Upgrading the suspension on your classic Bullnose Ford F-Series (1980-1986) can revolutionize the way your truck handles, rides, and performs. The Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose has become a top choice for truck enthusiasts who want modern performance while preserving the iconic vintage aesthetic of their Ford. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the details of this game-changing modification, helping you understand its benefits and how to successfully carry out the swap.
Stay here more latest update: Homeworkify
Why Upgrade to the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose?
Classic truck restoration isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to merge the old-school charm of vintage vehicles with today’s advanced technology.The Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit is a popular upgrade designed for 1980-1986 Ford F-Series Bullnose trucks, offering improved performance and functionality.This modification enhances your truck in several key ways:
- Improved Handling: The Crown Victoria Independent Front Suspension (IFS) offers significantly better steering precision compared to the stock Bullnose suspension.
- Enhanced Ride Comfort: Modern suspension geometry ensures a smoother ride, ideal for daily drivers or long hauls.
- Lower Stance: The swap lowers your truck’s ride height, giving it an aggressive and stylish stance.
- Better Braking: Upgraded disc brakes provide more stopping power and improved safety under heavy loads.
For Ford enthusiasts, this upgrade seamlessly combines vintage style with 21st-century performance.
What is the Crown Vic IFS?
The Crown Victoria IFS, available in 2003-2011 models, features a complete subframe that includes modern suspension components, a steering rack, and disc brakes. Designed for reliability and performance, the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose has gained immense popularity for its ease of installation and compatibility with Ford trucks like the F100, F150, and F250.
Swapping out the stock suspension with the Crown Vic subframe not only modernizes your truck but also enhances its functionality, making it suitable for towing, hauling, or everyday use.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Modernizing Bullnose Ford Trucks (1980-1986)
The 1980-1986 Ford F-Series trucks, affectionately known as Bullnose trucks, are renowned for their robust design and dependable performance. However, advancements in suspension systems have left these classics lagging in terms of comfort and handling. By installing the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose, you breathe new life into your truck, ensuring it can compete with modern vehicles. Key benefits include:
- Reliability: The swap enhances the structural integrity of your truck’s suspension, providing a smoother and more reliable driving experience.
- Safety: The addition of disc brakes significantly improves stopping power, especially critical when towing or carrying heavy loads.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Lowering the truck’s stance gives it a sleeker and more aggressive profile, while still maintaining its classic charm.
Components Needed for a Crown Vic IFS Swap
To complete the swap, you’ll need a few essential components. While a comprehensive Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose can simplify the process, understanding the required parts is crucial:
- Crown Victoria front suspension subframe (2003-2011 models)
- Custom or pre-fabricated mounting brackets
- Steering rack and pinion assembly
- Upper and lower control arms
- Coil springs or coil-over shocks
- Upgraded disc brake components
How to Perform the Swap: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preparation: Remove the stock suspension components from your Bullnose truck, ensuring a clean and level surface for the new subframe.
- Install Mounting Brackets: Secure the custom mounting brackets to your truck’s frame, aligning them for a proper fit.
- Fit the Crown Vic Subframe: Bolt the Crown Victoria suspension subframe into place using the pre-installed brackets.
- Connect Steering Components: Install the steering rack and ensure proper alignment for smooth operation.
- Upgrade Braking System: Integrate the Crown Vic’s disc brakes, ensuring compatibility with your truck’s existing setup.
- Final Adjustments: Align the suspension and test for proper functionality.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose offers numerous benefits, there are challenges you may encounter:
- Improper Alignment: Ensure precise measurements during installation to avoid issues with handling.
- Wiring and Compatibility Issues: Some components may require custom wiring or adapters.
- Frame Modifications: While minimal, some modifications to the truck’s frame may be necessary.
Key Benefits of the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose
The Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose has become a must-have upgrade for enthusiasts looking to enhance their classic Ford F-Series trucks (1980-1986). From improved ride quality to a sleeker stance, this modification offers numerous advantages. Below, we explore the key benefits of this popular swap, ensuring your Bullnose is ready to combine vintage appeal with modern performance.
Improved Ride Quality and Handling
One of the most significant benefits of the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose is the remarkable improvement in ride comfort. Unlike the rigid solid axle suspension found on stock Bullnose trucks, the independent front suspension (IFS) allows each wheel to move independently. This design absorbs bumps and uneven terrain, delivering a smoother, more refined ride.
