Ok all, heres something I have thought about doing and wanted to see if anyone else has done this. I'm working on a 1952 F-3, it currently has the original split bevel rear end with gears that are through the roof (like 4.72 I think) Well I don't think that rear will do me any good on the highway with the modern engine tranny setup I'm installing.

In looking for a rear axle, I would like to keep at least a 3/4 ton.. preferably 1-ton rating in the rear and have concidered a single rear wheel full <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">float</a>er out of a late 70's, 80's truck that would allow me to get a more street friendly gear ratio and better brakes.

However recently have have been toying with the idea of possibly converting over to a dual rear end. Has anyone done this? I am planning on staying with the stock frame (heavily modified/reinforced) and would more than likely use in addition to the newer axle, the leaf springs and shackles/mounts from the donor truck (figuring that I could use the same late 70's, 80's truck axle) Am I completely nuts here or might this actually be workable? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

At this rate I'm gunna have a a 1952 F-3 extended cab fleetsided shortbox dually... eh bet ole Henry never planned on that one.

Jon

 

The rear ends in the F-3's had either a 4:68.1 or 4:11.1. I just hope I got a 4:11.1. But I think the only way to tell is to could the pinion and gear. Wouldn't a dually rear end be a lower ratio since they were used in big trucks. Most dually rearends were normal but had dually rims. Our 65 Mercury M-350 has duals but came with single rims. I know in the '70's ford used some 8 bolt 15'' dually rims. We have one but is missing the ring.

 

I believe the single wheel F350 used the Dana 60 and the dually the Dana 60HD. There is a slight difference in the axle tube diameter and the full <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/"><a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">float</a></a>ing assy. Perhaps someone has the full details.

Hey, anyone notice the SPAM link that attached itself to this post? What kind of crap is this?

 

Carl, that isn't a SPAM link. It's a link to our honored host's Motorhaven - the place that pays the bills so we can be nasty to each other here whenever we please.

 

Yeah, I was kinda figuring that it might not be too much harder to install a dual as opposed to a single rear. I guess what I need to do is get out to some of the local yards and check whats there. I would like to get my gear ratio to at least 4.11 (and dualer, I'm pretty certain my current rear is over 4.7? according to my manual)
I think one thing I need to find out what the standard bolt pattern is on a dual rear and see if its the same 8 on 6.5 as my front wheels.

Jon

 

According to my 48-52 Ford <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">shop manual</a> the F-2 to F-5 used the same type of rear axle. F-2 to F-3 had only 4:68.1 or 4:11.1. The F-4 and F-5 had either a 5:83.1 or 6:67.1. My booklet from Ford Canada confirms this. The booklet talks about the M-3 to M-8 and also has a very detailed specifaction list too. You should just find a '70's ford F-250 Dana 60 axle. It's very close to the stock width.

 

The Dana 60 I picked up is an 85 with 4.10 gears. Noticed in the regional weekly ad rag that a guy is selling a 3.54. Might have to take a little ride.

Anything will be better than the 5.14 in the truck now.

 

I'm running a <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">410 </a>dana in my 52,with duals. And it looks very healty from the rear. Its got the dually springs and sway bar front and rear to go along with it.Besides hanging the rear,If you plan on installing a dually,dont forget the rear fenders. I had to widen mine 3 inches each.But it looks great. And even though i'm running 31 inch tall duallys. the truck does not sit up high at all. Lower then most 51-52s.Im glad I went the dually route. Front and rear. I have also got the power plant to turn them over. Try a modified <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">460 </a>EFI.But my truck is a big truck any way. How may of you seen a 52 with 10 ft <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">running board</a>s on each side between the fenders. The only thing im thinking about doing is installing a drop axle and changing the front springs from one ton to 3/4 to get a smoother ride. Have a great day !! O'ya don't forget to pray for our men at war,they need all the help the can get.