I recently brought my 66 F100 out of an eight year retirement. While sorting out the flats and such, I noticed that the wheels on the rear axle are not the same as the front wheels.

If I measure the distance from the outer rim to the place where the lug nut seats, the rear wheels are 5-1/4" deep and the fronts are 3" deep. I have reason to suspect the back axle is not stock based on some funky U-bolts. This is not normal is it?

I'll check the tracking when it is off the jack stands. I noticed it when I rotated from to back and it looked wrong!

 

One thing about these models 65,66 at least for sure, and I am not
sure about other years, the front wheels stick out like 2" on both
sides of the front of the truck.
I didn't notice it myself but after hearing about it and looking, you
can see that the rear axle length does not line up with the wider stance
of the front.
Engineers are a silly lot. Innovator's Dilemma perhaps?
As to your particular situation keep in mind that many of these trucks
have had all sorts of parts swapped and could also add to the mystery.
Have Fun and stay thirsty.
T.

 

Not uncommon for folk to run different tires & wheels on the rear. The truck came with same size on all 4s.

Toby, the front track was widened in 65 with the I-beams, and it wasn't until 73 that the rear was widened to match the front.



John

 

So perhaps the rear wheels were swapped out long ago to give the vehicle the same track front and back?

 

Might just be an unexplained phenomena.

Kinda like those lights you guys claim to see!

 

John's right... Be happy, you can mount wider tires on the back to make it the same width.

 

A lot of people run wider wheels on the rear, kind of the "Pro Street" drag race look. Meats on the back and pizza cutters up front make it look like a 10 second ride even when it isn't. Have fun with it.

 

Drink enough Bud Lights, see Marfa Lights! But they are real. I've seen them.

 

After 45 years, who knows what may be on the truck, it does leave you the option of doing anthing that you would like to do with. Make it your own truck and have fun with it.

 

For those unfamiliar with Texas mysteries, in 1883, a Robert Ellison and his wife were moving some cattle between Marfa and Alpine, Texas. As Ellison prepared to build his fire for the evening, he witnessed some strange moving lights moving across a valley in the Chinati Mountains. He assumed they were Apache indians. He spent an uneasy night with one eye open and his hand on his Winchester. Many other ranchers saw the lights over the course of many years and always assumed they were Apache campfires, but investigation during the day never revealed any evidence of that.

In WWII, a pilot training base was established near Marfa and reconnaissance flights were even made to pinpoint the source of the lights but had no luck. On other occasions, when the pilots gave chase, the lights either disappeared or headed toward Mexico.

The lights have also been featured on an episode of "Unsolved Mysteries" where the film crew actually documented on film the lights moving mysteriously across the valley.

No scientific explanations of these mysterious lights have ever been found.

If you want to see the lights for yourself, a special viewing area has been set up about 9 miles east of Marfa on Hwy 90.

 

What OldHarley says is all true. Now get this, a couple of weeks ago on 11/21/2011, The Rolling Stones released a Deluxe Edition of Some Girls (1978) with some unreleased tracks, including No Spare Parts where Mick sings about the Marfa Lights. It features newly recorded vocals from Mick. Here's my version of the lyrics, though a couple of words aren't to clear to me. If I can find an old photo of the lights, I'll post it.


I take the 10 to Phoenix, be in Tucson by the afternoon
Get some shut-eye and fixin and a bite at the greasy spoon
Took the turn off 90, should have stayed on the interstate
I was lost in the rib, my map was kinda outta date
I saw the lights of Marfa, I guess it was the scenic route
When I had to change a tire, I'm glad I wore my western boots
The lonely hearts, they're not made to break
I got no spare parts, I got no oil to change