Hello Ford Enthusiasts,

I am looking for the wheelbase measurement for a 1962 F100 Short Bed. I am planning to install a completely overhauled 1962 6cyl. 223ci w/ 62' Tranny into my 1954 F100. I am trying to get an idea of what kind of problems I may run into with the current drive shaft; (to short, to long)! I'm guessing I may need to have a drive shaft custom made.

Any assistance would be great!

Thanks,

Saul

 

Saul,

As far as the 1962 wheelbase, have you tried the 1961-1966 forum? I know none of the literature I have goes past 1956 or 1960 for those kind of numbers.

 

Wow, being a newbie to FTE, it's an honor for me to have received a response from one of the greats of these forums. Since I've had my 54 I've periodically checked out Earl's World. I love everything about it. Keep up the great work, I can't wait to see the final results.

Back to the question, I wanted to expand my chances of getting an answer so I posted the question on both this and on the 1961-1966 forum. I did get an answer from Garbz2, which was 114".

Thanks for trying anyway! When you get some free time, check out my gallery and tell me what you think.

Thanks again!
Saul

 

Saul,

Sorry to bust your baloon, but there ain't any "Greats" on this forum. You're gonna have to run down some Hollywood movie star or something to talk with a "Great".

I'm glad you enjoy Earl's World. I'm always looking for additional reference material or corrections if you have any.

 

"Wow, being a newbie to FTE, it's an honor for me to have received a response from one of the greats of these forums."

Cherish the moment Saul. I too, fondly remember that special day when Earl first typed at me.

 

Garbz is one of the "greats" in the Slick 60's. The 54 wheelbase should be 110" while the Slick will be 114". That does not mean your stock driveshaft won't work. It depends on whether the transmissions are the same length.

 

Does the new engine fit the original mounts? If not then you have some freedom in engine placement to adjust where the tranny tail shaft ends up. However my suggestion would be to place the engine as far rearward as possible for weight distribution and not worry about the driveshaft length. Having a driveshaft shortened or lengthened is not a significantly expensive job if you have a local driveshaft shop (check heavy equipment/truck service places if you don't have a dedicated driveshaft shop around). You may need to have one made anyhow if the tailshaft splines/diameter of the new tranny aren't the same as the original and the proper one doesn't use the same size U joints. A machine shop could do the job if they have a long enough lathe and a good welder, but it will probably be much more costly.

 

Saul

If you can find a too long drive shaft that fits in your trans yoke, it's not a big deal at all to shorten them. Our local shop will shorten and balance for under $80 last time I had it done.

 

As is stands, both the tranny and drive shaft are longer from the 62. The 62 engine also uses the original front mounts. Worse case scenerio would be to cut and balance the 62 drive shaft. Just talked w/ a buddy from work and he recommended a driveshaft specialist in town that does great work at a reasonable price. Thanks for all of your input.

Saul