Well, after trying to find information on a frame swap here I'm not finding what I'm looking for so I'd like to get some info if anyone can help. I'm getting ready to start restoring my 79 f250 4x4 super cab long bed. I tore it down in the fall so I could get started this spring when the weather gets a little warmer. I have also bought a cummins 5.9 diesel that I'm wanting put in it. I have a few 70's donor trucks I picked up for extra parts and metal when needed. I also picked a 2000 f250 super cab 4x4 off a friend for cheap. The 2000 has the entire drivetrain, electrical, cab and cab interior all intact and in really nice condition.
Before I get going, I have been wondering if I could use the 2000 frame, drivetrain and etc and just put the 79 body on it. I kind of figure, if I'm already going to be using almost everything from the 2000 why don't I just use it's frame too?
The other thing that I've been pondering is being able to use the complete dash out of the 2000. I didn't do much measuring before it got cold but I do remember measuring the width of the dash in the 2000 and it was pretty close to the same width wise as my 79. Don't quote me on that though. Does anyone know if the measurements are close enough for me to just cut out the 2000 firewall and use it? I like the idea of having the 2000 dash, A/C and etc.
Can I do this using the 5.9 cummins? Would it be some much work that I end up committing suicide before it's finished. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Anything is possible with enough fabrication skills, tools and time. Or money. Having enough $ allows you to pay someone to do the work for you.

As for the body swap on the frame - you'd have to make custom towers off the frame to set the body on, but it can be done. Shouldn't be too hard for any competent fabricator.

Same goes for the dash. I've seen pics of a newer (2006ish??) dash in one of these dentside trucks before. It's not my style & seems like it may be a wiring headache, but some guys dig that type of project & look.

Now for the firewall - I've seen guys use those out of the super-dookie trucks as well. Seems like a lot of work to me, but then again I hate body type work.

Now for fitting the cummins in - same type answer as all of the above. Totally doable if you have the skills.


You seem to have all you need in front of you. Go out to the trucks & start taking measurements & thinking through how you would approach each project. It should hopefully become semi clear which will be the easiest, or if not the easiest work wise, at least the "best" approach.

 

Thanks for the reply Chase. I've seen your work and fabrication skills on your build threads, they're sick. I'm going to take your advise on this. I was thinking either way would be about the same amount of work because of the electronics I'm hoping to put in the truck.

 

no problem and thanks for the compliment.

Good luck with the build. Make sure to do a build thread & post pics with whatever way you decide to approach it. I'm interested to see what you do!

 

Welcome station 29 to FTE, make sure and stop by the FTE Missouri chapter and introduce yourself.

Missouri Chapter - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

We also have a monthly chat B/S thread and a fellow member down south near Springfield getting set up for the diesel swap too. Maybe you guys can feed each other ideas, even though your job sounds like alot more work.

I have seen a 74 body on a 2000 ish running gear complete with newer dash and steering column modded in. The biggest issue I believe is working with the old cab fire wall and getting the hood hinges to work out.

The area where they normally mount was extremely modded to work with the inner fenderwells of the new truck. It looked like it was quite a task, but it all worked.