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This is my first vintage truck build - 1949 F-3. I'm in the research/planning phase of my build. I seem to find a lot of parts and information on the F1 but I'm not sure if those parts or information can also be applied to the F3. I'm told the fenders are larger on an F3 but the cab and frames are basically the same except for the heavier suspension. Is this true? What about the bed size...will an F1 tailgate fit on an F3? What other components would be the same between an F1 vs. F3?
This is my first vintage truck build - 1949 F-3. I'm in the research/planning phase of my build. I seem to find a lot of parts and information on the F1 but I'm not sure if those parts or information can also be applied to the F3. I'm told the fenders are larger on an F3 but the cab and frames are basically the same except for the heavier suspension. Is this true? The frame is bigger, in width and height and maybe thickness.What about the bed size... The F3 bed is longer and wider. will an F1 tailgate fit on an F3? No. What other components would be the same between an F1 vs. F3?
See answers in red above.
Other things the same? As you said the cab is the same, others are: doors, hood and grille.
While the F-1/2/3 share a lot of parts there are a lot more parts that are different from the F-1 and the F-2/3 and there are some parts difference between the F-2 and F-3.
The F-1 frame is very different than the two larger trucks. Front fenders are different. F-1s have their own fenders with smaller wheeler openings. The F-2 to F-6 share front fenders. F-2 and F-3 also share rear fenders with winder and longer boxes along with wider tailgates. F-1s have their own running boards while F-2 and F-3 share boards. There are also differences between the model years, most being very slight but the running boards are different after mid '50 model, they will interchange but they older running boards have a wide flange. The F-1 boxes lost the raised box panels mid '50. F-2/3 continued with the raised panels through '52. There are other differences.
The F-1 and F-2/3 share the same front beam axle, but differ on hubs. The F-1 hubs will mount to the F-3 spindles. Your truck has a Timken rear axle vs a Dana on the F-1. Your 1949 brakes are Lockheed products featuring 14” rear drums that are NLA if needed. No OEM style 16” wheels will fit over those drums. Axle swaps are a common remedy that you’ll probably be hearing more about from others. Your transmission is likely to be a 4 speed non-synchro that will take some practice shifting. Your 17” wheels are two piece having what is termed the Firestone RH-5° outer rims. Called “widow makers”. Do a Google search of those terms. Stu
I thought it might be helpful to add that there is a big difference between the F-2 and F-3. You’ll see in Tim’s F-2 schematic that there are 16” wheels where your F-3 has the 17” wheels. The F-2 model could use the 16” wheels because it had 12” Lockheed rear drums. Below is the F-3 schematic.
I should also add that there are replacement options for the 17” widow makes that allow you keep the truck OEM stock in all other ways. Beginning in 1956 Ford offered both 17.5” and 19.5” tubeless wheels for F-250s. Finding a set of either of these gives you a bolt on fix. If either of these solutions interest you we can go into it deeper. Stu
Thanks. The guide is helpful. I saw a link for it somewhere else on this forum but it wasn't taking me anywhere. I am looking into some suspension upgrades and I need a new tailgate but having trouble finding one for an F-3 in the aftermarket world.
I thought it might be helpful to add that there is a big difference between the F-2 and F-3. You’ll see in Tim’s F-2 schematic that there are 16” wheels where your F-3 has the 17” wheels. The F-2 model could use the 16” wheels because it had 12” Lockheed rear drums. Below is the F-3 schematic.
I should also add that there are replacement options for the 17” widow makes that allow you keep the truck OEM stock in all other ways. Beginning in 1956 Ford offered both 17.5” and 19.5” tubeless wheels for F-250s. Finding a set of either of these gives you a bolt on fix. If either of these solutions interest you we can go into it deeper. Stu
Thanks. I plan on doing some restomodding in the suspension and axles.
Many guys install disc brake kits that are designed for the F-2/3 bolt pattern, or switch to the half ton pattern, or go all the way with IFS kits. Others have installed common half ton rear axles to provide more suitable road speed ratios. No aftermarket tailgate is made for the F-2/3 bed. Stu
We have a member, Nick Gordon, from near Exeter that has a cool 48 with a 427. You hear him coming before you see him. LOL
Interesting. I work in Exeter. I've probably seen that truck around...and yes, my family came from Germany and settled here in Berks Co. So I am PA Dutch.
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