I have a 1964 SWB F100. A previous owner converted this to a 4x4, but I've always wanted to put Dana 60s under it. I picked up a 1979 F350 4x4 over the weekend, so now I'm wondering what the best way is to accomplish this. I will be using all of the running gear from the 1979. See pictures below.


Here are the options I've come up with to do this. Some may not be options at all, so I'm looking for reasons any of these wouldn't work. I'm also interested in the pros and cons of each option, and other options I haven't thought of.


1 - Use my factory 1964 SWB frame, and mount the 1979 springs, cross members and power steering to it. I don't know what it would take to mount the power steering and I believe the frame width is different, so I may have to relocate the spring perches on the axles. However, the wheelbase is already correct and body is already mounted on the frame.


2 - Use the 1979 F350 frame, shorten the wheel base by cutting a section out of the middle of frame, and mount the 1964 body to this frame. I believe I would need to fabricate mounts for the cab and bed. Is it feasible to shorten the wheelbase by cutting a section out of the middle and welding it (qualified welding shop would be used), or could the rear axle be moved forward on the frame?


3 - Look for a 1978/1979 SWB 1/2 ton frame, mount the F350 springs and power steering to it, and mount the 1964 body to it. Would the F350 components bolt directly to the 1/2 ton frame? I would still need to fabricate mounts for the cab and bed, and the wheelbase would still be a few inches too long.


Please poke holes in all of these options and let me know your thoughts on what would be best, and why.


Thank you
Tim

 

It seems your choice #1 would be simplest and I like simplicity. Rear perches moved as or if necessary and bolted in. Now you have to see distance of spring perches of front axle. One perch may be cast as part of the Differential housing, IF your 64 springs are wider apart than 79 axle perches, you may be able to add a perch or extend the cast perch enough to accept your springs, also moving the other perch as necessary. IF 64 springs are narrower, you will have move springs outward somehow, like the spring hangers.

You said this truck is already converted to 4X4. Does it have a married or divorced T-case? Are going with 79 engine, trans, T-case? Using your existing engine, trans, T-case you are on the road, yeah! You can also do it in steps, do eng, trans, t-case as 2nd phase of project.

Finally, just to mention. 1 you will have to use 79 master cyl. or equal so your brake components will stay matched. 2 If you go with the 351M/400 engine from the 79, Ford had every conceivable emission control device ever invented on that year truck and they were SLUGS. The main reason, the centrifugal advance in the dizzy didn't START to advance till after 2000 rpm, then the engine would wake up a bit. I know your truck will not be subject emissions so you could make that engine perform.

 

Thanks for the response and input. My '64 has a divorced transfer case, however I will be using the '79 transmission and transfer case. The '79 didn't come with an engine (originally a 400). I plan to put a 460 in it. I also plan to use the '79 steering column and master cylinder (maybe the pedals as well).


Would the '79 frame be any stronger than the '64 frame?


Thanks again
Tim

 

I think the 79 frame would be somewhat stronger being a 350. Your 100 prob about 5000 gvw, the 350 single rear wheel, eh, 8600 gvw max, rating plate will tell you. Is weight capacity a issue? What is your intent on use of the truck? Again, I look to least amount of mod, and don't have an issue with anyone doing way more than they have to, just to do it. What ever way you go, we LOVE pics and following along.