I am getting ready to install my 9in rear end on my 53 f100. I came across rear shock mounting brackets off a 53 f250. Were the rear springs wider on a f250 than a f100? The holes for the u-bolts on the brackets I bought are 3 inches apart. The stock ones on my truck are 2 and a half. The stock ubolts are right against the sides of the leaf springs. The ones I will have to use to mount the 9in will leave a little gap. Will this hurt anything?

 

Well in stock configuration, don't the u-bolts wrap over the tops of the spring rather than the housing like on later model trucks? If that's the case you should still be able to use your original F100 u-bolts on the F-250 plates. However you'll probably need a wider strap/spacer thing that holds the u-bolts in place at the top of the spring (keeps the u-bolts properly spaced). The F-250 ones may work there too if the F250 bolts up in the same fashion as the F100s do.

I'd sure like to know because i still don't have shock mounts on my '56 yet and was debating on what to do. (swapped in a 9" myself) Heard a rumor that the F250 shock plates would work as well as '57-60 F100 plates but i haven't been able to locate a set of either.

 

pappy the pins in the springs will center the axle as it has sring perches on it with a hole for the pin , the ubolts aret gonna matter as far as locating it , they are there just too hold the axle and springs together obviously . now if the pin head breaks off or ??? you'll have the diff slide front or rear and the truck will dog leg .i put up a pic here of the rear springs in mine , the 53 , so you can see the oe arrangement . dunno about a wider strap for the top .

 

ok i went out and looked and compared my 53 now to the photos of the f250 pads and the only thing different is the width as you noted . the straps on top of the springs appear to be the same in length when compared to the photos of an f250 56 i had found for comparison , so your oe ones should work . one of the resident experts will be along shortly and prolly tell me and you im nut's but .......................