My father and I just purchased a 1949 F-2 with the pickup bed. The rear axle is 4.86 ratio and we would like to find a 4.11 ratio Timken. Does anyone have a ring and pinion or complete axle in good shape that you are willing to part with?

I have been looking around the internet and this seems by far to be the best source of information on F-2 and F-3 trucks anywhere.

 

First, welcome to the group. Glad to have you, and thanks for saving another F-2/F-3.

The rear end in the F-2/F-3 models from 1948 to 1952 was the Timken Model 51524. The axle was also to my understanding used in the 1947 and earlier one ton models, but I don't have solid documentation of that. As you've said, the standard axle ratio was a 4.857 (4.86). Nowhere in the sales literature of the era was there mention of a 4.11 option, but this ring/pinion set was referenced and given part numbers in the Chassis Manual. The set is part number 01Y 4203-A. The pinion is 01Y 4609-A. The ring is 81Y 4207-A.

A year or so ago I asked here whether any member had come across this axle ratio in their truck. I got no positive response. In my time studying this, I have heard of one, that's ONE, Ford that was found to have this axle ratio. It was a 1950 F-2. I heard about this on the Studebaker Truck Talk web site (Studebaker Truck Talk). I learned there that their Model 2R10s also used this axle, and that the 4.11 was maybe slightly more common on their trucks. They too look for this gear set today. As I recall, a couple of Studebakers have turned up with it, and Studebaker parts sources were found to have a few sets that have no doubt been snatched up by now.

So, the only source that I know of for these gear sets today in Chuck's Trucks in CT (Chucks Trucks LLC., Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks). I had Chuck Mantiglia, a Marmon-Herrington specialist, rebuild my transfer case and both front and rear axles. While he had them apart he asked if I wanted to convert to the taller 4.11 ratio. I jumped at the chance. Turns out that these gear sets are today being reproduced for nostalgia circle track racers. Back then, two Timken 51524 short side housings were teamed with a Franklin quick change center under these racers. I don't know who is manufacturing them today, but do know that Chuck has a line on them. But be advised, they are expensive. Hope that helps some. Stu

 

You're easiest, and cheapest, route is to swap in a rear axle from a newer pre-72 Ford truck. Parts are easier to find and no one will know the difference unless they crawl under the truck.

 

I have been interested in '48-50 F-2 trucks for a while. I have seen two prewar trucks with 4.11 ratio axles, one '41 and one '38. I think the higher ratio is much more common on the prewar trucks. I really prefer to keep the truck as stock as possible.

 

I've just learned something too. Do you know if the 51524 was used that early? On my axles, there's no outward sign that the pinion has been changed other than the fact that it has an aluminum collar. This can be painted like the rest of the axle to disguise that fact. Stu

 

The 81Y 4207-A ring gear part number dates from 1938, and the 01Y 4609-A pinion part number dates from 1940. The basic axle was first used in 1938 when Ford brought out the 1 ton seris. These trucks had torque tube drive. When the chassis were updated to open drive in 1940 the pinion was changed to accept a U-joint and the part number was changed. Comparing the "Green Book" 28-47 chassis parts book with the later parts books can be instructive sometimes.

 

Great information. I glanced throught the earlier Chassis Manual at Iola this year but didn't think I had a reason to buy it. Guess I did have a reason and didn't know it. Much appreciated. Stu

 

Flathead nuts refered to the "Green Book" as The Bible.

The 1928-47 Ford Truck & 1928/48 Ford Passenger Car Chassis Parts Catalog has been reprinted and is available from repro parts sellers, found on ebay and from faxonautolit.com

It's refered to as the green book, because its cover is green. My catalogs cover disappeared years ago, and the pages are so tattered and greasy, some are hard to read.

 

If you are still interested in finding that 4.11, maybe this Studebaker Truck Talk posting would be worth tracking down. Stu

Studebaker Truck Talk: Maybe have found a Ford with a Timken 4.11 gear

 

This post originally didn't help much. Mods can delete it.

Eaton banjo type full float rear K3 IHC; 4.22 gear ratio was an option.

Doesn't quite look like the two piece Timken. PM sent.

 

Does the IHC use the same Timken? Thought they used Eatons. I'll p.m. you about the manual. It'd be handy to have. Thanks. Stu

 

01Y4209A .. 4.11-1 Ring & Pinion Kit / Gear stamped 34552 / Pinion stamped 34733

Listed in the 1948/56 truck parts catalog for: 1948/52 F2/F3.

This kit is not listed in the "Bible" (1928/47 truck & 1928/48 car parts catalog) even though the 01Y prefix dates to 1940.

 

Just FYI, I tracked this until the trail turned cold. I even tried finding other people I knew of in the town to see if they might know the guy. Nothing. So, I tried. Stu

 

Thanks for looking. In the end I took the cheap way out. Last week I purchased a Dana 60 from a 66 F-250 that is 4.10 ratio. It isn't stock, but I will make sure it is just bolted in and keep all the original parts to be swapped in. That way if I ever do find a 4.11 ratio gear set or axle I can justify the price of, I can put it back.

 

No, the IHC Eaton is a banjo, not a split. The K/KB3 1 tons had full floating axles. The K/KB1 and 2 had semi floating, not that that would make a difference. Just saying the 1 ton was a bit heavier/beefier than the smaller axles.