Factory 4X4?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
1959/72 F250 MODEL codes: F250 thru F257 = F250 2WD / F260 thru F263 = F250 4WD / F280 thru F284 = F250 4WD Cab & Chassis.
The 1957/63 Ford Truck Parts Catalog is available on a CD from hipoparts.com for about 20 bucks.
The 1957/63 Ford Truck Parts Catalog is available on a CD from hipoparts.com for about 20 bucks.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Southern Utah
I'm the one with the truck for sale that ROCDRIL has been inquiring about. Thanks to him, I've learned a LOT more about the truck, but I'm still confused as to it's origins.
Here's my data plate:
The serial number is F25C0K5XXXX (in case it's hard to read)
Being model F253 would indeed indicate that the truck was originally a 2WD, and had a conversion at some point, correct? I want to make sure I represent the truck as accurately as possible. My dad bought the truck about a year ago, and when he did the fella we bought it from told us it was a "factory" 4WD. I represented it as such, apparently incorrectly.
I understand that this doesn't make the truck more/less desirable in some peoples eyes, just that I don't want to mis-represent the truck. I have a TON of photos of it (ROCDRIL's email box is full of them too) if more photos would help.
Thanks for the assistance guys.
Here's my data plate:
The serial number is F25C0K5XXXX (in case it's hard to read)
Being model F253 would indeed indicate that the truck was originally a 2WD, and had a conversion at some point, correct? I want to make sure I represent the truck as accurately as possible. My dad bought the truck about a year ago, and when he did the fella we bought it from told us it was a "factory" 4WD. I represented it as such, apparently incorrectly.
I understand that this doesn't make the truck more/less desirable in some peoples eyes, just that I don't want to mis-represent the truck. I have a TON of photos of it (ROCDRIL's email box is full of them too) if more photos would help.
Thanks for the assistance guys.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 29
From: south east South Dakota
im not gonna weigh in on the vin conversation, i think Bill has nialed it. i heard from somewhere that the 4x4 cabs had a brace were the rear pillar meets the floor and that the 2wd cabs didnt have them. my factory 60 4x4 has the braces. you might also look to see if it has a closed knuckle front end. ford used the dana 44 closed knunckle starting in 59 with there first factory f250. dont know when they switched to the open knuckle but i beat Bill does. and it wouldnt be a Marmon Herrington, not in a light duty truck anyway, but thats a completely different mess of questions.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 6
From: Eastern Washington
If the cab is original to the truck, for 4x4's, Ford welded a triangular brace between the floor and the rear door pillar to add stability and prevent cracking. Are you going to buy it? They are cool trucks, hard to find a decent one. Let us know what you do.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 6
From: Eastern Washington
Regarding the owner's comments F253 listed under model is indeed a 60 4x4 3/4 ton according to Ford's master book. Transfer case should be a DANA spicer 24, dana 44 front axle 4.55 gearing and dana 60 rear with 4.56 gearing on back. I have a 60 3/4 ton 4x4. They are cool trucks but top speed is about 60 mph because of the gearing, not a real commuter on the interstate.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 65
From: South Dakota
Freshman User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Southern Utah
Okay, now I'm really corn-fused. The highly revered and respected NumberDummy says 2WD, Idaho and Teddy say 4WD. Thanks for all the help fellas, but I'm not sure what to think at this point.
I'm a hot rodder through and through, but not very knowledgeable about on the "factory versus conversion" 4WD issues. IMHO, this LOOKS like a factory build, but I'm in in NO WAY an expert.
Are there other photos or data that I can provide to help determine what it is that I have?
Regarding Idaho's comment of additional bracing, here are a few shots of that area. How big is this triangular bracing?
And here's a few shots of the transmission and transfer case...
I can certainly post more pictures to help, but these are about the best pics I have of these areas. The truck is at my dad's house about 10 miles from me. Thanks again for helping me out guys.
I'm a hot rodder through and through, but not very knowledgeable about on the "factory versus conversion" 4WD issues. IMHO, this LOOKS like a factory build, but I'm in in NO WAY an expert.
Are there other photos or data that I can provide to help determine what it is that I have?
Regarding Idaho's comment of additional bracing, here are a few shots of that area. How big is this triangular bracing?
And here's a few shots of the transmission and transfer case...
I can certainly post more pictures to help, but these are about the best pics I have of these areas. The truck is at my dad's house about 10 miles from me. Thanks again for helping me out guys.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 29
From: south east South Dakota
just look at the front axle code on the vin tag in the glove box. should be an A or B depending on the gear ratio. thats what my book says but i in no way want to argue with numberdummy. he has forgot more than i will ever know. i will post pics soon.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 29
From: south east South Dakota
my book says 04 is 4.56-5m. 4.56 would be the gear ratio and i have no idea what 5m is. on my vin tag they put the rivit right on top of the letter stating the front axle. look at teddy's vin tag. it has a letter at the very end. i think it was a B which would indicate 4.55 ratio 4 wheel drive. i cant see your pics for some reason but am gonna post a pic of the cab brace. 
Last edited by thundersnow70; Jan 30, 2012 at 05:53 PM. Reason: pics