I read the "Read First: 1948-60 F1 & F-100 Rear Axle Swaps" thread, and though the first post mentioned F2 and F3, the information all related to 5 bolt wheels.

I am interested in retaining a stock 8 bolt front end, and I would like the rear to match. I am running wheels from a 80's era F250, and that seems like a likely donor for the rear axle, but I want to ask those who have done this. Are there axles to seek out or to avoid? What overall width and brake width? I would like to keep the same ride height and drum brakes and have a final drive ratio of about 3.7 (I am currently 4.86).

 

Hi
A Dana 60 from a 72 f-250 is a good fit. the spring perches fit and the original U bolts work. There are a few things to consider.
E-brakes, my f-3 had the band type.
Drive shaft length will be different.
Pinion angle will have to be checked.

 

Stev8e:


I also have a 52 F3 & agree you cant go wrong with a Dana 60. Mine came from a 68 F250. The spring perch & all other relevant dims are perfect for this swap. As mentioned, you will have to shorten the driveshaft approx 1.5". By the way, this axle is plentifull & if I recall was also used by Dodge. Bolt pattern is 8 on 6.5". Enjoy your F3- heavy trucks rule!


Jeff

 

I fabbed a cable that attached to the original E brake in mine to work with the e brakes on the 72 F250 rearend that I put in my 54 F250 Has worked great for about 3 years. I also had to make a bracket for the brake handle and attached it to the cover over the transmission because I went to an auto tranny. If you keep the original tranny that shouldn't be a problem

 

Are any newer Dana 60 differentials suitable? I'm thinking that newer ones may be easier to find. What final drive ratios are available?

I regearing the original split housing Timken differential out of the question?

 

You can get a 4.11:1 for the timken but I don't think it would be worth it because the pinion support is a weak spot and they are a pain to put back together since you have to lift half the axle. The pinion support breaks. My first M-3's axle was shot and my other M-3's axle has had the pinion side replaced. With the dana 60's the 73-79 are too wide. You can get ratios from 3.33:1 to 7.71:1.

 

So is 68-72 the range I should be seeking for the Dana 60? I will want to be able to drive 55 without high revs. What do you think for a ratio? I was thinking about 3.7. My new tires are P265/75/R16 (diameter = 31.65"). If the axel is not attached to a truck, is there an overall width I should be looking for?

 

I'm running 265/75/16s on my truck with a 72 3.73 ratio. I think it cruises 60mph at about 2800 or 2900 rpm. I don't have a tach in the truck. I think you can get a rough idea of what your rpm would be at 60 mph if you take your tire diameter times 3.14(pi) and divide that total by 12(to get the circumference in ft) divide that into 5280ft in a mile and take the total times your rear axle ration. If you have a 1 to 1 final drive in high gear (no overdrive) that should be a rough estimate of your rpm at 60 mph. If I did it right a 30" tire would give 2500rpm with a 3.73 axle.

 

If I do not have the 4.11:1 ratio where can I find it?

 

Christopher2:

I was on that path once, so I have some information on changing the gear ratio in the Timken Split Housing Differential.

I contacted drivetrain.com, and they don't have the parts. They gave me two other contacts, which I have not tried. Border Parts in San Diego (619) 461-0075 and Midwest Truck & Auto in Chicago (800) 621-4448. Hope that helps; let us know.

 

I have a 1952 Ford f3 and that's what I am wondering is it possible to swap the gears in the original rear. And what ratio to go with


Or is it better to go with the Dana . Then you can just stick with the band transmission emerg brake and just shorten your drive shaft to fit.

Thanks ,

 

It is possible to swap gear sets in your stock Timken #51524 axle from the original 4.86/1 ratio to the optional 4.11/1. Problem is the 4.11 is rarer than hens teeth, I've heard of two having been found if I'm remembering right. The other way to accomplish this is to go with custom gear sets that are available from Chuck Mantiglia at Chuck's Trucks in CT. This is the direction I went with both my front and rear axles on the truck in my signature block. This option, however, is expensive. Much cheaper to do the Dana 60 swap. Stu

Chucks Trucks LLC., Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks

 

If you've got the cash the 4.11 gear set from chucks trucks is a pretty good option . Put one my F2 some months back , did some limited driving before having to shutdown for a engine rebuilt . With fairly large tires ( 32 " ) or larger you can get good highway speeds .

 

Agree. Mine's not nearly back together yet but with either 7.50 x 17s or 8-19.5s, both having a 34.5" outside diameter, I figure I'll be able to avoid being a "rolling roadblock". Stu

 

4.11 is still pretty steep no? what kind of rpms were you running abouts do you think ? how many miles per hour? isnt there a little better option for a little faster but still not a dog accelerating. a 3.73 or something of that nature?