66 F250
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66 F250
I've recently inherited my father in law's 66 F250 2wd. Runs great, though high mileage, but needs a new rear end. I spent a fair amount of time searching for which rears would bolt directly, but haven't gotten anything definitive. Any help would be appreciated. Also, I'd like to put front disk and power braking on as easily and inexpensively as possible...any suggestions?
Thanks
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Coal country
Let me be the first to WELCOME! you to FTE, from South Carolina, First in Secession!
Any 8 lug rear axle from a 1961 - 1972 F-250 will bolt right up. You will want to look for one that has the same ratio most likely, unless you want to change it to something a little more mileage friendly. There were not many ratio options though.
To add power disk brakes, power steering and other creature comforts like electronic ignition, look for a donor truck 1970 - 1979. The '73 and later trucks have the same dimensions as our '65 and '66s, so you can bolt up with very little effort the power steering power brakes, and drivetrain options available in those year trucks.
Again, Welcome!
Any 8 lug rear axle from a 1961 - 1972 F-250 will bolt right up. You will want to look for one that has the same ratio most likely, unless you want to change it to something a little more mileage friendly. There were not many ratio options though.
To add power disk brakes, power steering and other creature comforts like electronic ignition, look for a donor truck 1970 - 1979. The '73 and later trucks have the same dimensions as our '65 and '66s, so you can bolt up with very little effort the power steering power brakes, and drivetrain options available in those year trucks.
Again, Welcome!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The Dana 60 rear axle used in 1973/77 F250 4WD's (High Boy's) will fit 1961/72 F250's.
The width between the rear frame rails (behind the cab) of these trucks is the same as 1961/72 (33 1/2").
Ratio's offered 1961/77: 3.54-1 (hard to find) 3.73-1 / 4.10-1 / 4.56-1.
Note: Some parts from 1975/77 Dana 60's are different than 1961/74's.
For one thing, the spline count of the axleshafts is different.
Dual piston front disc brakes were optional in 1968/72 F250 2WD's. Most of these trucks do not have disc brakes.
Front disc brakes became standard equipment on F250 2WD's beginning in 1973.
1973/79 F250 2WD: CAVEAT EMPTOR = Let the buyer beware!
Two different types of disc brakes were available for these trucks.
ALL F250's with a GVW of 6200 lbs., some with a GVW of 6900 lbs, have single piston caliper disc brakes.
Some F250's with a GVW of 6900 lbs., all w/a GVW of 7500 & 8100 lbs. have dual piston caliper disc brakes.
Dual piston caliper discs are much more desirable and new replacement parts are much easier to find.
The width between the rear frame rails (behind the cab) of these trucks is the same as 1961/72 (33 1/2").
Ratio's offered 1961/77: 3.54-1 (hard to find) 3.73-1 / 4.10-1 / 4.56-1.
Note: Some parts from 1975/77 Dana 60's are different than 1961/74's.
For one thing, the spline count of the axleshafts is different.
Originally Posted by banjopicker
Look for a donor truck 1970 - 1979.
Front disc brakes became standard equipment on F250 2WD's beginning in 1973.
1973/79 F250 2WD: CAVEAT EMPTOR = Let the buyer beware!
Two different types of disc brakes were available for these trucks.
ALL F250's with a GVW of 6200 lbs., some with a GVW of 6900 lbs, have single piston caliper disc brakes.
Some F250's with a GVW of 6900 lbs., all w/a GVW of 7500 & 8100 lbs. have dual piston caliper disc brakes.
Dual piston caliper discs are much more desirable and new replacement parts are much easier to find.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Be aware that 1967/79 F350's came with the Dana 70...which looks the same as a Dana 60.
The rear brakes are not the same size. F350's w/Dana 70's have 12" x 3" rear drum brakes.
ALL 1953/65 / Some 1966/79 F250's w/ Dana 60's have 12 1/8" x 2" rear brakes.
Some 1966/79 F250's with Dana 60's have 12" x 2 1/2" rear brakes.
It all depends on what the GVW is.
1968/72 & 1973/79 F250's with front disc brakes: The rear brakes are 12" x 2 1/2"
The rear brakes are not the same size. F350's w/Dana 70's have 12" x 3" rear drum brakes.
ALL 1953/65 / Some 1966/79 F250's w/ Dana 60's have 12 1/8" x 2" rear brakes.
Some 1966/79 F250's with Dana 60's have 12" x 2 1/2" rear brakes.
It all depends on what the GVW is.
1968/72 & 1973/79 F250's with front disc brakes: The rear brakes are 12" x 2 1/2"
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Steedman, MO
Missouri?
Where are you at in Missouri? I have a '65 F250 parts truck that you could get the rear end from pretty cheap, depending on the time frame that you need it. As soon as I get it rolled into my shop and up on jack stands I am going to be removing the rear end - could be in a couple of weeks I guess.
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Right near Springfield, SW. Is the rear end in good shape? Mine howls like crazy, I guess my father in law spun the race and someone tack welded it in place as a temporary measure...several years ago. I'm looking for something with taller gearing, I have the 4.11s in there now. Would be nice to get it at least semi-local. Any idea what your gear ratio is? Thanks
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Steedman, MO
65 rear end
I haven't really looked at the rear end - I'll try to check for a tag or something. I assume it is functional, but I bought the truck as a parts truck only and it has only rolled once off the trailer since it was delivered.
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