When I got my 52 f-3 I was told it should easily do 60 mph plus with having a v8 flathead. But a friend said that these older trucks really werent built for that and that the gearing was only for about 40 to 45 mph. Is this true? And if it is then I am guessing I would have to put in a different rear end to go on the highway?

 

Yes, it's true. Most of the F-2 and F-3 trucks of this vintage had a 4.88 gear in the rear axle. 45 to 50 is about the maximum comfortable speed. Above that the old flathead will really be singing. They were geared this way because that was the only way the little 100 HP flatty could move a load that heavy around. The roads were terrible back then and the speed limits were pretty low, so it didn't matter. If you want to run 60 MPH, look for a Dana 60 rear axle with 3.73 gears from a '67 to '72 F-250. It will bolt right in your truck and has the same lug pattern as your front axle.

 

Thank you that is good info I will have to save. My intent was to keep this truck as stock as I could. But where I live there is only two ways out of my neighborhood and they both require getting on the interstate unless you chose to go between two military bases and then it will take you miles out of the way to go anywhere. Witch worries me for test driving. As I was advised by a few of you, short trips in the beginning. I will figure it out.

 

Ok here comes the hard head in me. But is there a way to change the gears in current rear end without swapping it so it still looks stock.

 

The short answer is yes. A 4.11 was a seldom found option, but new reproductions are available. Here's a thread where it was discussed with another member. Stu

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...io-timken.html