55 ford wheel base question

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Nov 8, 2006 | 09:00 AM

Outnumbered

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55 ford wheel base question

I bought a ‘55 f100 from a local family. The truck is in pieces and I have nothing to take measurements from. I am thinking about using an ’87 ford mark VII for donor parts. The mark VII has the 302HO with a 4speed ADO trans, 4 wheel disk brakes, and air ride suspension. Can anyone give me the original wheel base measurements for the ’55?

Nov 8, 2006 | 09:36 AM

Huntsman

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From: Northwest Fl

Welcome to FTE!
110" stock, front wheels were not centered in the front fender openings in Mr. Ford's design.

Nov 8, 2006 | 11:58 AM

Outnumbered

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thanks Tom, I am sure I will have more questions in the future, this fourm is a great reasource!

Nov 8, 2006 | 06:38 PM

DonMckay

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From: Airdrie Ab. Canada

I thought they were 114 inch wheel base.
Don

Nov 8, 2006 | 07:20 PM

51dueller

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From: Saskatoon SK Canada

48-52 were 114"
53-56 were 110"

Nov 9, 2006 | 03:51 PM

fking1

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From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonMckay

I thought they were 114 inch wheel base.
Don

48 to 52 F1's are 114.
53 to 55 F100's are 110.
Fred

Nov 9, 2006 | 05:38 PM

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

Just to confuse the issue, 53-56 F100, F250 with the 8' express bed had 118" WB.
If changing the suspension many move the front wheels 1- 1 1/2" forwards of the stock position to better center the front wheels as mentioned.

I don't know if the tread width matches the 53-56, but IMHO you DO NOT want to use the air ride suspension, it is nothing but expensive trouble. If you are considering a frame swap, the very best advice I can offer is FORGET IT! Don't even think about it for another minute, or you'll live to regret it. There are far better suspension choices that can be added to the stock frame. Use the donor engine and tranny in the stock frame.

Last edited by AXracer; Nov 9, 2006 at 05:47 PM.

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Nov 10, 2006 | 06:22 AM

raerjim

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From: S.W. Florida

Outnumbered, save yourself trouble all the way around and forget the whole thing. I'll give you 150$ for the truck. HAHA

Nov 10, 2006 | 11:41 AM

#10

fergusonicford

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newbie here.....fking1 says '53 - '55 = 110" and 51 dueller says '53 - '56 = 110" so can a '53 thru '55 frame be swapped on a '56 ?

Nov 10, 2006 | 12:10 PM

#11

Randy Jack

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From: Riverside, So Cal

Quote:

Originally Posted by fergusonicford

newbie here.....fking1 says '53 - '55 = 110" and 51 dueller says '53 - '56 = 110" so can a '53 thru '55 frame be swapped on a '56 ?

Yes. The frames are essentially identical except the 56 has longer rear springs. But the 56 sheet metal will fit on any 53-55 frame. Just run the rear springs for the frame you are using.

Nov 10, 2006 | 12:10 PM

#12

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

Welcome Furgusonicford!
Yes, the only difference is the 56 springs are a slightly different length, so the springs are not interchangable between years without changing the spring hangers, otherwise they're all the same.
OOPS! Randy beat me to it... gotta get faster fingers!

Nov 10, 2006 | 03:02 PM

#13

fking1

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From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Jack

Yes. The frames are essentially identical except the 56 has longer rear springs. But the 56 sheet metal will fit on any 53-55 frame. Just run the rear springs for the frame you are using.

Finally, a straight answer. Why do we always have to confuse things??
Fred

Nov 10, 2006 | 03:37 PM

#14

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

??? There was more than one question, and the first had more than one correct answer.
Some want a simple cut and dry answer, some want a complete answer.

Nov 11, 2006 | 07:03 AM

#15

merc546

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From: Michigan

Well, really the 53/54 rear springs are 48 inches long and the 55/56 rear springs are 52 inches long. I think the difference is the rear spring hangers on the 55/56 were moved rearward the 4 inches.

Chuck