Solid Front Axle F-350 4x4
Solid Front Axle F-350 4x4
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: USA
Solid Front Axle F-350 4x4
What years did the F-350's have the solid front axle, I am looking to buy one of these and really like the 83-86 trucks, but I have seen some with F-350 fender markers that had the independant axle with leaf springs? Was this a 3/4 ton with 1 ton fenders/badges or did they make both styles in the 1 ton? Was this a year thing? I want to find a truck with the straight axle, so I want to know what to look for. Thanks for any help?
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Easthampton, Ma.
Solid Front Axle F-350 4x4
From 80 to 85 Ford did not offer a solid front axle (monobeam) although it is relatively easy to swap one in (don't forget to change the transmission crossmember , front drive shaft and springs)
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Easthampton, Ma.
Solid Front Axle F-350 4x4
If you park an 80-85 F350 with IFS next to an 86 with a solid front axle (monobeam) you'll notice the 86 sits higher! The front leaf springs actually have an arch to them whereas 80-85 are usually flat. I believe this was done to allow clearence for the solid axle to move up and down without contacting the frame crossmember. Now that the axle pinion is further from the frame, the driveshaft angle is increased. Thus the need for a new crossmember design that allows the driveshaft a clear shot at the front pinion, also increased angularity. Also different shock mounts up front and springs/block arrangement in rear to compensate for the added height
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: USA
Solid Front Axle F-350 4x4
Thanks for the help, sounds like I should just look for an 86 1 ton, I suppose that would be my best bet. I don't know if there were many of them out there or not? Maybe even just a chassis, and I could find and piece together the rest? Thanks again for the help.
