What would be the major differences between a 1951 ford f-1 and a 1951 ford f-2?

Thanks.

 

The f-2 is a 3/4 ton, the diferences would be the springs, axles, and some of the running gear. The motor and tranny are probably the same, but not always. As far as the body parts and any accesories they should be exactly the same.

 

The body parts are not the same as far as the front and rear fenders go. F-1 fenders are all by themselves. The pickup boxes are longer on the F-2 and have the raised panels like the 48-50 trucks do. Running boards are longer, frame also. F-2 use larger brakes, tires. The engine choices are the same,You could get a 3 speed HD unit, 4 speed crashbox or a 4 speed synchro unit also.
Hood, grille, radiator, cabs, doors, interior stuff is the same. Tailgates are wider and taller on the F-2. The F-2 is closer to the F-3 than F-1, and there are differences between F-2's and F-3's also.

 

Barry,

I replaced the tail lights on my 1951 F-2 and never felt they where correct. I think what was sold to me is for an F-1, can you explain in more detail the difference between 1951 F-1 & F-2 tail lights & mounting hardware?

 

The mounting brackets are the same for F-1 thru F-3 series pickups. The only difference is if you have a factory rear bumper or not. The ones with a bumper have a offset in the brackets to move them forward ( towards the cab )about 1/2 to 3/4 of a inch. The tail lamps are the same from F-1 up into the heavy trucks, only difference is right or left. They were all black, not the ones with the chrome trim ring .

 

And the only difference between the left and right is the left has a lens at the bottom for illumination of the license plate and the right doesn't.

 

Some other F-1/F-2 differences -

Standard wheels on the F-2 are a 16", 8-bolt, drop center vs. 15" 5-bolt, DC on the F-1. F-2s could come with semi-drop-center rims as an option.

The F-2 has a different rear end (split bevel) with a standard ratio of 4.86. (Don't even think about the Interstate!)

The standard trans on the F-2 was the 4-speed, spur gear (i.e., double clutching). The F-1's standard was a 3-speed. Of course, 1st gear on the F-2 was for stump pulling.

F-2 springs have more leaves and the brakes are not only bigger, they are a different design altogether. Late '51 and early '51 F-2s may have different brakes, too.

Some F-2s might have come with only one rear light (driver side). My 1951 F-2 has no key lock on the driver's door; there's only one on the passenger side. I don't know how the F-1 is set up. Also, the F-2 has slightly different chrome on the hood. Also, as another person noted, the F-2 "Express" has an 8-foot box vs. the 6-1/2' box on the F-1.

The reprint shop manual (1949-51 F-Series with 1952 Supplement)is useful in identifying other differences.

Have fun.

Tony
(Truck F2H1SP12xxx)

 

The "Five star cabs" were the only ones with the door lock on the drivers side as a option.It did not matter if it was a F-1 or F-2. The right hand tail lamp was a optional item om all models.

 

The rim sizes on the f-1 and f-2 were the same (16"). I own 2 f-1 trucks and they both had 16" rims (my second truck was from original owner's son). My repair manual doesn't even list 15" rims as an option. Major differences were - as noted - frame longer, bed longer/taller, rear axle was a semi floating rear on f-1 and a full floating rear on f-2. Suspension was considerably heavier on f-2. As far as drive train choices, I never reasearched that other than the choice of v-8 of flat 6 and 3 or 4 speed trans. From the cab forward, all body parts would interchange between f-1's and f-2's. Just remember that 51-52 had a different hood/fender/cab style-however-the cab will fit on 48-50 trucks using those earlier fenders.

 

You can use the fenders from a F-2 or F-3 or larger on the F-1's, but the wheel opening radius is larger as you increase in truck size. I have seen F-5 fenders on a F-1, but the F-1's wheel gets lost in that opening. You can mix and match the sheetmetal between the years (48-52) but it is not correct if you are doing a restoration. I've seen several 48's with 52 noses on them.

 

The F-1 is a 1/2 ton
The F-2 is a 3/4 ton
The F-3 is a 1 ton
and so on up to the 3 ton F-8

 

 

Are there any websites or books that would detail the differences between F1 and F2? I own a 52 F2 and am having a world of trouble locating certain parts for the F2, but everyone sells stuff for the F1.

Any help is appreciated.

Don

PS - I recently purchased a cowl vent gasket for an F1 to try it and it didn't fit !! Oh well, thank goodness it was only 7.00!

 

Regarding the key on the doors. I own a 52 F2 and the only door key resides on the Drivers door. This is typical, not special, as I understand it. Where can I find out for sure?

 

Hi,

I have a 1951 F-2 and have been able to locate all parts needed to keep her on the road. Here is a few places I have had good luck with:

DENNIS CARPENTER HARRISBURG, NC 704-786-8139
JOB LOT (James) QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 800-221-0172
LITTLE DEARBORN MINNEOPOLIS, MN 888-282-2066
MAC'S ANTIQUE AUTO PARTS LOCKPORT, NY 800-777-0948
PV ANTIQUE PARTS TEKSBURY, MA 978-851-9159
SOUTH SHORE AUTO (NAPA) MARSHFEILD, MA 781-837-6111
VINTAGE FORD SACRAMENTO, CA 916-489-3444
BOOKS FOR CARS SOUTHFEILD, MI 248-357-4750

I found the Job Lot to be the best for mechanical parts, lots of stock and good prices, good luck.

Send me an me an email and we can compare notes.

bill.mark@analog.com