A little background information. I have a 1948 F3 with the 17 inch "widow maker" wheels. I have decided to go ahead and swap out the Timken rear axle in my F3 for a Dana 60 and 16 inch rims from an F2 of the same era. I will document the progress here from time to time.
After a lot of reading posts on the subject and posting questions, I decided to go with the bolt-in swap of a Dana 60 from a 67-72 F250.
There is a junkyard real close to me that specializes in classic vehicles, so last week Saturday I decided to venture out and see if they would have what I needed.
To my surprise they had several F250s to choose from. After picking which one I wanted, I went to see if I could find some 16 inch rims from an F2. I found four with no problem, but it took me a few hours to search through the trucks to find one more for a spare. To make a long story short, I spent 8 hours in the junkyard that day, most of which was spent getting out the axle. It would have taken a lot longer if it weren't for the help of Jeff (the junkyard owners son). He was a huge help.
I'm sure most of you already know this, but I foolishly thought to try and save the u-bolts. That was the big thing that took the most time. After heating the nuts, it still took a long time just to free the u-bolt bracket from the axle. In hindsight, we should have just cut off the bolts.
Needless to say, I now have a Dana 60 with 4.10 gears and five 16 inch rims from an F2. I'm anxious to dive into the swap and will update this post to document my progress.
Pictures and more notes to follow....

Dan

 

Sounds like you had a great Saturday.

 

It was an awesome day! I can't wait to dive deeper into the swap.

 

Maybe this could be a new Master Card ad? A day spent on your back fighting ubolts and a greasy lump. Priceless! Those of us still dealing with snow, or now the melting floods, would have loved to help and patrol that yard looking for other treasures. Stu

 

This was the first nice day in awhile here. Most of the snow had all melted and it was in the high 50s. Perfect weather for scrounging!
While scouting for the fifth wheel I found an F250 with the 17.5 inch wheels and couldn't help thinking of you. I almost snatched them up out of impulse. I think it actually had all four, but I'm not sure.
It would have been great to have some forum members along that day. Everytime I go out there I look at all the vehicles and dream of the possibilities!

Dan

 

This is the guy you need to get together with on those 17.5s. Stu

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...f-f-250-a.html

 

ArmyMan,

You may want to check on the universal joint sizes. I had to order special dimension universals and also make an spacer when I put an 8 inch into my 1952 Ford F-1. It's no big deal you will find them at a speed shop or on the internet.
And, it's worth all the effort!
Jim

 

Alfie F-1,
That's good to know. From my understanding, tho, the u-joints and connections are the same for the Dana 60.
I will double check that when I get ready to install it.

Thanks

 

Jim ,did you say you are looking forward to diving deeper into the swamp?LOL

You might also consider changing the gears in the Dana to something more freeway friendly.I went from 4.56 to 3.54, and am satisfied.

Steve

 

I've heard that with the 226 flathead, 3.54 may be a little underpowered in the higher gears? We'll see how the 4.10s work out. I am not looking for a freeway flyer, just something to get around town in. I think 4.10 will be a happy middle ground. The nice thing with the Dana, tho, is that it will be easier and less expensive to change them out if need be.

Dan

 

Hey there ..what would you want for a couple of your widows?? I and are they 6 bolt or 5 ?? if their 6 I am in need of a spare ..and one to replace my bent rim...I am still running the timkin axles..

 

They are 8 lug.

 

AAWWww poop...thank's anyway

 

Armyford,

I will be interested in hearing if your drive shaft fits. I just went to put mine in (F2 with D60) and the yoke is the same but the shaft is to long. And it looked like it was the same length comparing timken/ D60. I will be measuring axle center to yoke centers tomarrow.

Paul

 

I am thinking about doing the same swap on my 52 F3 and am intrested in how it goes, I am not to up on the fabing of parts so hope it's an easy swap.