Ford’s fourth-gen F-Series (1961–66) went through plenty of styling updates each year, but the chassis stayed mostly the same—until mid-1965, when Ford introduced the now-infamous Twin I-Beam front suspension. This setup used two long I-beam axles, each pivoting on opposite sides of the frame. The concept was simple: let each wheel move independently, while keeping the strength of a traditional straight axle.
From the 1967–72 fifth-gen trucks into the 1973–79 sixth-gen models, Ford refreshed interior comfort and body styling, but the Twin I-Beam remained. Unfortunately, that suspension design is one of the biggest reasons ’65-79 F-Series trucks have been overlooked by early truck builders. Minimal caster meant poor straight-line stability, wandering on uneven roads, and noticeable camber change as each axle moved. Tire wear was common, and shock absorbers didn’t last long either.
Even though ’65-79 F-100s are still relatively affordable compared to their GM counterparts, the issues have always been the same: limited handling potential, leaky steering boxes, and—maybe the biggest hurdle of all—they’re tough to lower properly. Stance is everything when building a cool classic truck, and lowering a Twin I-Beam Ford the right way is no small task.
But now there’s a solution: Classic Performance Products (CPP) offers a fully bolt-in Mustang II Front Suspension Kit designed specifically for 1965–79 Ford F-100/F-150 trucks. This setup not only drops your truck and dramatically improves ride quality—it completely transforms the driving experience.
The Mustang II front suspension has long been known as the best part of those cars. It’s a tough system with stout wheel bearings, ball joint and tie-rod sizes equal to full-size Fords, and a front-mounted rack-and-pinion that clears practically any engine. It’s compact, adaptable, and well proven.
CPP engineered their kit to be as installer-friendly as possible. Once the factory axles, brackets, and crossmember are removed, the CPP Mustang II crossmember and upper control-arm brackets simply bolt into place—no welding required. The factory holes act as guides for perfect alignment, and you only drill six additional holes to complete the entire swap.
The complete CPP kit includes:
- Precision-built Mustang II crossmember
- Upper control-arm brackets
- Manual or power rack-and-pinion steering
- Stock-height or dropped spindles
- New coil springs and shocks
- 11.75" disc brake package
- Black powder-coated tubular control arms
- 3/4" sway bar with billet mounts
- All necessary hardware
CPP also offers FitRite adjustable engine mounts for a wide range of Ford engines, plus LS and LT swaps. For builders planning bigger wheels and brakes, the kit can be upgraded with Corvette-style spindles and hubs, 13" brake packages, and coilovers. Spacers are included to reduce track width by 1/4" or 1/2" per side when needed.
For decades, modifying a Twin I-Beam Ford front end felt like a chore with no perfect solution—until now. CPP’s bolt-in Mustang II IFS system finally gives ’65-79 Ford builders the lowered stance, improved handling, and sharp steering response these trucks have always deserved. And CPP isn’t stopping here—more F-Series upgrades are on the way.
