Thread: Would like to put 14" rims on a 52 Ford p/u

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I would like to put 14" rims/tires on my 52 ford F1 pick-up. I've got a 15" 54 Ford pick-up rear, and a dropped front end with what looks like 13" 5 bolt pattern from a late model Ford Escort. I was wondering if the front spindles can take a regular 14" Ford hubs and backing plates. Do I need to change the rearend? I'm running a 327 sbc, with a 400 tranny. I really don't want to go with adapters...too expensive ($59 each), and they would put my wheels out too far if I use a 70 series tire.

Perhaps this will help -

5 on 5-1/2 (139.7 mm)
AMC - Jeep (5 bolt) '42-'89
Chrysler - 8 cyl. & wagon '46-'55
- Imperial '54-'66
Ford 2 ton van
Ford Bronco, F100
Ford - all '28-'48
- full size P.U., van, Bronco '49-'89
International Scout, Travelall
Lincoln - all '52-'60
Mercury - all '39-'51

Most are 15's, but the Imperial had some 14's.
Just need to do some scrounging.

Check with the custom wheel makers like Stockton Wheel.
They can set you up with a nice set of wheels for not too much.

Thanks for the quick reply C9. Oh well, 15" rims ain't so bad. It just means I have to find another way to drop the rear a couple of inches. Maybe a cheapo spring lowering kit. My biggest concern is that front end. Like I said, it's got those 13" narrow hubs like the ones on a Ford Escort, with 1" wide brake shoes....who needs "press-n-pray brakes". I was wondering if I couldn't just swap out the hubs/backing plate for the original size, or maybe go to a disc setup. Any thoughts on this???

OK, Streets, Tech, jump in anytime....

Originally posted by lakota
Thanks for the quick reply C9. Oh well, 15" rims ain't so bad. It just means I have to find another way to drop the rear a couple of inches. Maybe a cheapo spring lowering kit. My biggest concern is that front end. Like I said, it's got those 13" narrow hubs like the ones on a Ford Escort, with 1" wide brake shoes....who needs "press-n-pray brakes". I was wondering if I couldn't just swap out the hubs/backing plate for the original size, or maybe go to a disc setup. Any thoughts on this???

OK, Streets, Tech, jump in anytime....

Say....Lakota, one cheap and easy way to lower the backend is bolt on some lowering blocks. You can drop it anywhere from 1 to 4 inchs. You can get a set of blocks and u-bolts for 25-30 bucks. And it's quick and easy. Hopes this helps.
The Naked Ninja.

Hey Dhotrod, I wish I could go that route, but unfortunately the springs sit on top of the axles, and there's not enough room to put it between the spring and the frame. I just came across another expensive dilemma....That 9" Ford rear has the u-joint set approx 4" off center, do I toss the rear for one that's centered, or do I rip out and make new engine mounts to move my engine over to the right 4"??? As you all can see, I'm not used to working with Fords.