Hey folks,

I was on here a while ago showing pics of our 1965 F350 Crew Dual wheel Dually custom hay truck. The truck's in Maine at mom's farm, but I'm trying to count the cost of transporting it, modifying it, and getting it back on the road and owning it here in Tennessee.

I've learned that my major issue is going to be the Firestone RH-5 "widowmaker" wheel setup. From what I understand, these are the 6 x 7.25 lug pattern two piece 3 hand hole wheels with 17.5" tires. I'm not interested in keeping this setup so I'm trying to look at options or it won't be worth getting the truck down here.

I'm new to Fords, trucks, and classics. Skill level wise, I'm experienced in sport compacts including engine swaps, suspensions, custom build-to-spec wheels, and I'm a little familiar with chassis fabrication after working at a dirt circle track race supply. But this will definitely be a new learning experience for me, and with the right help, I am willing to take time to learn and do this right.

My goal is to start this project by getting wheels under the truck that are another bolt pattern as the rubber is 20+ years old, and I need something maintainable. I've been told that swapping the bold pattern to another setup the easiest way will require a different rear end, the complete front spindles from the donor truck, as well as heavy fabrication to make it all fit together. This is where I need your help the most.

Right now, I can pick up the axles, front and rear suspension, and steering out of a 2001 F350 dually for $750. I'm guessing that is a reasonable price. But I need to know what questions I have to consider to move forward before renting a trailer and paying gas to move my truck the 1400 miles from ME to TN.

All help and input is welcome. I don't spend much time on forums, but I'll be willing to participate more in the community if I decide to move forward with this project. Thanks so much in advance.


(I also posted this over at oldfordcrewcabs.com.)

Bill
Clarksville, TN

 

False alarm, you do not have the "widowmaker" rims. 17.5" is a one piece wheel and the 3 hand hole design ( vs. 6 hand hole) is the best of the lot. Just order some 17.5 bias or radial tires, and your good to go.

 

Ditto tripleframe's comments. If you want the piece of mind scrub along the drop center bump around the middle on the concave side of one of your outer duals to find Budd #79120. Stu