Handling sees a substantial upgrade as well. The Crown Vic steering rack and pinion provide precise steering control, offering responsiveness and stability. Whether navigating sharp turns or cruising at highway speeds, your Bullnose will feel more agile and effortless to drive. With this swap, every drive becomes a pleasurable experience, whether you’re tackling backroads or city streets.
Enhanced Braking Performance
Another major advantage of the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose is its superior braking system. The Crown Victoria suspension features modern disc brakes, a significant step up from the outdated drum brakes commonly found on stock Bullnose trucks. This upgrade ensures shorter stopping distances and better control, particularly under heavy braking conditions.
For those looking to maximize performance, many kits offer options to install larger rotors and calipers. These upgrades provide even greater stopping power, making them ideal for trucks used for towing or hauling heavy loads. Enhanced braking performance not only improves safety but also gives you peace of mind in challenging driving situations.
Lower Ride Height and Aesthetic Appeal
If you want your Bullnose to stand out with a sleek, aggressive stance, the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose is the perfect solution. By naturally lowering the ride height by several inches, this modification gives your truck a modern, “slammed” appearance while maintaining practicality for everyday use. The lowered profile improves stability and complements the truck’s classic lines, making it a head-turner on the road.
This aesthetic enhancement is a favorite among enthusiasts who want their Bullnose to look as good as it performs. The lower ride height is not just about looks; it also improves handling by reducing the truck’s center of gravity.
Cost-Effectiveness and Availability of Parts
Affordability and accessibility are key reasons why the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose is such a popular modification. Many 2003-2011 Crown Victoria parts can be easily sourced from junkyards or online marketplaces at a fraction of the cost of custom suspension systems. These OEM parts are known for their durability and reliability, allowing you to upgrade your truck without exceeding your budget.
By leveraging widely available components, this swap becomes a cost-effective way to modernize your classic Ford F-Series truck. The long-term benefits of improved performance and safety make it an even smarter investment.
Essential Components of a Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit
To successfully carry out a Crown Vic IFS swap, several key components are necessary. Each part plays a crucial role in ensuring the performance and safety of your upgraded Bullnose.
Breakdown of Components:
- Subframe or Crossmember:
The subframe is the foundation of the Crown Vic IFS, attaching the entire suspension system to your Bullnose chassis. It provides the structural support required for the swap. - Control Arms (Upper and Lower):
These arms connect the wheels to the subframe, enabling better movement and improved handling compared to the stock suspension. - Coil Springs and Shocks:
These components are essential for absorbing road impacts and maintaining ride comfort across varying conditions. - Steering Rack:
The Crown Vic rack-and-pinion steering system ensures responsive and precise steering, making your truck feel nimble and easy to maneuver. - Disc Brakes (Rotors, Calipers, and Pads):
Modern disc brakes offer superior stopping power, ensuring safety and reliability, especially during heavy-duty applications like towing. - Mounting Brackets and Fabrication:
Custom mounting brackets are often required to securely position the subframe on the Bullnose chassis. Proper fabrication ensures the swap is both safe and durable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Crown Vic IFS Swap on a Bullnose
If you’re planning to upgrade your classic Ford F-Series (1980-1986) with the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose, following a detailed guide can make the process smooth and efficient. This guide will walk you through every step, from the tools you’ll need to avoiding common mistakes, ensuring your swap is both successful and safe.
Tools and Equipment Needed
Before starting your project, gather the necessary tools and equipment to ensure a seamless installation:
- Socket Set, Wrenches, and Breaker Bars: Essential for removing and attaching bolts.
- Welder: Required for fabricating and securing mounting brackets.
- Measuring Tape and Alignment Tools: Crucial for accurate subframe placement.
- Hydraulic Jack and Stands: Ensure safety while working underneath your truck.
Proper preparation will save time and prevent unnecessary setbacks during the swap process.
Step 1: Remove the Factory Suspension
- Safely jack up your Bullnose and secure it on hydraulic jack stands to provide a stable working environment.
- Begin by unbolting the factory control arms, steering components, and brake lines. Carefully disconnect these parts while keeping track of hardware that may be reusable.
- Remove the old suspension completely to make way for the Crown Vic IFS.
Step 2: Accurate Measurement and Subframe Placement
Accurate measurements are essential to ensuring a proper fit for the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose:
- Use a measuring tape to mark where the Crown Vic subframe will attach to your Bullnose’s frame.
- Double-check your measurements to ensure alignment, as even minor inaccuracies can cause handling issues.
- Mark the mounting points clearly to avoid confusion during installation.
