New guy working on a F3

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May 27, 2014 | 07:47 AM

VCF3

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5th Wheeling

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New guy working on a F3

Please don't flame me, I have searched the site first and am still not clear on this. I have a 1951 F3 that I'm restoring, mild hot rod, shop truck sort of thing. Can I put F1 rear springs on this truck to soften it up? I looked at specs for rear springs and the eye to eye is within 1/2" but the spring is 2" wide on F1 and 2 1/4" on f3. So my question is I guess, can I fit the F1 perches on the F3 frame? Anyone do this? Thanks in advance, sorry if I'm bringing up old topic.

May 27, 2014 | 08:10 AM

38 coupe

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From: Houston

Welcome!
I'm not sure if the springs will interchange. Most people take the leaf pack apart, remove some of the leaves, clean things up, and put it back together. You may need shorter u-bolts to bolt it back together afterward but that is more cost effective (polite way of saying cheaper) than new springs and hangers.

Not much flaming goes on in this forum. We are generally pretty laid back and don't like shouting matches. We do like pictures. Someone will probably be along soon and give a tutorial on how to post to this forum (usually involves photobucket or other off-site photo hosting place).

May 27, 2014 | 08:16 AM

aussiecowboy

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From: Echuca VIC Australia

As stated, just remove every second leaf, much easier than installing different perches. Great to see another F3 around, there isn't that many of us.

May 27, 2014 | 08:26 AM

VCF3

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5th Wheeling

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Awesome info thanks. I'll pull a couple springs, I'm Sure same can be done with front if I want it to sit down a little? I plan on doing the disc brake conversion in front. Going to run 5 x 5/12 wheels. Tried posting pics on my page don't know if it worked. Plan on rebuilding the flattie, doing a 12 volt conversion, interior work and blast and prime truck to get on the road by next summer.

May 27, 2014 | 08:31 AM

VCF3

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5th Wheeling

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I mean to say I'm going to run wheels with 5 lug to eliminate widow makers. Don't know exact size yet as I have a lot of fender to fill

May 27, 2014 | 08:35 AM

38 coupe

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Houston

Softening the springs to the point your truck is sitting lower (sagging) is probably not the best idea. Your front suspension is the same as F-1 with different backing plates, hubs, and drums. Any of the lowering options for an F-1 will work with your F-3. I don't have any experience with with these since I like my truck to sit like a truck, but others on here should be able to advise you. Maybe dropped spindles? I think other modifications are needed when lowering the front end, like adding caster correction wedges...

May 27, 2014 | 08:35 AM

VCF3

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5th Wheeling

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Another dumb question: I going to run a pre '72 9". I should make modifications to put shocks on that right? The current Timken rear doesn't seem to have any place for shocks.

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May 27, 2014 | 09:02 AM

obscurity

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Joined: May 2013

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From: Atlanta

Just curious, where are you located?

May 27, 2014 | 09:11 AM

#10

aussiecowboy

Elder User

Joined: Dec 2011

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From: Echuca VIC Australia

I bought a set of F2 shock mounts for mine, they bolted straight on. The other option for wheels and axle is a dana 60 conversion and F2 wheels which are 16" single piece. Cheap and fairly easy to find, I have 7.50 x16 tyres on mine and they fill the arches nicely.

May 27, 2014 | 10:06 AM

#11

VCF3

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5th Wheeling

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I'm in Medina Ohio. Yes dana 60 has crossed my mind, might be a good option. Thanks

May 27, 2014 | 10:48 AM

#12

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

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From: NM

Do F-3's already have the upper shock mounts?

May 27, 2014 | 10:56 AM

#13

aussiecowboy

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Joined: Dec 2011

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From: Echuca VIC Australia

No, they don't.

May 27, 2014 | 05:52 PM

#14

38 coupe

Cargo Master

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From: Houston

aussiecowboy brings up a good point about the tires filling up the fender openings. In my opinion the 3/4 ton trucks look good as trucks with 8 lug wheels, 7.50-16 or 235/85R16 tires, and not too low. The larger look of the 3/4 ton doesn't go well with 5 lug wheels, smaller tires, and a lowered truck.

There were a couple threads recently about 8 lug disk conversions for the 3/4 ton trucks.
Threads here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-pictures.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rsion-kit.html
and internet article here:
http://www.fatfenderedtrucks.com/f2_f3_discbrakes.html

Also, it is also hard to argue with the strength of a full floating Dana 60 rear axle from a 1972 or earlier F-250 (back through the 60s, not sure the earliest that had the Dana 60). Use a 4.10, 3.73, or 3.54 ratio depending on where you want pulling power vs higher speed capability.