I have a 1953 f100, that hit a tree on the driverside in the mid 70s. I was wondering how much can the framerail can be pushed back and still be acceptable? Squaring it up i get about 1/4 of an inch from the front frame horn to the cab mounts.
Another question i have is on the front axle rear spring frame mount are the holes for the shackle bolt suppost to be oblong sorta like a 0 shape?
thanks Ryan

 

I wouldn't imagine these trucks were much closer than that new but if you want it closer a frame shop should be able to square it. And the holes should be round, not oblong

 

If you have one frame rail back farther than the other, that's called a 'diamond' in the frame. It can be pulled and straightened/squared, and would be a good idea to do so. Frames with a diamond in them cause the truck to drive crooked, doing the crab walk. It looks goofy having the back end over farther, one way or the other, from the front, and causes ill handling and wandering down the road. Not to mention excessive tire wear.

 

What would a shop typically charge to fix the diamond effect, or is this something I can do on my own?

 

Cost would be shop labor rates times a few hours to do the job. The time involved in the set up would be more than the actual pulling. But the whole deal shouldn't run more than maybe $200-300. Unless you have a frame machine and measuring equipment in your back yard, it's best left to a professional to do an accurate job. Although there's bound to be someone to chime in here to tell you how they did the same job with a come-along and a sycamore tree.

 

heck just put a chain on the short side and back up a few times till it's square.!!

 

Ford built so many of these trucks that there are still hundreds of these frames laying around...find a good one and save yourself a lot of trouble and cash.

 

That would be within factory Original Equipment Manufactures specifications. (if they had any) it's a farm truck