Anyone here ever put an F250 axle on an F150 truck?

[Homerr]

I've measured everything, and the F250 axle will fit perfectly with the exception of some minor driveline modifications.<br /><br />My question is, does anyone make a 15x7 Ford wheel that will fit an 8 lug axle?<br /><br />Will the brake drums even fit inside a 15" wheel?<br /><br />I really hate to get rid of my 15" wheels in back, since they are in good shape.<br /><br />My only other option is to put standard 16.5 wheels on and get one of those wheel/hub adaptors for the front tires that will change it from 5 to 8 lug. These just plain sound cheezy!<br /><br />I don't know if I can put 8 lug rotors on my front axle or not. I think they are too big.<br /><br />Anyone ever used these adaptors? Are they strong enough?<br /><br />Yes, I know..Just buy a 3/4 ton. I would, but my 1/2 ton has been completely gone through and runs perfectly, and I wouldn't give it up for the world. I love the ol' truck!<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />H.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Anyone here ever put an F250 axle on an F150 truck?

Yes you can swap axels. The primary differance between the 150 and 250 is the frame. The 250 frame is heavy duty as well as the springs and larger brakes. You can even change over the front hubs too. When you add it up.....and consider the conversion it is costly.<br /><br />Go to http://www.ford-trucks.com/ (an excellant Ford truck site) and read the message boards there.<br /><br />Personally, I have 3/4 springs in my 78 Bronco because I have it equipped with a plow. It improved the suspension greatly to handle the plow weight and it tows great BUT, I have 1/2 ton brakes and would not trust them on a real heavy load.<br /><br />Bob

 

[DJ]

Re: Anyone here ever put an F250 axle on an F150 truck?

Homerr,<br /><br />Bob VT is right. There are a lot of differences. The frame being # 1. Along with that goes: frame spring hangers, steering gear, front steering suspension components and the list goes on and on.<br /><br />I do not want to be blunt here, but I think you have overloaded your wagon here. The boat you spoke about in other posts is BIG and HEAVY. I'll bet your towed load is 12K plus. With that kind of weight, a 3/4 ton is not big enough. You are now in one ton (maybe) and medium truck territory.<br /><br />I wouldn't move this rig an inch until I knew EXACTLY what it weighs. If you tow it and something happens and they figure out your tow vehicle wasn't up to the task (and they will) the last of your worries will be a boat-for a VERY long time.

 

[JB]

Re: Anyone here ever put an F250 axle on an F150 truck?

Hi, Homerr.<br /><br />I agree with Bob and DJohns. I suspect, as they do, that you are trying to make a F150 into a rig safe to tow a monster load. <br /><br />It can't be done.<br /><br />For less than it would cost you to beef up your F150 into a 3/4 ton wannabe you can find a used F350 1 ton in reasonable condition. Consider it an accessory for your big, heavy boat.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Anyone here ever put an F250 axle on an F150 truck?

Thanks for the reply guys...<br /><br />I think I will abandon the conversion of my F150.<br />It already has the 3/4 ton springs under it, but the front axle and brakes of course are still too small. I was told mine is a heavy half ton since it has the larger springs already.<br /><br />A friend has an 80's F250 with overloads and the like for sale. Problem is, it only has a 351.<br /><br />I'm considering that if the price is right, and maybe stuff my big block from my F150 in it.<br /><br />So you think an F250 still won't be enough?<br /><br />My 390 F150 took off with it like a shot. Of course, I haven't encountered any hills yet. The tounge weight wasn't that bad. It didn't even get into my overloads yet.<br /><br />You would think an F250 with overloads should handle the job well.<br /><br />H.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Anyone here ever put an F250 axle on an F150 truck?

Hey a F250 w/ overloads and a 351 will suit you fine. Allot of F250 and F350 trucks wer equipped with 300 I-6 engines. That will have the brakes and the frame to handle your boat as long as you use a frame mounted receiver hitch and trailer brakes. You can bet it is geared slightly differant too. If it has an automatic tranny consider a shift kit for towing made by B&M and an additional trans cooler. That will also help.<br /><br />Heck a 351 will tote your boat and handle hills but, I would not plan on any NASCAR type passing while towing anything. None of the mechanical big block 390 stuff will cross over to the 351. Depending on the year of the 250 the 351 is either a 351W or 351M...both excellant towing motors.<br /><br />Bob

 

[blifsey]

Re: Anyone here ever put an F250 axle on an F150 truck?

Heck, NASCAR type passing with his rig should be easy. Just run into their back end and push them off the road. At least that seems to be thinking of some drivers.<br /><br />BL...

 

[MGuckin]

Re: Anyone here ever put an F250 axle on an F150 truck?

Might as well add my 2 cents worth. Along with what Bob has suggested, you might want to upgrade your radiator for more cooling capacity. <br />Mike

 

[Homerr]

Re: Anyone here ever put an F250 axle on an F150 truck?

I've built Fords practically as long as I can remember. I've monkey'd with just about all of them.<br /><br />I have a fully rebuilt 390 drivetrain from the over-sized radiator to the transfer case to the over-built C6 transmission in my F150. <br />It needs a F250 or F350 home!<br /><br />I never liked the 351M engines, and in my opinion, the 351W just shouldn't be in a truck of that size.<br /><br />I done some time at a local Ford dealership, and they got their fair share of people bringing the 351W's back for a larger engine.<br /><br />I'm not knocking the engine, It's a **** good one..Just not for the bigger Fords.<br /><br />Thanks again guys,<br />I think I will find an F250 or F350 body and frame and go from there. My 390 in something like that will tow anything!<br /><br />Rob