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As you've probably already discovered, almost all info is on the F1 but they share a lot of parts with the F2 trucks. There is at least on thread in this forum covering the major differences between F1 and F2 (and F3 and so on). Also the shop manual has some specs about F2 trucks in the back.
Check out my web site www.fatfenderedtrucks.com, I have a interchange chart set up. I also have a books that list list accessaries, production numbers, and weights and measurements. I also have a pretty good collection of pictures. What are you looking for?
So here's my plan.... One of the 49's will be restored to (as much as possible) 100% stock. The second 49 will look stock but be updated with running gear out of a 87 F250. I will be using the fuel injected 4.9 straight six with a 5-spd and the sterling rear end. As for the 50, due to lack of good parts will become a donor for the two 49's. So that is my plan. Would like to hear all and everyone else's thoughts.
I'm not familar with the 4.9 inline six but it should fit without too much hassle since the engine compartments in these old trucks will hold just about anything. You will probably have to use the six cylinder holes in the cross member for the radiator. I don't know what a "sterling" rear end is but if it's out of an 87 F-250 it is likely to be too wide for an F-2. Hopefully, your fenders and running boards are in good shape for both trucks because you can't get reproductions. The fuel injection will require an in-tank mounted electric fuel pump, although you might get by with an externally mounted one. If you keep the F-2 front axle your choice of wheels will be limited with the 8-lug pattern. It would be easier to convert it to a 5 on 5.5 pattern using F-1 parts or use an aftermarket disc brake conversion kit and a 57-72 Ford nine inch rear...or possibly convert to an IFS with disc brakes and PS. You might have to use the stock F-250 wiring harness because I'm not sure if anyone makes an aftermarket FI harness for the six.
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Oct 16, 2006 at 06:12 AM.
You might have a little trouble fitting the 300 I-6 in a 49. That is a fairly long engine. I wanted to put a 300 I-6 in my 51 but went to a 302 since it is shorter. You will have to move the spring perches on the sterling rear axle because they will be out about 4". Good luck on your project.
I understand that i will be narrowing the sterling. The sterling is the stock 3/4 axle from the 87 I parted out. I plan on using the stock front straight axle. I'm in the process of looking for other 8-lug spindle's that will fit on it that contain disc brakes. I plan on staying with the 8-lug pattern. I also kept the fuel tank, straps, cross members, all the fuel lines, and the entire wiring harness from the 87. Should be fun. I currently have the 4.9 sitting under the hood, looks like i will be going with electric fans. As 51dueller pointed out, it is really long. Thanks for all the input.
I don't know if the effort to narrow the sterling axle 2" is worth it, let alone the cost for new axles. Now on adapting 8 lug disc brakes to the factory axle isn't going to be very easy. You could try using a front 4x4 axle rotor on the factory hub and then fabricating a mount for the caliper. I was in the same boat as you. I wanted 8 lug disc brakes, power steering and a little better ride so I just put my truck on a '78 F-250 frame. A link to the 16 page article I wrote about it is in my signature below. BTW I'm using a '74 F-350 Dana 70B rear axle.
If you're intent on staying with the 8-lug pattern, I think finding an older F-250 or F-350 rear end of the proper width would be a cheaper route than having the 87 axle narrowed. I also like the idea of using the inline six. It's something different and should get you some decent gas mileage. Good luck with it and let us know how your progress goes...
ottoparts
There are pics in my gallery of the front disc conversion, and if you do a advanced
search on my user name you will find more info on the conversion.
Hope this helps.
You should write up an article for the rest of to read. Submit to the technical part of this site. There are kits for the F-1s but nothing for the larger trucks.
A buddy has a chassis from a 76 f250 that he is getting ready to make a trailer out of. I will go snag the disc brakes off the front. No better price than free. I also will be heading out to a few wrecking yards this weekend, mybe i will grab some rotors off a dodge. oilyowl... i see that you are running power steering. Something about a toyota box? Please tell me. I couldn't find under a search. I also hope to have pic's sooner or later.
Unless the F-250 was a supercab or has GVW over 6900 lbs it will have single piston calipers which won't work with oilyowls setup since the caliper mount is cast as part of the spindle. The HD F-250's and F-350's had the dual piston calipers with the removable caliper mount. This also applys to the E series too. Also on the rotors, F-250 4x4s and F-350 DRW trucks used the same design as the Dodge ones.