hello i have a 1981 f100 and i just got a parts truck 1980 f100. both reg cab short box. the 80 is a stepside, the 81 is not, i was planning on swaping underhood harness's and other little things. any major difference's between these trucks i should know about?

 

Yes. The Complete Main Wiring harness is completely different under the dash.

So as a concequence, so are the Instrument Clusters printed circuts different. The instrument cluster bezel is different. The headlamp switch and wiring. The horn wiring, the fuse panel is wired different etc...

The 1980 is described as a one year wonder for wiring with good reason.

The 1981 is the first year for Halogen Headlamps, Power windows/doors. The 1980 is not wired for either, with a different headlamp switch.

The engine harness may swap depending on the engine you have and if both trucks have the same engine. The alternator harness may swap depending on amperage, and/or if you have ammeter or oil pressure gauges or idiot lights as long as they match both trucks.

Small harness extentions such as the dome lamp or dome/map/cargo lamp harnesses will swap. The underdash courtesy lamps harness will swap. Clock harness. Radio speaker harness etc... Other than these few exceptions, not much else will swap with the 1980 wiring wise...

Also depending on the GVWR of your F-100's, or if they have differences in power vs manual braking, the complete braking system may be different. 10 inch vs 11 inch brakes, also the wheels could be different as well due to the differences in brakes.

The beds of the truck naturally.

Good luck...

 

so in other words, its useless. i guess i'll pull the 9 inch and c6 tranny and scrap it. the 81 had the 255 in it and the 80 has the L6 in it so probably nothing is the same. thanks for the info.

 

Yeah 255 vs I6 engine harness is different.

Also depending on the GVWR of your F-100's, or if they have differences in power vs manual braking, the complete braking system may be different. 10 inch vs 11 inch brakes, also the wheels lug nut bolt patterns could be different as well due to the differences in brakes.

This may/may not effect the 9" rear end swap etc... You will need to check if the brake and lug nut bolt patterns match between trucks or be prepared to swap parts on the axles.


The beds of the truck naturally are different.

Good luck...

 

Door panels are rare on the 80's.lock is by the door opener handle, newer trucks have it on top. Seat belts are mounted in the cab different too

I would probably sell the 80 if it wasn't all rusted out, rather than scrap it.

 

its scrap. i bought it just for the rear end, tranny and harness. everythings rusted out on it

 

there are a lot of 80 spacific parts on it, you might want to try ebay before you scrap it.

 

Oh really? like what else tho cuz i mean the body panals are falling off and the floors shot so what else should i look for?

 

front grill, front trim, ford letters in hood,door paanels, door hardware..

 

well i did not know know. thanks for the info

 

Yes, 1980-81 stuff is hard to find in the JY....