Standard bed, center to center, front to back, side to side. Anyone know for sure or have any specs archived? I have access to a complete body and have a few modern ch***is that I could possibly use as donors. I would like to use an 04 Tahoe ch***is I have, if it'll fit. It has front/rear discs, rear is set up on a 4 link, front is torsion. I also have a camaro clip and nova rear, know they should fit widthwise, but don't have specs as to length. Any input? Thanks!
http://www.geocities.com/lakota_circle_dancer/swap1 Check out that post. Shows dimensions on a F1. Not sure if it's exactly what you need, but you might want to check it out.
My '50 F-1 has 114 inch wheelbase and 61 inch track-measured outside drum to drum. I think the track is the same for the '51. I'm sure some one will let us know.
That ol dude had some pretty good ideas and was pretty thorough in his explanations. More comp literate than me too!
But remember, on F-1 Ford trucks the front wheels sit about one inch too far back in the wheel pit. When doin Mll or sub frame its allways adjusted. Or should be...My 2Cents........OLDBEET
Ford Ranger frames (The early type, with the Split-I beam) are just 1 inch shorter wheelbase wise (The shortbox ones I think), and after doing some measuring and figuring between my F-1 and Ranger, everything seemed like it would've went together well. But clipping would probably work better actually.
The only problem I found using the ranger frame is that you will have to change floor area of your cab. . The ranger frame steps up in the middle of the cab area.
OldBeet is right about the front wheels sitting too far back in the wheelwells. I never understood why Ford did that, but it sure looks goofy to me. I totally agree that when doing a rebuild, it would improve the looks of the truck to center those wheels.