Metro Year identification


The Greatest Van Ever Made!

Rookie
Rookie

Posts: 15

Joined: Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:38 pm

Post Sat Jan 20, 2018 11:41 pm

Re: Metro Year identification

So I have been on a quest to find wheels that are not split rim and will not cause my tires to cost a fortune. I'm starting to think I would be better off to swap the rear axle and front spindles if that is even possible. Does anybody know if there is any direct fit stuff that I could swap in there to make my Metro accept regular Wheels? Also, I wouldn't mind finding a rear end with a little better gear ratio. Let me know, I'm sure you guys have done this.
User avatar

Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee

Posts: 1887

Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:40 am

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Post Sun Jan 21, 2018 12:10 am

Re: Metro Year identification

If you don't need to haul the original rated load, you can switch to 1/2 ton, 5 bolt front hubs. The spindle and wheel bearings are the same, 1/2 and 3/4 ton. A Ferd rear axle will match your new front bolt pattern. That's the easiest way.

If you want to stay 3/4 ton, some custom fabrication will be needed. Nothing will be a direct bolt-in for the front.

Dean
Lifelong Kansan
Grew up with red paint
Moved off the farm 33 years ago.

Rookie
Rookie

Posts: 15

Joined: Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:38 pm

Post Sun Jan 21, 2018 12:17 am

Re: Metro Year identification

dean466 wrote:If you don't need to haul the original rated load, you can switch to 1/2 ton, 5 bolt front hubs. The spindle and wheel bearings are the same, 1/2 and 3/4 ton. A Ferd rear axle will match your new front bolt pattern. That's the easiest way.

If you want to stay 3/4 ton, some custom fabrication will be needed. Nothing will be a direct bolt-in for the front.

Dean


I don't need the load carrying capacity. So, I am a little ignorant to international trucks and such. What year truck would I look for to get the rear end and front hubs to fit my metro?
Last edited by scotturnot on Mon Jan 22, 2018 6:45 am, edited 1 time in total.

Rookie
Rookie

Posts: 15

Joined: Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:38 pm

Post Sun Jan 21, 2018 12:27 am

Re: Metro Year identification

Oh wait, are you sugesting a for 9" rear, i am sure i can swap that, i just need to figure out the front then.

Site Admin
Site Admin

Posts: 4938

Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:10 am

Location: Nampa, Idaho

Post Sun Jan 21, 2018 12:58 pm

Re: Metro Year identification

measure your rear axle and look for a suitable width axle to replace it. you will need to do u-joint work and or drive line work. early 90's explorer 8.8 rear axles have been the go to for some fellows with L, and R trucks.

Rookie
Rookie

Posts: 15

Joined: Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:38 pm

Post Sun Jan 21, 2018 1:11 pm

Re: Metro Year identification

What year international can i get the front hub/brakes off of?
Last edited by scotturnot on Mon Jan 22, 2018 6:46 am, edited 1 time in total.

Site Admin
Site Admin

Posts: 4938

Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:10 am

Location: Nampa, Idaho

Post Sun Jan 21, 2018 1:18 pm

Re: Metro Year identification

I think they were talking about front hubs from a 1/2 ton International of the same year range.
User avatar

Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee

Posts: 1887

Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:40 am

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Post Mon Jan 22, 2018 1:05 pm

Re: Metro Year identification

Quote- "What year international can i get the front hub/brakes off of?"

I have found parts manuals to confirm that the front wheel bearings and spindles are the same for L, R and S series 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, '50 through early '57 model year. I don't know what front axle was used on your truck, so I can't confirm what will fit yours.

Dean
Lifelong Kansan
Grew up with red paint
Moved off the farm 33 years ago.

Rookie
Rookie

Posts: 15

Joined: Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:38 pm

Post Mon Jan 22, 2018 1:19 pm

Re: Metro Year identification

Okay, at least that narrows my scope. The rear axle is not a big deal, I can find me a Ford 9-inch to fit it. Just really want to find something that can go on these front spindles and work for me. I will let you know if I can locate anything and if it works. Thanks for your help.
User avatar

Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee

Posts: 1887

Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:40 am

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Post Mon Jan 22, 2018 2:25 pm

Re: Metro Year identification

I would look in the direction of a '64 or '65 IH half-ton pickup first.

Dean
Lifelong Kansan
Grew up with red paint
Moved off the farm 33 years ago.
PreviousNext

Return to Metro

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests

Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
Designed by ST Software for PTF.