Greetings flathead fans from a new (proud) owner of a 52 F2 with a 239 (?). Just got this truck at a local swap – 44K miles, no rust, and everything (and I mean everything) works ! I think I got a true bargain at $2400 delivered – and already love the truck.

Here’s my problem – the truck will go 60 OK, but really likes 50, as I love to cruise the backroads this is fine, but as I intend to use it as a truck also, I need to go faster on the highway so I don’t get run over. I’ve read in a few threads that a 1950 to 1960 9”rear is a bolt in swap – True ? I’ve also read that the F5 & F6 had the syncro 4 spd – I found a 1950 F5 – is this a bolt in tranny ? I would actually prefer to convert to a 3 spd with an aftermarket floor shifter. Soooo – as I am not set up to do major stuff – can anyone tell me how to get where I’d like to be doing bolt in applications ? If I put the 9” in, I’ll need to change the front end to 5 bolt – what’s the best way without adding IFS ? Thanks to all !

 

Steve
Post this in the 48 - 60 Forum. There are several options.

The easiest is the 9" swap. several trannys can be adapted.

Before you post in the above mentioned forum be aware that there are Darksiders there that will try to entice you to change everything to include your licence plate bracket to something modern.

 

Steve, Before you get all "geared" up to swap out the whole rearend you might consider the ring and pinion ratio ( axle ratio ). When I found my '40, it had "stump puller" gearing in the differential ( 4:66 to 1 ). I changed them out to 3:78's which allowed me to cruise at around 60mph with the non synchroed 4 speed. Now I have a '39 synchroed 3 speed and I wish I had gone higher with at least 3:54's. There is a lot to consider but for me it was very cost effective and the rearend is still stock. New gear sets are spendy but there are many good used ones out there. I found my 3:78's at a swap meet for $20.

 

Can you point me in the right direction to find the gear sets ?
Thanks for the info

 

Steve, There are several places to check for new gear sets such as www.macsautoparts.com, www.speedwaymotors.com and of course e-bay. You could use your favorite search venue such as google and check the internet. Do not rule out local clubs and swapmeets for a good used set. You could look in Hemmings Motor News. These are just off the top of my head but some research will open up a vast number of sources. Good luck. Lazy

 

can you buy gears to fit a 50 f1 i thought you couldnt swap gears i need
some too on my 50 ford f1 thanks richard jobe channelview tx

 

Richard, I'm no expert on the '50 models but I have changed ratios not only on my '40 but also on my '65 F-250 and my daughter's '66 F-100. It would surprise me if the ratio could not be changed on the early '50's trucks. Check with the Early V8 Ford club in your area. The contact person will surely know to whom to refer you. Lazy

 

hog farmer thanks i will check around on the other forums they talk ifs 9: rear ends i am going to keep it as long as i can afford it like when you tear it down and take it to a machine shop and they talk of multi cracks stress and
some of shops are not too familer with flattys wow what a mess let
me off soap bok thanks richard channelview texas