A little backgrounder:

Dad got Gertie in 1969 or 70. She was sitting beside a barn on my Uncle's father-in-law's place in rural Monroe County, southern Indiana. Truck had 42K miles, and looked great in her original Meadow Green paint, but was missing the rearend (been cabbaged for a stock car). Dad never found the correct Timken rear, but, as I remember from the time (was only about 11 or 12), did get a Dana 60 from a junked 1955 F-250. I remember well going to the junk yard to fetch the axle. Dad drove his rather hot '55 Ford F-100 (had the complete drive line from a 1965 Fairlane, 289, auto, and rear). I still recall the chrome spinner hubcaps.

In the front seat with Dad, were my older and younger brothers, and my uncle. After Dad and Uncle Don loaded the axle, it became apparent there wasn't any easy way to keep the axle from rolling around in the bed (they had neglected to throw in some wood blocks, rope, etc.). Dad asked if I would ride in the bed of the truck, and hold onto that axle. Hell yes! That thing was part of a TRUCK. At that tender age, I was definitely hooked on the '49 F-2. We drove the 15 or 20 miles through the country back to where Gertie sat in the barnyard. I recall it came a short summer shower along the way, and I got wet. Didn't bother me in the least.

Over the next few weekends, we went out to finish installing the axle, and getting Gertie to run. Thus began a going on 50 year adventure with my '49 Ford F-2.

Fast forward to today.

I have long contemplated getting an original axle for the truck. Would like to finally have emergency brakes, and get rid of the ever present chocks that have resided in the bed for decades. I figure I can trade out the Dana for a Timken. The issue is, my wife thinks I am nuts. She thinks I should keep the Dana even though I swap it out, because it has been with Gertie for about twice as long as the original. She also has noted the history behind the axle, and it's strong link to me. With my wife and I now in our late 50's, and having kids and grand kids, I can see her point about letting my heirs decide what to keep.

Then again, what the hell am I going to do with that rearend rolling around my shop again?

What would you guys do?

I have attached a few photos of the axle the I took just about an hour ago. I am reasonably sure it is a 60, as it has the ten bolts, and looks like one. But I for the life of me, cannot find any stamping in the right hand axle tube. You can see the shiny area where I cleaned to bare metal. Noting is there that I can discern.





The clean are where the date should be is clearly visible on the right tube. I laboriously bent and installed all new brake lines, hoses, wheel cylinders, etc. in 2012.





The underside of Gertie is in surprisingly good condition. The frame is solid, and nothing has ever been broken, cracked, or hacked on. The mortal remains or an original exhaust hanger still clings to the frame rail. That hanger is in such good shape, all one would need to do, is to straighten it out, clean the rust, and re-paint. I wish I could say the same for the modern pipe clamps on the duals I had installed three years ago. Damn things are about rusted away. No doubt Chinese.





Not sure what the wet spot is. Will check to see if is oil from the axle, or brake fluid. The drool on the rim is from my overzealous use of tire black.





The other axle end.

 

Why can't you switch out the backing plates off of a newer Dana 60 with ebrake and grab the hard ware from it as well. Seems like a simple fix. But I've been proven wrong in the past. Here is my Dana 60 from a 71 F250.

 

I could Mup, but what I want, is the truck to be original. I considered going with different backing plates in the past, but I would still have a Dana instead of a Timken.

Found out what the seeping is. Seems the wheel seal is leaking a tad bit. Checked the oil level, and it is still fine. I'll just keep and eye on it.

 

I have a Dana 60 out of a 72 F250 all ready to go and I feel a little guilty about it. I really don't HAVE to swap it. My 16" wheels clear the rear brakes. Don't really like the 4.86 gears but, otherwise it is after all.....original. I almost don't want to go through with it.


You're pretty far away from me but, if you can't find a stock Timken I have two. The one in my F3 without the drum parking brake and the one in the 48 F2 I just bought for the bed and running boards. It has the rear cables and the drum parking brake setup.

 

I am restoring a M3, and intended to keep the Timken, however there was a weakness in the casting support for the pilot bearing in the 49-52 models, the casting either blew out under a heavy load (mud and a heavy load and chains to make it to to the elevator in town, jamb in reverse and bang) or the bearing would start to spin in the casting. I checked several and it is truly amazing the attempts that were made to repair this problem but I finally gave up and searched for a 53-54 model which solved this design problem. I could only find more worn out diffs even with the design problem solved. You must also remember that these trucks were pretty much reved out at 50 mph with there 4.8something gearing verses the likely 4.1 you have in your Dana. Remember the diff went out in your truck for a reason! Even a worn out Dana that used to live behind a 390 will survive forever with your flathead pushing it. Now if someone will respond to my brake question with the 60 I am off to the races! Enjoy!

 

Spicer (Dana) 60: 1955: 4.86-1 / add 4.56-1 in 1956 / add 4.10-1 in 1963 / add 3.54-1 in 1966 / add 3.73-1 in 1967.

The advantage of the 60 over the Timken: new parts are much easier to find.

 

Well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,What did you decide to do?

 

Well.....haven't decided yet. Not really in a rush to yazz out the current rearend resident, but was just wanting some input.

 

The pride in being original will fade every time you're trying to exceed 45 mph.

 

Well, I rarely exceed 45 in Gertie anyways, winds the motor too tight. Must be the 4.86 rear.

Ross, you are a known guru of these trucks. My experience is mostly with Gertie alone. That said, what vintage do you think the 60 in her now is? I have looked at Dana 60s over the last few weeks till my eyes are bleeding, and I can only surmise it is an very early one given the simple backing plates. Family lore has it that it is a 1955, what say you?

 

I have virtually no experience with the heavier trucks, sorry.

My truck with 3.50 axle hits a sweet spot at 50-55 mph, it runs so smooth and quiet. Even if you don't often exceed 45, the whole experience will be so much more enjoyable with lower gears.

 

I don't know Ross.

I first drove my truck in 1971 set up as she is today. I have become so accustomed to the the truck as it is, I am really loathe to change it. I accept her limitations, and actually find them endearing. I rarely ever drive her if I plan to get somewhere quick. I enjoy the slow pace. There is something infinitely relaxing in firing up that old flathead, and moseying down the road at a slower pace. The roar of the engine, the whine of the heavy duty 3-speed, and that unique singing of the drive shaft. Drove her to work this morning. Have to leave 10 minutes earlier, but the drive makes it all worthwhile.

If I wish to join the rat race, I drive the Jeep.

Last year I made a wrong turn, and ended up on Interstate 65. Ghastly experience. It is amazing I got myself and Gertie off that stretch of concrete alive. I truly feel the truck was in fear too. Ever drive a 1949 Ford truck with a flathead and 4:86 gears, and do 60? Quite a memorable experience.

All was well once I hit two-lane black top.

 

I really enjoyed reading the story of your experience with your Dad going to get the axle. For that memory alone, I would keep that axle and give it a little upgrade if you like. But of course it's entirely up to you. Thanks for sharing the nice story.

 

Thank you Jim. The problem with me and the truck, is that Gertie ceased to be a truck several decades ago. i have to weigh memory with practicality. Damn! I first drove it when I was 13, I am now 57.

 

Great story, reminds me of my prediction. Lots of sentiment over my 49, but it would have rusted into the ground.