F5 front axle swap questions
#1
06-29-2018, 01:49 PM
F5 front axle swap questions
i
I have a 1951 COEF5 but I want to replace the front axle with the 10 lug axels. Anyone done this before ? I also want to lower it in the process guidance would be greatly appreciated as this is my first project and I am very much a novice.
Thank you for your help bullfish
#2
06-29-2018, 03:45 PM
Cargo Master
That is a pretty nice looking COE! It looks like it has a Ford script bed on it also. What are your plans for the truck? I would measure the track width on a straight axle Super Duty, many of those had 10 hole wheels. Since your truck is a COE, the track width may be close enough to work for you.
Mark
Mark
#3
06-29-2018, 06:56 PM
Which ten hole wheels are you looking at, from a class 8 truck like a Peterbilt, or the small bolt circle wheels from a Super Duty? The class 8 wheels can be used easily with adapters, but if you were to swap out the whole axle, even though the chassis are the same width, there will be other challenges such as brakes, steering., and matching the suspension. The small ten hole wheels on the Super Duty axles would be the easiest to adapt but the look would be much different. It looks like you're going to make a pickup - nice choice, imho.
Very straight looking truck btw, and a deluxe cab to boot, although I don't think deluxe cabs were offered on the COE's.
Very straight looking truck btw, and a deluxe cab to boot, although I don't think deluxe cabs were offered on the COE's.
#4
06-29-2018, 07:20 PM
#5
06-29-2018, 07:31 PM
I saw your truck when it was for sale on CL iirc. The seller was intending to sell the bed separate from the COE. Did you end up with the bed too?
I’ll ditto Bob’s comments. We seldom hear of successful front axle swaps because some engineering is needed to adapt modern inboard steering to the old external drag link and pitman arm. I can also imagine that the forward mounting of the COE steering might add some complexity. Adapters to let you use the big truck 10 x 11.25” pattern 22.5” wheels make some sense, but will add expense. You can get reproduction 22.5” tubeless wheels with your 5 x 8” pattern that would be a simple bolt on fix using your stock front suspension. I believe Bob has these on his COE. Stu
I’ll ditto Bob’s comments. We seldom hear of successful front axle swaps because some engineering is needed to adapt modern inboard steering to the old external drag link and pitman arm. I can also imagine that the forward mounting of the COE steering might add some complexity. Adapters to let you use the big truck 10 x 11.25” pattern 22.5” wheels make some sense, but will add expense. You can get reproduction 22.5” tubeless wheels with your 5 x 8” pattern that would be a simple bolt on fix using your stock front suspension. I believe Bob has these on his COE. Stu
#6
06-29-2018, 10:38 PM
Actually, I wasn't positive, but that makes perfect sense since '51 was the first year for the "Deluxe" and "Extra" cabs. Do you know precisely what the differences are? My truck has two windshield wipers, but some only had one. I guess a heater & defroster was optional on all models.
#7
06-29-2018, 11:38 PM
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#8
06-30-2018, 12:26 AM
#9
06-30-2018, 12:59 AM
#10
06-30-2018, 05:29 PM
Which ten hole wheels are you looking at, from a class 8 truck like a Peterbilt, or the small bolt circle wheels from a Super Duty? The class 8 wheels can be used easily with adapters, but if you were to swap out the whole axle, even though the chassis are the same width, there will be other challenges such as brakes, steering., and matching the suspension. The small ten hole wheels on the Super Duty axles would be the easiest to adapt but the look would be much different. It looks like you're going to make a pickup - nice choice, imho.
Very straight looking truck btw, and a deluxe cab to boot, although I don't think deluxe cabs were offered on the COE's.
Very straight looking truck btw, and a deluxe cab to boot, although I don't think deluxe cabs were offered on the COE's.
yeah I’m thinking the F450/550 with the 19.5 wheel. Was also thinking air ride suspension. Lower it add a sleeper some saddle tanks and the pickup bed.
#11
06-30-2018, 05:33 PM
#12
06-30-2018, 05:36 PM
I saw your truck when it was for sale on CL iirc. The seller was intending to sell the bed separate from the COE. Did you end up with the bed too?
I’ll ditto Bob’s comments. We seldom hear of successful front axle swaps because some engineering is needed to adapt modern inboard steering to the old external drag link and pitman arm. I can also imagine that the forward mounting of the COE steering might add some complexity. Adapters to let you use the big truck 10 x 11.25” pattern 22.5” wheels make some sense, but will add expense. You can get reproduction 22.5” tubeless wheels with your 5 x 8” pattern that would be a simple bolt on fix using your stock front suspension. I believe Bob has these on his COE. Stu
I’ll ditto Bob’s comments. We seldom hear of successful front axle swaps because some engineering is needed to adapt modern inboard steering to the old external drag link and pitman arm. I can also imagine that the forward mounting of the COE steering might add some complexity. Adapters to let you use the big truck 10 x 11.25” pattern 22.5” wheels make some sense, but will add expense. You can get reproduction 22.5” tubeless wheels with your 5 x 8” pattern that would be a simple bolt on fix using your stock front suspension. I believe Bob has these on his COE. Stu
yes sir sir I did buy the bed too. Plan on lowering it adding a sleeper behind the cab a couple saddle tanks then the truck bed. Maybe air suspension. Swapping the Flathead for a 351. Like that
#13
06-30-2018, 10:25 PM
#15
07-01-2018, 01:41 PM
