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4x4 front axle diameter vs hub caps

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BigBrother-84

4x4 front axle diameter vs hub caps

Hi people!

I am looking to finalize BigBrother's restoration with dog dish hub caps. I found some 12" diameter, since it is a 1 ton truck.

Problem comes with the center hole in the front hub caps: All the 12" used ones I found are 3 3/4" diameter, since BigBrother requires 4 1/4" approximately, in order to fit its exterior axle. Even LMC sells 3 3/4" ones.

I am preparing to modify the ones I already got, I suspect it will be a delicate job... Would prefer to buy the good ones.

Any suggestions? Is my front 4x4 axle so special? How to identify it?

Thanks!

Jeff / 1984 F350 Crew Cab 4x4/5.8L w351 4V/ T18/ D50 4.10 front/ 8' bed.
Restored 2019-2022.
Nicknamed «Big Brother 1984», due to its soooo-looong shape & nod to George Orwell's 1984 famous novel.

Gary Lewis

Re: 4x4 front axle diameter vs hub caps

Administrator

Interesting. It looks like the F350 4x4's or DRW's didn't come with hub caps.

The snippet from the Master Parts Catalog, below, doesn't even give a part number. (1130 is the base part number for hub caps for any Ford vehicle anywhere in the world.)

And the 1984 Truck Facts Book, which Ford supplied to the dealers, says in the Standard Trim Features section: Hub Caps - Bright. Not available with F250 4x4 SuperCab, F350 4x4, F350 Dual Rear Wheel Models or F250 4x4 models with heavy-duty front suspension."

As for your measurement, Big Blue's D60 hubs measure about 4 1/4" in diameter. So you apparently have the "heavy duty front suspension".

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

BigBrother-84

Re: 4x4 front axle diameter vs hub caps

Thanks Gary,

Well, you're certainly right. Each time we see an original 350 with dog dish caps, it is not 4x4.

Good news for me, better with the "heavy duty" kit!

Anyway, I bought a Holesaw with correct diameter, and I will modify the front caps I found. I like the "dog dish" vintage look. We'll see the result.

Jeff / 1984 F350 Crew Cab 4x4/5.8L w351 4V/ T18/ D50 4.10 front/ 8' bed.
Restored 2019-2022.
Nicknamed «Big Brother 1984», due to its soooo-looong shape & nod to George Orwell's 1984 famous novel.

Gary Lewis

Re: 4x4 front axle diameter vs hub caps

Administrator

Getting that hole saw lined up properly with the existing hole is going to be a challenge. Do you have a smaller hole saw that will just fit in the hole? That would line it up.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

BigBrother-84

Re: 4x4 front axle diameter vs hub caps

Good idea! I have couple of different holesaw, I will verify.

Thanks for the tip!

Jeff / 1984 F350 Crew Cab 4x4/5.8L w351 4V/ T18/ D50 4.10 front/ 8' bed.
Restored 2019-2022.
Nicknamed «Big Brother 1984», due to its soooo-looong shape & nod to George Orwell's 1984 famous novel.

grumpin

Re: 4x4 front axle diameter vs hub caps

In reply to this post by BigBrother-84

I’m a steelie fan with or without dog dishes, I prefer without. But the do dishes are cool IMO.

Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona