Hi guys new to the forum trying to find out info on chassis dimensions. I have a 1959 F250 2WD flare side 118 “ wheel base looking to put a shortbed flare side off a F100 110” wheel base. I realise the rear leaf springs would have to be relocated. My question is are the chassis the same with different locations for the leaf springs. l have found out my F250 chassis is taller and thicker steal. Just wondering do l need the change over The chassis to enable me the fit the shortbed . I have been on many sites but can’t seem to find out this info.

 

Chris, Welcome to FTE
You may want to do a search in the later truck years for doing the same thing you want to do so you can see how they did it.
Then you can check over your truck closer to see if it can be done the same way.

I have not really looked closely into this, not my animal not my show LOL, but think most cut the frame behind the cab where it is flat, remove what is needed to make it short and weld it back together and plating to make it strong again.
Then you have drive shaft, brake line, ebrake cables just off the top of my head you would need to deal with.
Good luck and post up pictures when you do this.
Dave ----

 

Thanks Dave, did a fair bit of research will probably go down the chassis shortening road and work with what l have got.
Appreciate the input, thanks Mate.👍

 

Chris,

I don't have the chassis alignment diagram (I don't even know if there is one for our trucks) so I looked up the frame specs in the shop manual. The frame rails for both an F-100 and F-250 are 34" front to back with a 2" kick-up over the rear axle. A look at my own F-100 confirmed those specifications. Due to the kick-up, you'll need to section the frame in the middle so the kick-up portion of the frame moves forward along with the springs and axles. You will probably need to also remove some of the frame behind the rear spring. I believe you'll be able to use the front bed mounts, the other six may have to be moved to accommodate the shorter bed.

In case it helps, following are the frame dimensions as given in the shop manual for F-100, F-250, & P-350:
Width at Front (inches) = 34
Width at Rear (inches) = 34
Front End Dip (inches) = 1 3/4
Front Spring Hangers = 44 5/32 inches (centerline to centerline)
Rear Spring Hangers = 51 21/32 inches (centerline to centerline)
Rear Axle Kick-Up = 2 inches

F-350 and larger have no rear axle kick-up, on those trucks it would be easy to shorten the frame by moving the rear springs forward and cutting the extra off the rear.

Best of luck with your project,
Lou Manglass

 

Thanks Lou for the helpful info. Truck is still over in toyland( the great USA) will be shipping over here to Australia in the next couple of weeks to make a start on it. Will keep you guys posted on the modifications as l go along the rebuild path. Sure am missing my yearly trip over there due to Covit, hope you are all in good health.