Step 3: Fabricate and Mount the Subframe
The Crown Vic subframe requires precise mounting for optimal performance:
- If needed, fabricate or modify mounting brackets to secure the subframe to your truck’s frame.
- Use a welder to create strong, durable welds that can handle the weight and stress of the suspension system.
- Carefully mount the subframe, ensuring it aligns with the marks made during measurement.
Step 4: Install Suspension and Steering Components
Once the subframe is securely mounted, proceed with installing the additional components:
- Attach the upper and lower control arms, ensuring they are properly aligned.
- Install the shocks or coil-overs as required by the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose.
- Connect the Crown Vic steering rack to your truck’s steering linkage.
- Integrate the upgraded brake system, including rotors, calipers, and pads, for enhanced braking performance.
Step 5: Perform Alignment and Final Checks
Proper alignment is critical to the success of the swap:
- Adjust the steering rack and suspension components to ensure correct alignment.
- Inspect all connections, welds, and bolts to confirm they are secure.
- Test the brakes and steering system before driving to verify functionality.
- Take your truck for a test drive to check for any irregularities, such as uneven tire wear or poor handling.
Important Considerations for a Successful Swap
To maximize the benefits of the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose, keep the following factors in mind:
- Frame Reinforcement: If your truck will be used for towing or heavy-duty tasks, reinforce the frame around the subframe mounting points to handle the added stress.
- 4WD Compatibility: The Crown Vic IFS is designed for 2WD vehicles. If your Bullnose is 4WD, consider how the loss of the front differential will affect your build.
- Component Compatibility: Ensure that your engine, transmission, and driveshaft align with the new suspension setup.
Cost Analysis and Sourcing Parts
The cost of a Crown Vic IFS swap can vary depending on whether you source components from a junkyard or purchase a new aftermarket kit:
- Junkyard Parts: Affordable and widely available, typically costing between $500 and $1,000 for the entire setup.
- Aftermarket Kits: Offer brand-new components with additional customization options, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.
Whichever route you choose, the investment is well worth the dramatic performance and safety improvements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a successful swap:
- Improper Measurements: Misaligned subframes can lead to poor handling, uneven tire wear, and unsafe driving conditions.
- Weak Welding or Mount Fabrication: Structural failure can occur under heavy loads if welds or brackets are inadequate.
- Ignoring Frame Reinforcement: Heavy-duty applications require additional support to prevent long-term frame damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose
1. What is the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose?
The Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit allows owners of 1980-1986 Ford F-Series trucks (Bullnose) to replace the factory suspension with the independent front suspension (IFS) from 2003-2011 Crown Victoria models. This upgrade improves ride quality, handling, braking, and overall performance.
2. Why should I perform a Crown Vic IFS swap on my Bullnose?
This swap provides modern suspension geometry, improved ride comfort, responsive steering, and better braking performance. It also lowers the truck’s ride height, enhancing its stance and street appeal.
3. Can I use the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose on a 4WD truck?
The Crown Vic IFS is designed for 2WD vehicles. If your Bullnose is 4WD, you’ll need to address the loss of the front differential or consider alternative modifications.
4. How much does a Crown Vic IFS swap cost?
The cost ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on whether you source parts from a junkyard or purchase an aftermarket kit. Additional expenses may arise for tools, welding, and professional assistance if needed.
5. Do I need professional help for the swap?
While experienced gearheads can perform the swap with the right tools and preparation, beginners might benefit from professional assistance to ensure proper alignment, welding, and installation.
6. What potential risks are involved with performing the swap?
Common risks include improper alignment, weak welds, and ignoring frame reinforcement for heavy loads. Following a detailed guide and using quality components can mitigate these risks.
7. Is frame reinforcement necessary for the swap?
Frame reinforcement is crucial if you plan to use your truck for towing, hauling, or heavy-duty tasks. This step ensures the subframe can handle the additional stress of the upgraded suspension.
Conclusion
The Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit is a transformative upgrade for fans of 1980-1986 Ford F-Series Bullnose trucks.It offers a seamless blend of vintage charm and modern performance, enhancing ride quality, handling, braking, and aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or a first-time modifier, this swap is an investment in safety, comfort, and style.
By following the step-by-step guide, sourcing reliable parts, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can transform your Bullnose into a high-performing classic that turns heads on the road. Take the leap and elevate your truck with the Crown Vic IFS Swap Kit for Bullnose—the ultimate solution for modernizing your timeless Ford F-Series!