rear axle

[Sparky97]

Just wondering if anyone can help me identify if this is the proper axle for my 1950 Mercury M68 (equivalent to the Ford F3). Don't know if this is how the truck came or if it was added. The truck had a dump box feature added to it at some point. Thanks

 

[Ross F-1]

All US Ford F-2's and F-3's, even up to F-5's, came with Timken axles, which are distinct because of their split housing. Yours looks similar to an Eaton from an F-8?! What does the pinion side look like?

 

[Sparky97]

Here is the pinion side

 

[Sparky97]

Could this have been an option as it was used as a grain truck on a farm????

 

[Ross F-1]

That looks like an Eaton, just going by pictures. Any tags or stampings?

It isn't shown as an option but Canadian production could be different, or someone could have swapped it out. I think to fit on an F-3, the perches would have had to have been relocated inwards, any sign of that?

 

[Sparky97]

It looks like some mounts may have been removed. There were also no shocks present when we took it apart. There is an "M" as well as the number 3682126 on the pinion casing. There was also these numbers 732 and A-7

 

[Sparky97]

The leaf springs also had a set of helper springs installed over them.

 

[Ross F-1]

Sounds like someone upgraded to handle more weight. I thought F-8's had wider frames, but apparently not, all are 34". But the spring hangers on an F-8 might stick out to the side more. The axle may be from some other brand of truck, too. Farmers weren't ones to waste anything.

I bet that's got a ratio in the high 6's?

 

[1952henry]

My guess is an Eaton HO72 from an early tonner c#@&y. Most likely 5.14:1 ratio.

 

[Sparky97]

What do you think about using this axle as it fit nicely. This is a complete restoration but it will be driven weekly. Is there anyway of knowing the gear ratio. There are no tags on the unit but there are some casting marks. They are just difficult to read because of the grease. Will clean it to further investigate but it is difficult to pressure wash in -10????

 

[JSeery]

It is an open drive shaft so determining gear ratio is easy. If it is in the truck I prefer marking the tire and the drive shaft with chalk and moving the vehicle so the tire makes one complete turn and counting the turns the drive shaft makes. You can also jack up one wheel, mark it and the drive shaft and turn the wheel two turns and count the number of drive shaft turns.

If the axle is out in the open, I would mark both drums/hubs and the pinion. Turn the drums/hubs one turn (keeping them moving together) and count the pinion rotations. You can also use the hold one drum/hub in place and rotate the other one two turns and count the pinion rotations.

 

[RalphG]

That does not look like the rear axle I have in the M68. And pretty sure this one is all original. Think it has the extra overload springs too. Fairly typical for a truck of this weight capacity.

 

[RalphG]

Picture of the rear axle on my M68 which I believe to be all original. Its a 49 model.

 

[Ross F-1]

What do you think about using this axle as it fit nicely. ...

An important issue would be the wheels on your present axle. Are they the widowmakers? or another type of split rim? Aside from getting rid of the (likely) very high ratio, most people end up replacing the axles on these with a more modern axle from a F250 so they can use brakes with more readily available parts and modern 1-pc wheels with tubeless tires.

 

[Sparky97]

I presently have the widowmakers and am looking for wheels. Thanks for the info guys.

 

[1952henry]

Ratio would be 5.14:1 or 4.56:1. I think GM offered a 4.11:1 with this axle but odds are it is one of the aforementioned lower ones.

 

[Scotty's 52 F3]

This is the stock Timken with 4.86 gears in my 52 F3. Other pic on right is Dana 60 with 3.73 gears from a 1972 F250. Bolted right in but, had to shorten rear half of drive shaft.

 

[Scotty's 52 F3]

Better pic of the stock Timken.

 

[big deuce]

Anyone have a open carrier for the Timken f2-f3 laying around?

 

[Scotty's 52 F3]

I have the entire axle from my F3 but, I'm in Tucson.