Hi folks I'm new to this forum

I have a 54 F100 I am considering doing a 7.3l diesel swap.
I have not seen any with this done yet. Would like some input.
Thought about finding a 90's F250-350 and swap the body to the newer chassis.
Not sure about the original chassis handling the heavier drive train and the extra torque? I know I would need to shorten the frame but I don't know about the width of the newer chassis?

Thank you

 

This is a first post that we have seen several times here. Can it be done, well yes, anything is possible, depending on the MONEY, equipment, tools and experience that you have.

The 7.3 diesel is a huge engine if you try squeezing it into one of these trucks, I am sure it can be done, BUT how much to you want to cut up the truck to make it fit? We have had some successful diesel conversions here, but mostly with smaller engines such as the 300 5 cyl Mercedies or the old cummins 4bt.

Regarding the Frame swap idea, remember that the newer trucks are much wider than these old ones. For every 100 frame swap plans that are introduced here, less than one is completed. Most end up with multiple vehicles being sold as parts or the entire project being scraped.

 

Like this? Engine came from a 1997 F350

 

Is that in the original chassis?

 

The issue with the newer chassis is the engine set back. The engine sit farther back in the chassis then the 50's trucks. In the 80-97 truck that engine set back is like 8" farther then the 50's chassis. So that requires a huge firewall recess. Which cuts into your leg room big time.

The track width is also wider but not an extreme amount. It's actually just right if you don't mind running the F500-F600 front fenders. This is a mock up of my 54 F100 onto a 84 F250 4x4 chassis. These front fenders are F600.



You will also need to either run a F250 box ( it's wider ) or wider rear fenders.

This is a 56 F250 box on my 54.




People think the rear kick up in the frame is also an issue. But it's not. The problem is actually the center of the frame dips down. To make the 50's front clip body parts work with the 80+ frame you need 4" of lift built into your cab mount frame brackets. This is fine if you don't mind the truck sitting up like a truck. But if you want something lowered/slammed then it doesn't work out very good. Also the front frame horns need to be trimmed/modified. This isn't a big deal if you are using a 2wd chassis with coil springs. But if you are using a 4x4 chassis with leaf springs up front it a minor issue.


I would swap the diesel into a 50's chassis. The F100 frame will work but will need to be beefed up. Another option would be find a 53-56 F500 or F600 frame. Then cut it down to the F100 wheelbase.

 

Hello, old post but I´m thinking in the same swap. My idea is to swap a 51 F5 into a E450 bus chassis with 7.3. Any advice?

 

I was thinking the same thing with my 56 big job.