just starting a new project. also new to this site. i am looking for wheels for the rear of a 52 f4. the rear currently has 8.25x20s and the front 750x17. i dont think 20s will fit up front, so i think i need 17s for the rear. also looking for a flat bed for the bed. any help. i saw 63maroonford had some wheels and a two speed that i might be interested in.

 

Hello and Welcome to the FTE, I'm not sure what the F-4's had originally as far as tire size but the fender openings are the same F-2 through F-6

My F-6 has 9.0 X 20 on the front (too big and when turning they just barely rub the fenders) rears are 8.25X20 and I will be putting 8.25 x20 on all 6 soon as I can afford them.

I wonder if the front axles sit higher and or lower between the f-4 and f-6 models which would maybe give you more or less room??

seems like I remember seeing the F-4's with the same 5 hole lug pattern X 20" wheels as the F-6's maybe you can run 7.5X20 on them??

there have been lots of tire wheel discussions on here lately so maybe scroll back a few pages and or try the "search" feature using "quotes" and see what you can find . I'm sure others will be along shortly with good info.

Josh

ps where are you located? you could also update your user control panel options with your general location in case someone has parts or stuff who is near you.

 

First, welcome to the group. Glad to have you. I see that you are in Indiana.

The F-4 model (48-52) could be equipped when new with either four 20" wheels front and rear, but not in a dually configuration, or with six 18" wheels as a dually. Your 17" wheels did not come on the truck new, and won't fit over your rear drums. I've tried it, it doesn't work. Both the 18" and 20" sizes would have been a type of wheel known as a Firestone RH-5°. They are a two piece construction that has the connecting joint near the middle of the wheel. I'll post pictures below. If you still have these on the rear you are correct to get rid of them. Today they are known as "widow makers".

Your 17" wheels are of interest to me as well since they are the size my trucks use. They are one of several styles known as "locking ring" wheels. I have quite a collection of the 17s, and may be interested in a trade for yours down the road if that interests you. I'll post a picture of one them too. At minimum I've got locking ring 20s I'll let you have cheap that will help on your rear.

I'll also post for you the Ford data chart showing the original size wheel options. The first two pics are the "widow maker" design. The third is a lock ring 17. The fourth is the chart. Stu

 

Josh - Those 9.00 x 20s are way big for your front. They're probably 40" outside diameter. The 8.25s are more correct for your F-6, and will measure about 38". The 7.00 x 20" that came stock on an F-4 are only 35" tall which is very close to the 7.50 x 17" at 34.5". Stu

 

thanks for all of the input. Hey Stu, do you have 6 locking ring 20's you would be willing to sell. If I can find 20's I think I will just run those. Also I will have no use for the 17's you are interested in. let me know. Also-does anyone have a lead on a ford or omaha flatbed that will fit the f4.

 

Yes, I've got 20s that I got cheap knowing that somebody would someday need them. You're welcome to them for what I have in them, or we can work a swap. Most are the 20" x 5" size that the chart shows to be correct for your truck. Where in Indiana do you live? I'm in the Springfield, Illinois, area.

May I ask you to look at your 17s and find the Budd part numbers that are on them. The numbers will be on the concave side's rim lip opposite the valve stem. They will have a five digit core part number, and may have prefix and suffix letters/numbers too. For instance, one style is #66520. There were seven different 17" styles made by Budd with the 5 lug x 8" circle bolt pattern. They differ in the lock ring design, width, and degree of offset.

Since this discussion involves a parts swap, the FTE folks will prefer this be handled off line. My email is stu_sandymcmillan at sbcglobal dot net. Or call my cell at 217.741.0540. Thanks. Stu

 

Stu-
I live near Valparaiso. I am a firefighter in Valpo and i am on duty today, but will look tomorrow and let you know the number on those 17's. Hopefully they will work for you. If you will save those 20's for me, i would like to have them

 

Shall do. Thanks for checking the numbers on the 17s. Stu

 

Hi, this is my first post. I was wondering if you still have any 20" wheels left. I am also looking for a set for my 49 F6. I live in Terre Haute.

Thanks.

 

Welcome to the family. Rshulte hasn't gotten back to me on them yet, probably winter has something to do with that, so I think he has first rights to them. But I'm pretty sure we can find you others. I think I've got nine total, so my extras at least will give you a start. The other thing I'd suggest, since you're close, is to make a visit to Stutesman's yard over in Casey. The address is 3624 E. 400th Rd. Phone (217) 932-2530. I've found wheels there for my trucks. There's a falling down old house on the property that's full of old wheels and tires. At least it was when I was there a few years ago. Some were junk from laying in the mud for years, but there were others that were in good shape. The only other source that I know for certain has one real nice lock ring wheel and tire is in Belleville. I've misplaced the guy's name and number but I'm sure I'll find it. It's a small time tire business located on the south end of town. I'll post it when I find it. The wheel I know of is sitting outside, so maybe the guy has others inside his building. Stu

 

Thanks for the info. It is a small world. The other guy that asked you about the wheels was actually at my house about a month ago. At the time, I was trying to sell my truck. I thankfully came to my senses! I know what you are saying about the weather. I would still be interested in any remaining wheels.

Randy

 

Randy - Got your email. Fine old truck, and worth keeping. The place in Belleville is Buster's Tire Mart at 215 W. Adams. It's off South Illinois Street sort of behind St. Elizabeth's Hospital. There's one real nice 20" lock ring with a good looking tire sitting outside next to the building. It has your 5 lug x 8" bolt pattern. This is the kind of place you commonly find these old wheels so maybe he's got more inside. Here's a link to the location and phone number. Stu

busters tires Belleville, IL (city) Yellow Pages/Online Phone Book, Search Local Business Listings @ DexKnows.com™

 

Thanks again Stu, I also appreciate the compliment regarding the truck. It is a flat 6, 4/2 speed. Haven't had it running yet, but I'm close. I will try to post some pics soon.

regards, Randy