i have a 1959 f350 with 6x7.25 bolt pattern. i changed the rear to a nine inch out of a f100 so i have 5x5.5 in the rear. is there any way i can change the front out to the same bolt pattern with out a whole lot of work or with out custom work? will an f100 disk brake conversion work? or can i have the axles redrilled and run a drum of an f100?

 

Since you already put an F100 axle in the rear, just put an F100 front axle in the front. They are both solid axles. Simplest way.

 

If your stock wheels are the tubeless 17.5s or 19.5s, and in good shape, don't get rid of them. Guys look for them. Stu

 

Well I have six of hese wheells all in good shape with decent tires brcause my truckwheel/tire was ait dually. its just I can seem to find front brakes for the truck and it limits my wheel/tire choice.

 

I'm gonna assume you have the DRW 17.5s. Those are a Budd Company product and in 1959 were part number 71320. You'll find that number on the back/concave side of them. Below is a picture. Below too is a thread with guy's looking for these wheels. Also in that thread, member GBSisson shows how he changed his F-350 to the 3/4 ton 8 x 6.5" pattern. Might work for you too. Stu

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...on-rims-4.html

 

Yes they are the wheels I gave but im also worriedabout brakes

 

First I'd look into 3414's suggestion. Easiest if springs and steering line up. For the hub change method, you would need an adapter for 8 lug to to 5 and not sure there is one. I went from one dually front bolt pattern to another so the 4 1/4" thick adapter was appropriate. As for the brakes, I was test driving my fridge about a month ago after I installed the higher geared axle and seeing what 60 mph was like on our narrow country roads. Of course a buck jumped out in front of me so I locked up the brakes. Having swerved just a bit I could see from the black marks that all 4 wheels were locked. Actually quite a smoke show back there. Didn't hit the deer. It wasn't till about 5 years ago I even had a truck with discs and I use the old ones as trucks, loaded heavy. Drums actually work just fine. Finally I want to thank truckdog for his endorsement of my hub conversion. He seems to be the wheel specialist here and it means a lot to me, a fellow 'wheel guy' and fairly new guy on the site.

 

its not the fact that i dont trust drum brakes its just that im having a hard time finding new brakes

 

I got mine at napa. The wheel cyls anyway. the shoes were nice and thick on this old girl........

 

Hard to find parts for the bigger models can sometimes be found at Job Lot Automotive in New York. Here's their web site. Stu

JobLot Automotive

 

thanks i apprieciate all the help i think what im going to do is go on tuesday to the scp yard and look at the axle of a 1959 f100. i just have to see if it bolts in any differently from mine. i know i can get parts for that axle then even make disk brake conversions for it if i really want. it will also give me the same bolt pattern as the rear im putting in so i can get four matching wheels. i talked to the guy and he said around 200 for the axle so that should be the easiest and the cheapest. as for you guys looking for the wheels that have a 6x7.25 lug pattern i have a few with tires.

 

You might watch this forum, the 48 - 56 forum, and the 61-66 forum to speak up when guys come on looking for those wheels. It'd also be good to list your location in your UserCP profile so guys can know whether shipping would be an issue. Stu

 

Another really good source I've used for 20 years is Bob Selzam in Toms River New Jersey. His business is called 'Half ton fun'. Just Ford trucks and almost always NOS. He has tons of big truck stuff too and answers his phone. I have had great sucess with Joblot and they always had a great catalogue, which Bob didn't. Fun tidbit, when I needed front wheel bearings for my 38 tonner, years back, Joblot told me a very popular carnival ride (tilt a whirl?) had used those hubs and bought out all their stock! They probably bought all Bob's too.

732 928 9421 10 am to 4 pm Eastern time. Closed Wed, Sat and Sunday except by appt.....

 

now that i am thinking why do i have to change my axle? couldnt i just get a disk brake conversion kit for an f100 and just bolt it on to my axle? is there any major differences between and f100 axle and an f350 axle?

 

I am working on my "53 f-350. Finding brake parts has been a challenge. So far I've replaced the wheel cylinders, master cylinder and one front drum. I am still looking for rear 13" drums. One of mine is worn clear through in one spot. Do you have a couple to sell? I have widow maker wheels and may be interested in your wheels if they are for sale.

Grant