I have a 51' F-100 pickup and I am just getting ready to restore it. I am debating what to do with the rear-end because it is geared so low. It still has the original 3 speed in it and a flathead me and my dad rebuilt a few years back. Do most people change the gearing and if so where can you find the gears?
Thanks,
Chris

 

let me be the first to welcome ya to FTE. Most of us replace the rear axle with a Ford 9" from '57-'72. It bolts in, and on the F1's a bit of shock mount mod is needed, and maybe the driveshaft.

 

Will try to post again. Chris, Welcome to FTE! From everything I have read, like havi said, the 9" is probably you best bet. I am going to change the rear end on my '50 F-1 with a 6 Cyl. so I can get a better cruise speed and lower RPMs. Hopefully, someone will chime in with more insite on the best gear ratio to choose as the 9" comes in all ranges. If you choose the wrong ratio you will be no better off.

Gil

 

Welcome to the forum, I installed a 69 F150 with 3.23 gears in my 51F1 at the sametime I installed the S-10 5-Speed. I had to grind out a bit of the orginal shock mount assembly. The driveshaft was the biggest most expensive part of the whole job partly because I didn't do all my homework. Junk yard shopping has really changed in the last 30 years, at least in this area. It cost me $225.00 to get the shaft modified plus a whole bunch of running around.

 

Thanks for the nice welcome and the help, Im gonna start looking for a 9'' this week. Thanks