Greets to the crew, it's been a while. A lot of water under the bridge including a move to northern VA and the F-1 project going to a new home a couple years back. Hopefully the new owner found his way here.

Not that I don't have enough other projects atm, but I've been looking at a '53 F-350 Express pickup off and on for a while and have a few questions.

First, while it's a pretty solid truck, it does have some rust in the usual places: cab corners and fenders where running boards attach. Also a little in the very front/lower fender just below the bumper. Curious to know if the patches available out there from Mac's and others are compatible. I'm pretty sure the cab is the same and the only difference in the fenders is the wheel opening size, but not positive.

Next, what - if any- alternatives are there to the low speed rear differential that will retain the original 6 lug axles? Definitely not looking to make a hot rod out of it, but 60-65 would be a little more comfortable than 45-50 when needed. I now live in a high traffic area not far outside DC, worst drivers I've ever seen.

Hope everyone has been well and the projects are coming along. There's always another one waiting around the next corner.

 

Been working on my 55' 350 for 1 1/2 years now. You are correct. Cab parts are the same as the smaller trucks. Rear end is a different story. If it has the Timken 150 (5.14) they are a dinosaur. I am keeping mine because I am trying to keep everything original. There are options but you will need to do a little research. Then you run into the issue of the front end if you change the rear out if you want them to match. The Widow maker wheels are a whole different issue you will have to deal with. I'm sure more guys will be chiming in. What engine do you have? Pictures? We all love Pictures? Good luck if you decide to purchase. Here to help if I can! -

Edit - You might want to make contact with Silver54. He has been looking into doing an axle swap. Here is his Dads truck build page.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...350-build.html

 

You would think either Dodge, IHC, Studebaker or Ford would have spec'd a 3/4 or one ton axle with a taller gear set than the 5.14/1 combined with the 6 x 7.25" bolt pattern. To me the most likely sources would be the three none Fords because they used the six lug pattern on the smaller 3/4 tons as well as on the one tons. I've stretched my brain to think of a reference I might have for that info but am coming up empty. Will continue to ponder the question. Stu

Edit - I posted info on your other discussion about custom 17s from Stockton Wheel. Stu

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...er-wheels.html

 

You'd think so Stu, but at least on the IHC side, it's no better aside from using the Budd locking ring wheels with 5 holes/5 lugs. Still have the R-140 project down in NC waiting for the guy to finish the engine transplant. When it was on the road, 45-55 was the best it did and 55 was really screaming according to the PO. It's a ton & a quarter 4x4 truck, I don't think the one ton R-130 is any better.

Dave, thanks for the heads up. I'll keep an eye on both you and Silver's progress. Haven't actually bought the truck yet mainly due to road speed issue. Wife says if it's going to replace my 2002 Ranger (my way of explaining getting another truck project) then I need to be able to drive it normally on the interstate.

I understand the issue - these were big, heavy, work trucks meant to work, not drive fast and comfortably down big highways that didn't even exist then. As well, I don't want to hack up a nice old truck horribly to try to make it into a new truck. If there's a simple (not necessarily 'easy', just not messy) swap that can be made, I'd do it.

 

I've spent some Google time trying to find a truck model with 6 x 7.25" pattern combined with a more roadworthy final drive ratio. Found the below Red Power thread about a 1955 R-122 having a 4.11/1 axle. Only question is since it's a 3/4 ton it might have 9/16" wheel studs instead of 5/8" like the tonner. And couldn't find whether it's an Eaton, IHC Corporate, or what. If one could be found, and combined with those Stockton custom 17s and 34" tire diameter, I think you might be set. Stu

Edit - oh, wait, I forgot the deeply dish wheel aspect. The R-122 has shallow dished wheels. Grrrrr!

New Member, new project. Plenty of questions - IH Trucks - Red Power Magazine Community

 

Spicer/Dana 70: Some 1961/62 F350; all 1963/66 F350.

Introduced in 1966 F350 Spicer/Dana 70: 4.10-1 & 4.56-1.

Other 1961/66 F350 Spicer/Dana 70 ratios: 4.88-1; 5.13-1 & 5.87-1.

 

Okay, better solution. Thanks Bill. Stu

 

Thanks Bill. I plan to keep this information for future reference if I ever decide or need to switch my rear axle out.

 

Would you be willing to share this truck info, picture and possible website. (if even available) I have no intentions of pursuing the truck at this time. If you would decide to expand your search to a different truck I may consider adding it to my fleet of one My curiosity has gotten the best of me and I just like to look at these old beasts as there are not many around. I appreciate your consideration. Dave

If you prefer you can email me at df85732@yahoo.com

 

All the pictures I have seen of 60's F-350s had dual rear wheels. All the pictures I have seen of 53 F-350 express models had single rear wheels. Doesn't the DRW to SRW create backs spacing problems with the wheels?

 

No, actually it's needed. The '53 and '54 F-350 Express beds have single wheels that each have 5" of positive offset. This is essentially a DRW set up configured as a SRW. This is why the tubeless 17.5" DRW wheels work so well on '53/'54 Express models. Beginning in 1955, and continuing through 1966, the SRW Express bed F-350s got the shallow dished wheels. Stu

 

F350's with DRW were not available with a pickup bed (Styleside only) until 1980.

1953/79 F350's with DRW were available as a Cab & Chassis or with factory installed flat & stake beds.

F350's with SRW: Cab & Chassis; with factory installed flat & stake beds; 9' Express Flareside bed: 1953/72; 9' Express Styleside bed: 1957/66.