pre61-list-digest Friday, June 11 1999 Volume 03 : Number 165



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1948 - 1948 truck and vans
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In this issue:

Re: FTE Pre61 - 1958 9 in.???
FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck
RE: FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck
FTE Pre61 - 3/4 ton tailgates & parts needed
FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts
Re: FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck
FTE Pre61 - re- Uneven Truck
Re: FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts
FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck
RE: FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts
Re: FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts
FTE Pre61 - 9"
FTE Pre61 - PS to CM
FTE Pre61 - '51-'52 auxiliary hood latch
FTE Pre61 - 390 Conversion
Re: FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck
FTE Pre61 - 351W valve adjustment
Re: FTE Pre61 - 390 Conversion

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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 05:40:40 -0500
From: "Mangor Krogstad"
Subject: Re: FTE Pre61 - 1958 9 in.???

- ----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 1999 10:35 PM
Subject: FTE Pre61 - 1958 9 in.???


> What was the stock ring size for '58 custom cabs with 332 engine option? I
> would like to find out without ripping the rear end apart. Anyone know the
> ratios available for that year? please tell me it's a 9 in. thanks C.M.
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> its a 9 in. ratios availability are endless

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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 06:59:08 -0500
From: Winford_Rister oxy.com
Subject: FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck

About the uneven truck: The last thing I would do would be to change ONE of
the springs, unless I was sure that it was already different from the other.
Having two springs of different tensions will certainly contribute to
uneven handling on rough roads, cornering, etc.

The first thing I would do is find what is uneven. Place the truck on a
level surface. Measure all the heights, such as distance from ground to
axle on each side (could have a tire or wheel difference), distance between
axle and frame on each side. Don't forget to check the spring hangers; they
could be different. Then, I would swap the two springs (sorry, lots of
work, but if you REALLY want it right, it's a price you must pay), and
compare the distances again. From this you can tell if it's the springs or
if the frame is warped, tires are the same, etc. If everything checks
except the springs, then try adding a couple hundred pounds on each side,
one at at time, and measuring the change in height. This will tell you if
the springs are equal. If they are not, then request replacements. If the
springs are equal, then shimming is the next step I would recommend. If the
frame is warped, and you don't want to repair or replace it, then shimming
is still better than two springs of unequal strength.

Winford Rister
winfordr aol.com
McKinney, TX

54 F100 - aiming for PF next year


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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 07:23:00 -0700
From: "O'Connell, Dennis M"
Subject: RE: FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck

Dan,

I have a 55 with a similar problem, about 3/4 of an inch difference at the
center of the fender. Rear bumper is almost level. The way I am dealing
with it is with bed shims. The hard part is to shim and torque the bed so
that it still lines up on the cab without throwing the bed out of visible
alignment. Still working on that. These old trucks weren't always made
straight, they were trucks then.

Are you measuring from frame height, fender, bumper etc. Had the bed off?
All of these things could affect the height. Was it level before? If so,
maybe it's as uncomplicated as a bad set of springs? Hae you compared the
position of the shackles? If one spring was sagging I would think the rear
shackle would line up differently.

Hope this helps.

Dennis
55F100

> ----------
> From: Dan Wentz[SMTP:dwentz earthlink.net]
> Reply To: pre61-list ford-trucks.com
> Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 1999 7:28 PM
> To: pre61-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck
>
> I wrote a few days ago about how my truck sits an inch higher on one side
> after installing new leaf springs in the back. Nobody seemed to have
> ideas
> about it, but a couple people wrote in with similar problems. Today I
> talked to Sacramento Vintage (where I bought the springs) and the guy was
> perplexed. He couldn't understand why one would be higher unless one was
> a
> reversed eye (which it isn't). However, he said it's only a cosmetic
> thing
> and suggested removing a leaf from the spring pack on the high side to
> even
> things out. My idea had been to shim the bed on the low side to even it
> out. I just thought I'd throw that out there for anybody battling a
> similar problem.
>
> ~Dan
>
> 1950 F1 351C--Foiled by the strangely shrinking driveshaft!
> 1992 Mustang --Now I know why they say to take the bra off when it rains.
> :(
> 1965 Mustang--Coming Soon???
>
> Visit my new improved 48-52 F1 Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://home.earthlink.net/~dwentz
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 09:29:50 -0500
From: "MARK AMES"
Subject: FTE Pre61 - 3/4 ton tailgates & parts needed

I have a very nice 53-56 3/4 ton Ford and Mercury tailgates for sale they =
are both in near excellent condition. Does anyone out there need one? =
They will also fit the 8 foot long box on a 56 =BD ton.
I am still looking for a complete overdrive tranny for a 56 F100 and a set =
of ram-horn exhaust manifolds off of a 58-64 C-600 tilt cab truck.

