how much to narrow?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
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The frame may not need to be narrowed but you'll have to move the springs from outside of the frame,and narrow(or get narrower) axle.Alot depends on what type suspension your going to run ,amount of drop,etc. also need tubs in the bed.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Carmichael CA
Originally Posted by Oaktree
The frame may not need to be narrowed but you'll have to move the springs from outside of the frame,and narrow(or get narrower) axle.Alot depends on what type suspension your going to run ,amount of drop,etc. also need tubs in the bed.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
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http://www.clubfte.com/users/jniolon/fordspecpage.htm
This page has frame specs at the bottom. The frame is 34" wide. Depending on how wide the tire is once mounted up on a rim,and how close to the fender you can get them,it would be close. Going with the 3" wider rear fenders would give you more space to play with also.
This page has frame specs at the bottom. The frame is 34" wide. Depending on how wide the tire is once mounted up on a rim,and how close to the fender you can get them,it would be close. Going with the 3" wider rear fenders would give you more space to play with also.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
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From: Tucson AZ
I think that when all is said and done you will be happier with the frame narrowed about 6 inches, if you really are going to use a 4 link, the spring mounts won't matter so you can bend the rails to the configuration you want rather than cutting them
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28
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From: Carmichael CA
Thanks guys. I do apprecieate the input. I`ve been looking at the Alston chassis rear clips and for the money thought I might be able to just narrow the stock rails but now i`m thinking a rear clip might be the way to go.
i really don`t want to go with wider fenders only because mine are cherry and don`t want to buy something I don`t need. Thanks again guys.
i really don`t want to go with wider fenders only because mine are cherry and don`t want to buy something I don`t need. Thanks again guys.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 553
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From: MN - NW of Twin Cities
I have 31X18.5 MT's on 15X5 pro-star weld wheels with 7" back spacing mounted to an 8.8 from a 2000 Explorer. They fit between the fender lip and the frame with a couple of inches to spare. I do however, have 3" wider than stock fenders and they were mounted to a new steel skin flush with the outside of the original stake pockets on my '55 F100. Oh ya, I also used some cut up rear fenders as tubs inside the box. Since I have at least 5" more fender clearance to the frame than stock I doubt that you can fit the 29X18.5's in a stock configuration and your wheel backspacing and rearend width would have to be closely coordinated.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
Rather do all that frame work and buy a rear clip plus tub the heck out of the bed plus have a rear axle narrowed than use 3" wider fenders, because you don't want to buy something you don't need??? Must be the new math... 
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Carmichael CA
Originally Posted by AXracer
Rather do all that frame work and buy a rear clip plus tub the heck out of the bed plus have a rear axle narrowed than use 3" wider fenders, because you don't want to buy something you don't need??? Must be the new math...
Brucewolf,do you have any pics you could send me of how those tires fit?
Thanks guys
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 553
Likes: 2
From: MN - NW of Twin Cities
Originally Posted by AXracer
I have 15x8s on the rear of my panel in the stock wheel well with stock suspension.
53f100owner
I've been wanting to get a gallery setup, I'll see what I can do.
Last edited by brucewolff; Jan 18, 2007 at 06:54 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 426
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From: Queanbeyan Australia
My 56 was setup for 15x14 rims with 19.5 MT.
They fitted under 2" wider rear guards, with about 1/2" clearance from the standard frame.
It had leaf springs UNDER the chassis (really flat ones)
It was a nightmare on wet/frosty roads and followed every groove or corrigation.
I ran 15 x 10 with 275/60 most of the time, as it was so unsafe with the pro-street rubber FOR EVERYDAY STREET USE...........just my opinion based on two years of daily driver usage
They fitted under 2" wider rear guards, with about 1/2" clearance from the standard frame.
It had leaf springs UNDER the chassis (really flat ones)
It was a nightmare on wet/frosty roads and followed every groove or corrigation.
I ran 15 x 10 with 275/60 most of the time, as it was so unsafe with the pro-street rubber FOR EVERYDAY STREET USE...........just my opinion based on two years of daily driver usage
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Carmichael CA
Originally Posted by halfdone
My 56 was setup for 15x14 rims with 19.5 MT.
They fitted under 2" wider rear guards, with about 1/2" clearance from the standard frame.
It had leaf springs UNDER the chassis (really flat ones)
It was a nightmare on wet/frosty roads and followed every groove or corrigation.
I ran 15 x 10 with 275/60 most of the time, as it was so unsafe with the pro-street rubber FOR EVERYDAY STREET USE...........just my opinion based on two years of daily driver usage
They fitted under 2" wider rear guards, with about 1/2" clearance from the standard frame.
It had leaf springs UNDER the chassis (really flat ones)
It was a nightmare on wet/frosty roads and followed every groove or corrigation.
I ran 15 x 10 with 275/60 most of the time, as it was so unsafe with the pro-street rubber FOR EVERYDAY STREET USE...........just my opinion based on two years of daily driver usage
I haven`t even picked my truck up yet so I have to wait till I get it home to do some measuring. Thanks again.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 553
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From: MN - NW of Twin Cities
53f100owner,
I finally figured out how to create a gallery and put a couple of pic's in the rear suspension album. Take a look! I'll fix the fuzzy one and drop some more in tonight if I get a chance.
I finally figured out how to create a gallery and put a couple of pic's in the rear suspension album. Take a look! I'll fix the fuzzy one and drop some more in tonight if I get a chance.