck.

Rear 4-Link Suspension:

• Removes factory leaf spring suspension and bracketry
• Complete parallel 4-link with panhard and c-notches
• Works with Coilover or Shockwaves Air Suspension
• Includes R-Joints on all links for smooth, bind free, quite operation and long life
• Optimized roll center and anti-squat (60 percent anti-dive) for amazing traction and elimination of wheel hop
• High quality satin black powder coat finish
• Reduces rear weight by 50 lbs
• 1965-1972 - No bed modification needed
• 1973-1979 - Slight bed support rail modification needed (not visible from the top side of the truck
• Compatible with short bed and long bed trucks

Air suspension system:

This system uses Ridetech Shockwaves to provide air suspension to your classic Ford. The Shockwaves mount just like coil-overs and provide full adjustability over spring rate / load capacity / ride height using air pressure.

Along with providing the ability to air-out and lower the truck completely when parked for a super aggressive stance, the air suspension also significantly enhanced the ability to cary a wide range of loads while maintaining adequate suspension travel and ride quality.

Air suspension lowers ride height by approximately 5 inch at ride height with an additional 3 inch when fully deflated

The RIDETECH 12330298 HQ Air Suspension System is designed specifically for classic 1973-1979 Ford F-100 and F-150 trucks, transforming their ride quality and handling to modern standards. This comprehensive kit combines the innovative HQ Shockwaves front suspension system with a robust bolt-on 4-link pin spindle, culminating in a suspension overhaul that is not only functional but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of these timeless vehicles.

Gone are the days of the cumbersome twin I-beam front suspension. RIDETECH's high-strength front crossmember replaces it, ensuring improved rigidity and sophisticated suspension geometry. Each component in the kit is designed for easy installation, allowing you to upgrade your truck using standard hand tools. With a focus on alignment and adjustability, the system includes a tall pin spindle that accommodates popular AFX brake kits, making compatibility a breeze.

The exceptional Delrin bushings on both upper and lower control arms guarantee a smooth, squeak-free performance while offering customization options for caster settings. The 4-link design at the rear maintains the truck's load capacity while allowing for a lowered stance, complemented by Ridetech's bolt-in c-notch for enhanced frame strength.

Featuring Ridetech Shockwaves, the air suspension system provides adaptability over ride height, load capacity, and overall ride quality. This versatility allows the vehicle to maintain excellent comfort while carrying varying loads, enabling a drop of up to 8 inches for an aggressive stance when parked.

With a durable satin black powder coat finish and a weight reduction of approximately 130 lbs at the front and 50 lbs at the rear, this fully engineered package not only enhances performance but also respects the classic design, creating an unparalleled driving experience for vintage truck enthusiasts. Upgrade your F-100 or F-150 with the RIDETECH HQ Air Suspension System and redefine your journey on the road.