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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 09:55:37 -0500
From: "Steve Hansen"
Subject: FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts

I am almost done with the ford 9" rear end for my ' 50-F1 and discovered
last night that the stock shock mounts don't fit into the new rear axle, it
is wider. My mind is already fabricating several different kinds of options,
but I am wondering what some of you have done with this problem.
Steve
50-F1

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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 09:51:08 -0500
From: "Steve Hansen"
Subject: Re: FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck

I personally don't agree with removing a leaf for the purpose of leveling
the truck. It don't seem right. I ran across a Mazda that had a broken rear
spring and we went to the junk yard (OOPS, automotive parts recycling
center, we have to be politically correct) and got a replacement set. After
we put them on the truck was also uneven. We went and got another set ant
put them on and no change. We swapped sides and no change also, so that
pretty much eliminated the rear springs as the fault. The alignment shop was
the ones that noticed the broken spring originally, and they had adjusted
the front springs (torsion bar stile) and that was the cause. Took it back
and they leveled the front and that fixed the rear.
Check your front springs real carefully for any broken springs. I would then
swap the left and right rear springs and see if it the lean changes sides,
if it does get Sacramento vintage to get you a pair of springs that match.
Steve
50-f-1

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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 09:16:28 -0700
From: "Vierra, William BGI SF"
Subject: FTE Pre61 - re- Uneven Truck

I have seen this before in a few ways. One though unlikely is that one of
the springs is arched more than the other. Doubtful since they are new
springs from a reliable source. Second is your frame is bent and the new
springs made the problem apparent. I had this problem on a 55 tuck of
another manufacture. Third is more weight on that side of the truck
unlikely but you never know older Toyota Landcruisers had that problem from
the factory. Fifth I once did this on purpose to a 72 F-150 for the owner.
He was 300+ lbs. and did not like the fact that his truck leaned to the
drivers side when he was in it. We added leaves to the back and a stiffer
slightly longer spring to the front. He didn't mind the way it looked when
he was out of it, it was a good two inches higher at rest (you'd get a crick
in your neck just looking at it).

I would not shim only because I believe it will show up elsewhere. If it
was my truck I would take it to a good body shop and have them make sure the
frame is true and rule that out. On my 51 the front of the frame is
slightly bent as well as the rear. I've spent considerable time persuading
it back into place to get original bumpers to fit. You can also get under
the truck and look on the inside of the frame rails for places where it
bowed up or down for hints at it being bent. That's how I first confirmed
it on the other truck when I bought it.
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 15:44:51 EDT
From: Jeffben56 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts

When I installed my 9 inch (from a Thunderbird) I ground off all the old
mounts from the axle, and installed new spring perches and lower shock
mounts-- got the kit thru SoCal. The shock mounts were simply eye-balled
after installing perches and rear end into truck. I also used short shocks,
due to using mono-leaf springs. Encountered no problems, truck drives well.

Jeff T, 56 F-100
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 15:50:35 -0400
From: Marty Gatz
Subject: FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck

Maybe if you take it to a spring shop they can rearch the spring , I had to
have this done after replacing the right side spring on my 87 F150 turned
out just fine.
Marty 56 F350
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 13:28:45 -0700
From: "O'Connell, Dennis M"
Subject: RE: FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts

Jeff,

How do you like your mono-springs. Any rear end wrap under hard
acceleration? The only way I can go lower in the back is to either flip the
rear end or go to a mono spring. I've been hesitant on the spring because
when I hook up I get a little wrap with the stock reversed I springs.

Dennis
55F100

> ----------
> From: Jeffben56 aol.com[SMTP:Jeffben56 aol.com]
> Reply To: pre61-list ford-trucks.com
> Sent: Thursday, June 10, 1999 12:44 PM
> To: pre61-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: Re: FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts
>
> When I installed my 9 inch (from a Thunderbird) I ground off all the old
> mounts from the axle, and installed new spring perches and lower shock
> mounts-- got the kit thru SoCal. The shock mounts were simply eye-balled
> after installing perches and rear end into truck. I also used short
> shocks,
> due to using mono-leaf springs. Encountered no problems, truck drives
> well.
>
> Jeff T, 56 F-100
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 17:32:16 EDT
From: Jeffben56 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts

Hi, Dennis, so far, so good. I've got a stock (300 hp) 390, a C-6 and 3.00:1
rear, and an open (drat!) differential. The truck spins it's tire rather than
get serious traction, so hard to tell. As far as ride, it feels almost
exactly like stock-- stiff, but not totally ridiculous. 100+ lbs in the bed
does help, though!
I would really recommend the monos, as I checked before getting them and
flipping the axle would leave less room for suspension movement, unless you
C'd the frame. I didn't want to go that far, as I drive the truck every day.

