Will Ford 8 bolt rims fit to replace the original split rims on the truck or do I need to change the axles/spindles or get adapters?
Thanks

 

First, welcome to the group. Glad to have you hanging around.

The answer to your question is - maybe. The bolt pattern is the same, and finding wheels of the same offset and width should be no problem. The thing that has prevented others from using more modern 16" wheels is rear drum clearance. Your M-68 is the same as a US model F-3. These early trucks had 14" rear drums that some owners have said rubbed or simply prevented the mounting of 16" wheels. Others, though, have had no problems. So there are probably individual differences between wheels, and knowing which will work and which won't is a puzzle.

Another solution we've found is the use of tubeless 17.5" wheels that were first offered in 1956. They allow use of modern tubeless tires, and allow use of stock hub caps. Finding them will take leg work. I'll come back and edit this to add a thread with a lot of discussion of this subject.

Maddeningly, FTE's search function isn't allowing me to enter the EXACT title of the thread I want to attach. I have it archived on a different computer, so will link it when I'm done here. Whatever path you take, you are correct to get rid of your old widowmaker 17" split rims. Stu

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ford-f3-2.html

 

Finding these wheels truly is a ton of leg work as you said. Somewhere in the forum threads, I read that many people just change the axles to avoid this issue and increase road speed. Is there a preferred unit that fits with minimal mods needed that is being used? I would expect this would also upgrade the rear brakes as well. Your thoughts?
(and thanks for putting me on the right track in my search. Now... to cruise some more yards)

 

 

The best rear axle swap, if keeping the 8 lug pattern is your desire to match the front, is a '67 to 72 F-250 Dana 60. It bolts right in, but as I've read the 72 version requires some minor mods. I'll defer to others on details of that. If keeping the 8 lug pattern isn't a concern, a Ford 9" from the same era also bolts in.

Front axle mods aren't so easy. The are no aftermarket kits to allow you to keep the 8 lug pattern. Any Mustang II, Volarie, or Jag unit will adapt and give you disc brakes if you don't mind a 5 lug bolt pattern. One of our members did engineer his own from discs on the stock axle with 8 lug hubs. I don't have that thread archived, but hopefully one of the others has it. Stu

 

After several days of phone calls, visits to recyclers, online searches and driving the countryside looking for these 17.5" rims, I am thinking the axle swap might be a better idea. Eventually I would do that anyway to increase the truck's utility and upgrade the brakes. When you said the Dana 60 is a bolt-in I would assume not only is it fairly easy but the width is a match as well? (I have seen several nice trucks that look like they are sitting on a drive line noticeably too wide for them). Another thread someone mentions a 1986 E-350 16.5" rim works as well but also says he will still search for the 17.5's so that might indicate that these work but look too small on the truck.
Accurate assumptions?

 

Yeah, the wheel mounting surface measurement (WMS) is very similar if not exactly the same. I don't remember the number off the top of my head. Both frames are 34" wide which means the rear spring perches line up exactly the same. This swap allows you to use any modern 16" wheels that have the 8 lug x 6.5" bolt pattern. Hopefully one of the guys that has done this swap will speak up with details on shock mounts, drive shaft, etc. Stu

 

1961/72 F250: The rear frame rails behind the cab are 33 1/2" wide.

1973/77 F250 4WD's have the same rear frame rail width. But 1973/79 F250 2WD's have 37 1/2" rear frame rails as do 1978/79 F250 4WD's.

All these trucks came with Dana 60 rear axles and 8 lug wheels on a 6.50" bolt circle.

The tubeless tire wheels that were introduced in 1956 (used thru 1966) are for an F250.

1953/66 F350's have 6 lug wheels on a 7.25" bolt circle.

1948/52 F3's have 8 lug wheels on a 6.50" bolt circle.

 

My 1948 F-68 brake conversion pics are shown in my gallery, discriptive notes explain most aspects of the conversion. Had a donner F-250, 1975 that I used the rear backing plates and drums, original axles and hubs- new studs. I also retained the original front spindles and hubs, used the donner font calipers and mounts with new discs for a f250 4x4. All done with minor machineing and some welding and redrilling of mounting holes. worked out well- just had to relocate the front shocks to the back of the axle and do some minor grindding on the steering arm for clearance. So I ended up getting rid of the widowmakers, and upgraded my brake system for relatively little expense. The wheels are 16.5 - still ford anyway!