Hello,
I have a 1951 F5 Cab and front clip, I would like to put it on a 4x4 chassis. I have 2 options, option 1 is a 1979 f150 short bed stock 4x4 rolling chassis with coil spring front dana44, and a 9 inch rear, option 2 1979 f250 long bed regular cab stock 4x4 rolling chassis with dana60 leaf springs front and rear.
I have 2 powertrains on hand, option 1 360fe with a C6 auto and np205 xfer case, option 2 460BBF with a C6 auto and np205 xfer case. Or I could go with a 3rd option a Cummins 6bt with a C6 auto and a np205 xfer case.
All motors and trans will be rebuilt.
I need some advise from the forum, this truck will be my first truck I have done for myself up until this point in my life I have redone 8 trucks from frame up. All fords of course FOR EVERYONE ELSE (75-79). I will also be fabricating my own bed. My gut tells me to go with the 1979 f150 short box frame but remove coils springs and use the dana60's and leaf springs and find a 6bt cummins to stick in it.
Dont have experience in doing this type of Modification OR how a short box would handle with leaf springs, need some help..WHAT WOULD YOU DO??

 

I would put it on a dakota chassis.

 

If you're looking for that big truck look, DRW chassis cabs were still on a 34" wide frame, so fitting of the cab wouldn't be as hard as trying to put it on the 37.5" '73-79 SRW chassis. 70's/80's tow trucks w/4x4 would be easiest to find, IMO. You could still use a pre mid-77 highboy. Note that the axles are 5 inches wider than what your fenders will clear.

That said, if it's more of a half ton look you're going for, I would read this thread https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...d-f-1-4x4.html

 

thanks for the replies!!! I would like to use the options that I have available. Would be nice to have a tow truck frame thou...Keep the idea's comin..

 

'73-79 shortbeds are rare enough that they draw a good penny. I had one of which I wish I never had got rid of.

Your F5 front fenders have the bigger opening, so clearing the wider wheels won't be as much of an issue as an F1. With the right amount of lift, the wider axles might look proportionate enough that it will look correct to the trained eye.