frame length

[Chefsonfire]

Anyone know what the dimension would be on a '66 short wheel base truck, from the center of the front cab mount ,to the center of the core support? just trying to do things right. Thanks...

[Uncle Skip]

Not an issue.
That measurement is consistent for all 1961-1966 trucks.
It doesn't matter if you have a short or long wheelbase truck,F-100 or
f-250, the measurement from the c/l on the core support mount to the c/l on the front cab mount is the same.
All the deviations happen behind the c/l of the rear cab mount.
Uncle Skip

[Chefsonfire]

I was under that beleif..the call out was due to my suspension swap out(posted in suspension nightmares). Was using a template supplied from a guy in Ca. that dipicts where the frame is to be "notched " so the replacement crossmember has a square suface for mounting. The template is for a '66. I have a '61. He tells me that the whole frame is different and that the '66 template will not work. True, all kinds of holes and markings do not line up. I was using the core support "marks" for my "square one". I am of the beleif, that if the frames are the same...( front end length) the spindles should line up correctly. Want to double...TRIPLE check this time.! Thanks for the input...

[ICEMAN6166]

Skip
the front of the straight axle and i beam frames are different
i do not know without measuring what the correct dimension between the 2 points on the frame.

[Chefsonfire]

I guess the concern lies in getting the spindle to position correctly in the fender.....just having a hard time cutting loose with $150.00 for "the" template....brown paper and magic marker...I know it will probably pay for itself in aggravation...but having a hard time with $$$( like everyone) and at this rate, who knows when I'll get wheels under it..

[Greg D]

You can use the location of the bumpstops. This will give you a marked spot on the frame to reference the spindles on you new suspension with. then you just measure forward & back from that center point for your cuts. Most important for it to be square with the frame if your wheel centers are off by 1/16" either way no one will notice anyway due to the teardrop shape of the wheel arch.
Seeings as twin I trucks have a "rear" and "front" axle you would also need to be sure both bumpstops are in the same spot before cutting anything on one of those. With your 61 being a straight axle you are in buisiness, the bumpstops are straight across from each other, double check them though. If you want your wheels centered the same as the twin I trucks not like original you will need to move the whole mess about 1" towards the front. Twin I and straight axle trucks don't even have the same front axle centering in the wheel arch anyway. Mine is different than stock too, the axle moved forward a little with the mono leaf springs installed.
BTW, what suspension "kit" do you have?

[65f100_Thug]

Also as a second measurement the wheel base is 115 from center wheel to center wheel on a short wheel base 65 anyway.

[Chefsonfire]

Attempting to use a mid 80's dodge torsion bar set-up....not that complex...I had it alresady installed and realized I didn't have it square...alll original suspension items have been removed...just trying to figure a way to use the 66 template for my " front to back" measurement...would like to keep the wheel centered of the fender.. Thanks to all for the input

[Chefsonfire]

So, by that reasoning, I could use the 66 template and move my cuts 1 inch forward on the frame to keep the wheels centered?. easy enough...

[Greg D]

So, by that reasoning, I could use the 66 template and move my cuts 1 inch forward on the frame to keep the wheels centered?. easy enough...

Using the 66 wheelbase will put the wheel center about 1" forward of the 61-64 position. If you want the later centering move 1" forward from the straight axle bumpstops. You have the idea sounds like you just had your years reversed.