What is the wheelbase of a 1940 Ford pickup?
The wheelbase of a 1940 Ford pickup is 114 inches (2,896 mm).
In this article, we explain what the wheelbase means for this pre-war Ford pickup, how it was specified, and why restorers and enthusiasts pay attention to this measurement when sourcing parts and assessing vintage trucks.
Understanding wheelbase
Wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear axles. This fixed dimension on a vehicle’s chassis influences ride quality, stability, interior room, and how a truck handles. For classic pickups, wheelbase is a primary reference when matching parts or evaluating a restoration project.
1940 Ford pickup: context and specs
The 1940 Ford pickup belonged to Ford’s pre-war light-duty lineup and shared a common chassis with the 1939 model year. The wheelbase is commonly listed as 114 inches, a dimension that remained the baseline for this generation of pickups. Variations can occur in older or altered examples due to modifications, measurement techniques, or aftermarket components, but the standard factory spec is 114 inches.
Why accuracy matters for restorations
For restorers, matching the original wheelbase is essential to ensure correct fitment of the bed, cab mounting, and drivetrain alignment. Practically, measurements are taken from the centerline of the front axle to the centerline of the rear axle across a straight line, with the wheel centers aligned to ensure accurate results when repairing or replacing parts.
Notes on sourcing and verification
Historical specs for early Ford pickups can vary slightly between catalogs and data plates. The prevailing authoritative references list the 1940 pickup wheelbase as 114 inches. When possible, verify against the vehicle’s data plate or confirm with a precise on-vehicle measurement on an actual example to account for any non-original modifications.
Summary
The 1940 Ford pickup uses a wheelbase of 114 inches (approximately 2,896 millimeters), a key figure for authenticity in restorations and for compatibility when sourcing body, bed, drivetrain, or suspension components.