Jeff T, 56 F-100
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 18:36:01 EDT
From: RJC988 aol.com
Subject: FTE Pre61 - 9"

CM

You do have a 9" so you probably have a 9" ring? How is yours coming? Are you
on the pic page?

Glenn in TN
Soapy the 57 F100
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 18:41:31 EDT
From: RJC988 aol.com
Subject: FTE Pre61 - PS to CM

CM,

I think stock and highest was 3.70:1. I have a catalog somewhere that listed
the others that I can't find right now. If you want to know, raise the rear
wheels and count the number of times the driveshaft turns in respect to the
wheels turning once.

I believe you have a 223 CI -- 332 would be a monster 6 cyl.

Glenn in TN
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 19:03:16 EDT
From: JRFiero aol.com
Subject: FTE Pre61 - '51-'52 auxiliary hood latch

Anybody have an extra '51 or '52 hood laying around that has the
safety latch (auxiliary latch)? I don't have one on my '51, and it bothers
me. I had the hood fly open on my '52 panel years ago on Route 91 in CT, and
it wasn't fun.
I've been looking for one at Carlisle and occasionally asking around,
no luck. I thought one vendor was going to bring one for me to Fords at
Carlisle last weekend, but he misunderstood and brought the main latch
instead.
I've seen some bolted, some welded, and people say they were riveted.
Go figure. Anyway, only '51 and '52 have the right ones. Any extras?
Thanks,
Jonas
'51 F1R1
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 16:23:48 -0700
From: "Kenneth A. Craig"
Subject: FTE Pre61 - 390 Conversion

Hi Jeff,

I am starting a conversion on my '59 4x4 to a 390 with a C6 transmission.
Any thoughts you have on mounts, drive lines and cooling system will be
appreciated.

Thanks, Ken Craig, 59 F100 4x4 & 53 F100

- -----Original Message-----
From:owner-pre61-list ford-trucks.com
[mailto:owner-pre61-list ford-trucks.com] On Behalf Of Jeffben56 aol.com
Sent:Thursday, June 10, 1999 2:32 PM
Subject:Re: FTE Pre61 - Rear shock mounts

Hi, Dennis, so far, so good. I've got a stock (300 hp) 390, a C-6 and 3.00:1
rear, and an open (drat!) differential.

Jeff T, 56 F-100

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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 16:38:56 -0700
From: Dan Wentz
Subject: Re: FTE Pre61 - Uneven Truck

>
> OK I give!! Why do you remove the bra from the mustang when it rains???

Water goes under it and can't evaporate. Insta-Rust.

~Dan

1950 F1 351C--Foiled by the strangely shrinking driveshaft!
1992 Mustang --Now I know why they say to take the bra off when it rains. :(
1965 Mustang--Coming Soon???

Visit my new improved 48-52 F1 Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://home.earthlink.net/~dwentz
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 22:13:22 -0500
From: Don Lewis
Subject: FTE Pre61 - 351W valve adjustment

A friend of mine has a 351windsor in a '53 and has the
following question "From 69-71 Ford made a
nonadjustable rocker arm. I have a lifter that was
tapping and bought a 60thou longer pushrod to make up
the difference. The noise is still there and now I
can't tell whether it is the same lifter or another. I
hear it at idle or accelerating and at around 40 mph
the tapping stops. Can someone tell me how to find out
which lifter it might be? Also, does anyone make a
locking nut to replace the regular nut on these non-
adjustable rockers?"


Don Lewis
'46 Ford 1/2 ton
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 23:33:11 EDT
From: Jeffben56 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Pre61 - 390 Conversion

Hi, Ken, with my 56, I used an engine crossmember/mount I got from Sacto
Vintage. I also got the "universal Ford" trans crossmember from them. Took
some looking to find the correct trans mount for it. Both were very simple
bolt ins.
After speaking with a few people, I decided to leave my stock radiator there,
was assured it would handle a big block (6-cyl truck!). So far, the engine
runs at about 180-210 degrees, with a 15" flex fan and no shroud. Idling in
traffic on a warm day will bring it higher, but it cools down again right....

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