I've been doing quite alot of research for the past year since I acquired IGOR, F500, and am getting ready to move ahead on the project. My intent is to have a "bolt-in" swap and numerous forums and Facebook group posts indicate that there are several applications that will work. Since I won't be using the truck for heavy loads I should be able to use F350 - F450 front and rear axles and spring packages. My local Les Schwab tire center recommend using 8 on 6.5 19.5 in wheels that are readily available. I want to find something from the later 1970s thru the 1980s for parts availability and to possibly have disc brakes.

The rear differential does not seem to be a problem but the front straight I beam axle and leaf springs have me going around in circles. I have learned that that there are Ford F series, P series, B series, Commercial series, Cargo Series, and Medium Duty series trucks and Dodge (motor home) M and RM series. Google searches have my head spinning as to what specic years and sizes (i.e. F350, F450, etc) I should look for. Of all the various posts I have read, there are too many that say "might fit" or "should fit". Just last week I nearly took a 300 mile round trip with a flatbed trailer to get a complete 1983 F350 dually but before departing I discovered that it had a twin I beam type of front axle with coil springs. The closest wrecking yard is 50 miles away and I don't want to make a mistake in requesting something that will not work.

Can someone steer me in the right direction to something that definitely "will" fit?

 

Anyone have any recommendations on this?

 

I can't offer any practical advice. Just know that Ford went to the Twin I Beam in 1965 so you won't find a straight axle in a 70's or 80's 350 or 450 that I know of. Might have to go to a larger truck for the front axle.

 

Maybe keep the front axle and retrofit disc brakes on there. Maybe check the spindle dimensions, sometimes Ford used the same spindles and mounted different brake/wheel combos on them. On my 1951 F-7, I could change it over to Dayton style wheels and brakes from Budd as they both use the same spindle. Also it could be changed to air brakes!!

 

I would look to see if the f-superduty (f-450) in the 80s and 90s has the correct width axle. They had leaf sprung solid axles in 2wd form.

 

Thanks to all, I have found that 2000 & up F450 will NOT bolt in, several differences. I also found that 92 - 97 Super Duty has a solid I beam front axle with leaf springs. Will begin research on this criteria..