Axle swap
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,192
Likes: 4,805
From: Burbank, WA
No. The spring spacing is wider on the 53-56 trucks than on the 48-52's, so it will not bolt up. You will need to use the proper year axle (48-52 F1/3 are the same). What are you planning to accomplish with the axle change?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
I want to go to a 5 bolt rather than the 8bolt and I thought swaping the axle would be faster than swaping spindles. Will these spindles work? Or am I going to have to cut and move the springs to make it work? Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Ga.
I have just the opposite problem, I have a 53 axle on a 48 F1. Just found a used 48 axle and purchased a disk brake swap with the 5 on 5-1/2 bolt circle. I also need to get a new set of spindles. Once I get that all squared away I will look at the linkage to see what I need there.
Welder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 50
From: northwest MT
No need to swap axles or spindles, just remove the F-3 brakes and hubs and bolt the 5 lug parts on.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
IMHO If you start trying to make the later axle fit the earlier truck, you are headed down a very slippery slope you may never be able to recover from. Resell the later axle if in good shape and use the money to buy a correct axle or brake/hub parts, or write it off as one of those purchased before researching, or "it was cheap" mistakes we've all made. Much less expensive and safer in the long run, not to mention easier.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I don't have much experience with the larger trucks, but Tinman has so I'm confident he is right about swapping brake and hub parts. I wasn't sure when I read his post if he was talking about using F1 brake parts or if the F100 parts from your new purchased axle would interchange onto your existing spindles?
I was commenting on your statement that you were going to try to move the springs on your chassis to match the F100 axle width. That's what I would not recommend.
I was commenting on your statement that you were going to try to move the springs on your chassis to match the F100 axle width. That's what I would not recommend.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,017
Likes: 9,975
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Yep, its my understanding that the axles and spindles are the same on the F-1, F-2, and F-3 trucks. Just replace the backing plates and hubs and you should be good to go.
I'm not 100% on the backing plates, I don't know if they are different or not.
Bobby
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,299
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
The backing plates/brakes are different, but the spindles are all the same F-1 to F-3.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,192
Likes: 4,805
From: Burbank, WA
According to the Ford parts catalog, the backing plates, shoes and hardware are the same for 48-55 F1/F100 (which is as new as my catalog goes. Presumably 56 is the same). But the drums and hubs are different between the 48-52 and 53-55. Bottom line is, the backing plates and brake parts from the 56 F100 should fit on your 52 F3 spindles, but you'll likely need different drums.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Christopher2
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Feb 23, 2005 08:25 PM
61WillysWagon
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jan 21, 2004 12:29 AM
cigarxtc
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Feb 14, 2003 10:20 AM