Proud to now own a '62 F250. I will be asking a lot of questions in the future.
First the rear end problem, it's a 4.88. Will it accept 1968 & later gears of 3.73 or 3.54??? Seems I read that the axle shaft splines changed sometime. There are several 1968-72 donor trucks in the area with complete rear axles but its a bear for one person to try and put one under the truck.

 

Changing the whole axle may be the
better way to go.

 

Yeah I think you're probably right. The parts are easier to find (especially drums) on the '68-72 and I just thought about maybe getting a couple of those casters that people move vehicles with around the shop, getting the axles out and in won't be too difficult.

 

If that axle is the same as what was in my 63 250, it's a semi floating Dana 60. The Dana 60 is popular among 4x4 folks. Maybe going that route will help with your gear swap. IMHO the ring and pinion is a job for a professional.

I do know the Ford 9" axle splines were changed from 28 to 31 in the early 70s not sure about the Dana 60s. They were used in so many applications you may be in luck.

I enjoyed the 4.56 gears in mine but 55-60 was tops. It loved 45-50.

 

Oh I have no plans on building one myself---as you say that's best left for the pros. But I think I can swap the axles. A junkyard not too far from me just got in a '72. Today I will check the rear ratio if it has a tag on it.

 

Planning to swap the entire rear end?

All 1956/65 F250's have 12 1/8" x 2" front/rear drum brakes, as do 1966/72 F250's with GVWR's of 6,100 & 6,300 lbs.

1966/72: F250 Camper Specials and F250's with a GVWR of 7,500 lbs. have 12" x 2 1/2" front/rear drum brakes.

1968/72 F250 2WD's with optional dual piston caliper front disc brakes have 12" x 2 1/2" rear drum brakes.

Ring & Pinion gears: 1955/65 and some 1966's have 10 spline pinion gears. Some 1966's, all 1967/72's have 29 spline pinion gears.

There are two different differential cases: 3-54 thru 4.10 ratios use one case, 4.56 thru 4.88 ratios use a different case.

There are 6 different companion flanges, 3 have 10 splines, 3 have 29 splines. These are certain years specific.

These flanges use 3 different types of u-joints, with 3 different sizes of cups. 1310 (4); 1330 (4); 1310/1330 combo (2 each).

Flange attaches to pinion gear, u-joint retained to it and to the driveshaft with U clips/nuts.

 

Thanks for that info. When it comes time, I'll take my existing driveshaft with me. If it don't fit, then I'll buy his and just have it shortened.