photo taken 2006
I am 74 and new to this forum stuff. I bought this 1938 81U 134" Ford 1 3/4 ton dump off a farmer as a rusted junker. We took 4 years for a frame up restoration and, when done, it looked new. Problem was parts because the Ford historical guys told me only 52 of this body style were made in 1938. At one point I owned 2 but got rid of the parts truck 10 years ago. Back then we found parts the old school way with phone calls and truck meets like the Harrisburg show. Last year she started acting tired and hard to start and showing wear and lots of leaks so we had the engine pulled and rebuilt and some wiring replaced and now back ready to go but we rediscovered a problem. Note these old Fords have positive grounds and mine has 5 and all 5 were corroded thus bad contact and would not start.

We have had a shimmy at 42-45 mph since we got her and never could correct it. My engine guy noticed a big dent in the right front hub which he thinks is the source of the shimmy. I can't fine one anywhere and have run out of places to look. I think the hubs are interchangable for several years before 1938 and maybe to 1940 but can't find accurate data. Any ideas or leads?
Thanks to all
Wayne38

 

I'm clueless about these particular trucks, but would recommend you contact Chuck at Chuck's Trucks and explain to him what you need. He will most likely be able to help you out with parts or advise.
Number is 203-288-2769....Chucks Trucks LLC., Ford Truck Parts and Restoration, Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks
Good luck!

 

welcome wayne ! and quit the nice truck you have there .

 

Rust Wrangler
Thanks for the heads up. Lots have change in this restoration game since I did my truck 35 years ago with my 8 year old son who is now 43. His 8 year old son is on my case top get "The big green truck back home pop pop". What can you do? Any help would be appreciated
Wayne 38

 

Thanks but the old girl needs a little help to get spiff again. I know I do.
Wayne 38

 

I've a 38 front axle assembly off a ton and half farm truck here on the farm. The 38s and 39s are identical except the 39 has hydraulic brakes I guess I don't understand what you mean by a dent in the front hub? The hubs are cast and will not dent. Lots of things will cause shimmy and 99% of the time it's a worn steering sector. A new worm and pinion should not be hard to find as they made of ton of these trucks. Ebay was full of them a while ago. I bought new sets for both of my 39s but have never used them as I was able to simply use the built in adjustment set up. Drop a line, as I have no idea how to use their messaging system. I struggle with using some of this "stuff" too, as I'm 77. If you're in need of a project, I've a complete Marmon Herrington swb chassis I was going to put under my dump and then decided all that would happen is I'd have it loaded with gravel or something and really get stuck out in the woods on the farm. I have enough trouble extracting it when I just have dual chains on the rear for mud etc. I've a 2 spd Eaton axle out of the 38 I plan on installing, it will solve any issues I might have. That MH chassis is now in in trading or sell row. I'm in west central MN. Larry
skogie44@outlook.com

 

Wanyne38,
Welcome to the forum!
I must say your truck looks great! Wow you did a excellent job on the restoration work. Get the son and grandson to help you with the clean up.
Lots of dump trucks out there I am learning! You have a very nice one!
Regards,
Chris