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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2018
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I am new to the forum and have recently purchased a 1961 f350 with the 223 motor and oddball 6 lug in front but a later 8 lug on the rear. Truck needs a lot of work but that is ok. I am wondering if any f100 or f250 front axle and suspension up to 1966 can be put on my frame. I think it can but not sure I understand all I need to on this. Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Great White North
Welcome to FTE! The frame should be the same 61-64 as far goes a solid front axle suspension. The F250 will match the 8 lug rearend however, the F100 only has 5 lugs and is a lighter duty suspension. Do not be fooled by your F350 1 ton front end having 6 lugs. They are a much bigger stud size if I recall correctly and the rim size should be either 17" or 19" so it is plenty heavy duty. The 65-66 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks had twin I beams up front with coil springs so a lot of work is needed to swap it over.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
All 1953/66 F350's have leaf spring front suspension, 6 lug wheels on a 7.25" bolt circle (16" x 5.5" - 17" x 5.5" - 17.5" x 5.25" - 19.5" x 5.25").
1967 was the first year that F350's have Twin-I-Beam coil spring front suspension and 16" 8 lug wheels on a 6.50" bolt circle (same as 1953/96 F250's).
1953/58 F250's (all 2WD) & 1959/64 F250 2WD's have leaf spring front suspension. 1965 was the first year that F100/250 2WD's have Twin-I-Beam coil spring front suspension.
1967 was the first year that F350's have Twin-I-Beam coil spring front suspension and 16" 8 lug wheels on a 6.50" bolt circle (same as 1953/96 F250's).
1953/58 F250's (all 2WD) & 1959/64 F250 2WD's have leaf spring front suspension. 1965 was the first year that F100/250 2WD's have Twin-I-Beam coil spring front suspension.
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2018
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Thank you for the responses . I have the 16 inch rims on the front and back. Would I be able to put a 8 lug hub from a 61-64 f250 and put in on my spindle ? I realize it won't be a dually type rim like the rears but for the short term at least that way I could get away from lock ring rims and all that hassle . Maybe down the road I will be able to find the " hens teeth " tubeless 6x 7.25 dually rims for the front. Thanks
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2018
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17.5 rims
Since I posted last I think I have found some 17.5 one piece rims for the front of my 61 f350 they are smooth around the lug holes where my original 16 inch lock ring rims have a conical area around the lug holes does this matter?? I would think the tapered lug nuts would center up th flat rims just fine. Help and advice would be great thanks.
New User
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: Maine
I have 66 f350 drw and would like to go to 8 bolt rims on the front does anyone know if you can use a newer model spindle or hub or a conversion since the drum/hubs are two piece bolt together? And in my experience with using conical nuts on non conical rimscis they tend to loosen and ruin the nuts you are better off using the washer type nut and if the wheels are new enough to have that style be careful ford changed the bolt pattern in 98 with the superduty series
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2018
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17.5
Well one of my rims was delivered yesterday and it is a budd 71320 which is the 17.5 rim with the 6x7.25 lug pattern and one piece looks great !! Also the 6 holes are coined if that is the correct term. I will continue to look for another because the other 2 I have a line on are not coined so I will keep them in mitchell nd a last resort. Not sure what they would have come off of ??? Any ideas ????
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New User
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: Maine
As long as they are the right bolt pattern you should be all set. I myself am still holding out for the 8 bolt hub or at the very least 1pc 16in 6 bolt wheels trying to match rubber front and rear. Best of luck and lets keep these old trucks on the road where they belong!
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2018
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just an update on the truck I have been very fortunate and have been able to find 3 of the 17.5 inch 6 lug Budd 71320 rims . I got my tires mounted last week so at least my truck is now a roller . I appreciate all the advice and I am sure I will have question's going forward.
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