Couple questions for you experts. I need to install seatbelts in my 56 ford F250, any suggestions on a certain year if i go to a junk yard verses buying new? And, this truck has 4.56 gears, whats my options for a higher ratio? Truck is screeming at 55 MPH, has 4 speed manual trans all original. Thanks, Don

 

If you're just looking for lap belts go to NAPA and get a pair of new ones for about 50 bucks. The kit comes with everything you need....

 

If you have a Pick-n-pull .auto wrecker etc you can often find a set of seat belts the right colour and length . Just don't use a set from a wreck .

 

Welcome to FTE!

What year and model is your truck? We'd love to see some pics of it. It feeds our addiction, you know. EDIT: Never mind, you already stated the year and model... I should read before I write.

Several of the catalogs for old trucks list seat belts. If you want shoulder harnesses also, Classic Haulers lists (in their paper catalog) upper shoulder belt mounts to weld into the cab. Here's their website link.
Classic Haulers F-1 Parts - Home

 

Hi Sned welcome,

You running the stock bench seat or are you doing bucket seats?

 

Totally stock truck inside and out. Ill get some picks up soon. BTW, previous owner 1 back was danny from pawn stars. Thans all for the replys. Anyone know if there is an after market ring and pinion made for this truck so that i can raise the ratio?

 

Try 80-96 Ford truck F100-F250 series in the junkyard. A buddy used some in his 53 and they worked out fine.

 

Belts or gears??

 

seat belts

 

I ordered some chrome buckled belts from CJ Pony parts for my '56. Been waitin on them for a while now, not too happy about that. Supposedly they went on backorder. Also ordered threaded plates that i can tack weld to the underside floor of the cab for these seatbelts too.

As for your rear gears, can't help you there but I'm sure someone will chime in to give you advice on that one. My thoughts are you may have to swap to a more modern rear axle to grab better ratios, but let the experts in that area answer that one.

 

I just went through the salvage yard until I found the color I needed, they ended up coming from an S10. Search rearends in the forum and you'll find which years will fit your truck. I have 3:55:1 from a 94 Explorer howevr the bolt pattern is different from the original so you may want something that's 5" to keep the same pattern on all wheels.

 

If you look through the tech articles you will find that pre-72 (I believe) F100 9"rear axles are the right width, same bolt pattern, and almost a direct bolt-in.

 

I had a Dana 60 with 4.88 in my '55 F250. It screamed to! I swapped a rear axle out of a '76 F250 4x4. The springs had identical spring width and spring perch position on the axle tube. This will keep your 8 bolt rim.

 

You can buy them new in multiple colors and lengths from Juliano's. They're very helpful, and the price isn't too bad.