[speedydeedy]

Does anybody know the wheel base on a 1948 F-1 pick up? Somebody else has worked on it and I get 113 1/2 inches on one side and 112 1/2 inches on the other.

[dinger]

Is it the rearend that was replaced? Make a few measurements and repair the side that doesn't match up. Lots of rodders will change the wheelbase to make the wheels fit the fenders better. Dan

[Henry Highrise]

I think its supposed to be 114 inches. Better check to see if the tie bolt that goes down through the center of the leaf springs is broke or sheared the head. That is what keeps the rear axle in place.

[57rodder]

If it's still on the straight front axle check the samething that Henry is saying.
It could also move at the front spring and axle.

[speedydeedy]

Thanks to everybody.I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. It is all original now. I know the left rear spring center bolt is partially sheared,this is all that is readily apparent to the naked eye. I am putting a 80 camaro front clip and do know how to measure to check if frame is racked. I would like to know the factory wheel base for a good place to start and mostly curious to see how it would look stock length or if we alter it slightly one way or the other.

[poncho62]

I put a Nova clip in my 51 and left the wheelbase stock.........


BTW...moving this to suspension forum.

[Brian_B]

Originally Posted by speedydeedy

Does anybody know the wheel base on a 1948 F-1 pick up? Somebody else has worked on it and I get 113 1/2 inches on one side and 112 1/2 inches on the other.

Where are you measuring to? If it is not perfectly level, the front wheels turned exactly to center, and you masure to the center of the wheels...each side will measure differently.

A friend of mine ran into this on a 50 F-1 until we told him to measure to mounting places. We also told him to measure diagonally to find out what (if anything) was out of square.

[Twisted Minis]

My 54 F100 is about 114".

[Brian_B]

This won't help with your a lot (who knows), but this is all the information for a 53 F-100.

http://www.clubfte.com/users/earl/Re...%20Information

My 56 F-100 is 110". The 53 page says 110". Have you measured your 54 closely? Those are short bed dimensions.

[powerrodsmike]

If the frame isn't diamonded (is that a word?), then center the wheels in the fender opening. Like Dinger says, alot of times when you lower a car or truck down the wheels and tires fit weird in the wheelwells.

I know that I've moved axles fore or aft up to 1 1/2" in a wheel well to get things looking good.


A perfect example is when you pull the rear fenders off of a 33/34 ford...you need to move the axle back about 3/4" to look right.

Put a MII under most any 53-56 f100 and you need to move the fronts forward about 1 1/4"

Make it look good and be within 1/4" from side to side in wheelbase and you are good.

Before anyone calls me a hack, my alignment guy says anything within 1/2" is acceptable.

I like them to be within 1/8", myself.

Later, mikey

[speedydeedy]

Thanks again to everyone.I measured from center of king pins to center of rear axle housing and that is where it is off by 1 inch. We removed the rear end and one spring center bolt is sheared. we did not measure yet to see if frame is racked "diamoned" but that is our next move.I also beleive in the within 1/8" rule. Thanks again I will start a project journal soon,Look for PEEWEE'S 48.

[Chevrolet4x4s]

Originally Posted by Twisted Minis

My 54 F100 is about 114".

Got any pics

Originally Posted by I got this from Lakota's webpage

Ford F-1 Frame:

>32" wide at the front, 34" wide at the rear, normal stance is 18"-21" from the ground. C type frame measuring 3" high by 2" wide, designed to flex or twist at the center.
>Almost flat from the front to the 2" rise at the rear.
>Front axle is a solid drop type, rear is offset. Both axles are mounted below the leaf springs.
>Hubs and drums are 15" and unique to the F-1, good luck trying to find replacements.

The F-1 was originally designed as a farm-to-market or utility truck to be driven on rough rutted roads. That's the reason for the flexible frame. With a 6 cyl/ 3 speed transmission, it's top speed was around 50 MPH. With the addition of V8 and an overdrive on the transmission it was capable of 60-65MPH highway speeds. A good frame for it's purpose, at the time. The pupose is now changed, and so have the times.

Here is a link to it http://www.geocities.com/lakota_circle_dancer/swap1
Som maybe something is twisted because of the flexi-frame partially causing the misalignment.
Shane