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I don't believe the front axle will be a simple bolt in swap. Generally later vehicles have the steering housed inside the frame rails while our old era trucks have the pitman arm and drag link outside the frame. This is why adapting to your existing spindles is desirable if it is possible.
All will agree that keeping the truck together to sort out its issues is wise. The exception, however, is the existence of widow maker wheels. The 18" duals that came on all DRW F-4s have the Firestone RH-5° outer rims. The 19.5s off that motor home should be included in your purchase. Stu
Thank you to all who contributed to my knowledge base on F4 trucks. I have decided it will remain an fat fendered F4 on its original frame and will keep the flathead engine as planned. For now I will keep the original transmission and rear differential just to get it back on the road. I am going to purchase the 76 Dodge motorhome front axle and disc brakes for a future install if I get to it. (my salvage yard has a new owner and he is scrapping everything older that 1985 or so.)
This is great news! Thanks for saving another F4. There aren't a lot of them out there!
I don't believe the front axle will be a simple bolt in swap. Generally later vehicles have the steering housed inside the frame rails while our old era trucks have the pitman arm and drag link outside the frame. This is why adapting to your existing spindles is desirable if it is possible.
All will agree that keeping the truck together to sort out its issues is wise. The exception, however, is the existence of widow maker wheels. The 18" duals that came on all DRW F-4s have the Firestone RH-5° outer rims. The 19.5s off that motor home should be included in your purchase. Stu
Please explain "widow maker wheels". What rims with a more available size tire would work on the F4 without changing the hubs?
Start with a Google search of the "widow maker" common name, and "Firestone RH-5°" trade name. You'll find a lot written about them here, and on the other primary old truck forum that serves Chevy/GMC owners, Stovebolt.com. You'll also find wrongful death/injury court cases, and the archive of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that waged an unsuccessful recall effort on them back in the 1970s. You will also find many pictures that show the construction and design of the rims.
The wheels that I suggested you grab from the motor home are one of the best replacement options. They are Budd #89340, 19.5" x 6", one piece tubeless, have your same 5 lug x 8" bolt pattern. When fitted with 8R19.5" tires their 33.5" diameter is a close match to the 7.00" x 18" tube type tires that are no doubt on your truck now. If you want a taller tire you could get to know Josh or one the others here that have 22.5" wheels available. When fitted with 9R22.5" tires you'll have a +/- 38" diameter. One avenue or the other will allow you piece of mind driving your truck. Stu
Hello all ... I'm a new guy too ... 2 days old. I've had this flawless 48 F4 for 2 years now. I'm just now getting around to it. I have consulted many on this very topic. I want to keep the 1 Ton rating, drop her several inches, and put a new suspension front and rear (dually). I'm thinking of a custom flat bed ... sort of like the attached pic, but without the crane.
06-02-2014, 07:44 AM
