When mid 50 Ford F series cab chasis trucks came stock with dual wheels on the rear, was the inside rear wheel in line with the front wheel? In other words, if you remove the outside rear dual, you would have the same wheel configuration front to back that you have on a non dual set up?

 

Neither inside or outside dual tracks in line with the front. The inside dual is narrower a few inches and the outside is, of course a few inches wider. I just checked my '56 F350. Some folks like the looks of the single rear wheel turned in with the hub sticking way out. With the single rear wheel turned out, I have to look twice to determine that the inner is missing.
HTH, If not ask again, I'll try to be more specific, even take measurements.

 

If its only a few inches, that would explain why it "appears" to be straight. It could be off that amount and be really hard to see by eye. So when the wheels are not "in line" front to rear, does this cause any steering or handling issues?

 

I've never driven a DRW truck with only singles. I can not imagine there is any difference in the way it would drive, perhaps not as stable if running the wheels turned in as you loose the wider track. Just for fun, think back to the Pontiac ads of the 60s and 70s where they touted their "Wide Track". Missy Green goes down the road just fine with six wheels down, no wander or stability problems. But, she is tight. The '49 F4 that I have in progress had much slop in the front and rear spring shackles and three spring center bolts were sheared or bent. I can only imagine how it would have driven.
HTH

 

HRH,

Did not mean with singles only. Meant with one or other of the rear dual wheels not being in line with the front wheel/tire. What raised the question is a visit to Les Schwab. I wanted to put super wide tires on the rear and stock tires on the front. A salesman told me I would have "tracking problems". I remember in Highshcool, we did that all the time. I also remember "tracking" would never be an issue if it looked good. Back then "tracking" was something I would have related to "girls". I dont remember any tracking issues with big tires on the rear and little tires on the rear (width...not just diameter).