Hello!
I'm new here, but not so new to Ford.
I've got a 1953 Ford F100 panel truck, and am interested in dropping the body on a later frame. I know the wheel base is 110" and the wheel width is bout 60". looking for which truck new enough to not have twin ibeam front suspension, but old enough to not be computer controlled. 2WD or 4WD. A diesel would be pretty cool too. Anyone done this already or have a clue which Ford truck may have this wheel base?

 

The Ford Truck & SUV Wheelbase Chart
This here might help.

 

Welcome to the forum! I have to question why you feel a frame swap is the best idea for your truck? Ford started using the Twin I Beam suspension in 1965, and the only 110 wheelbase frames Ford made without TIB is the 53-56 like you already have. There are countless ways to upgrade the suspension and drivetrain of your panel's current chassis much easier than a frame swap. That brings up all kinds of fitment issues you can never imagine until you get into one. Most who go down that road end up tripping down a hill they never recover from, and end up with a pile of scrap at the bottom. Do some research here. There's plenty of material written on the subject, as it's a common question. Good luck with your build.

 

Yeah, already considered this. Have seen a couple of tragic examples that will never see the road. Have also seen some that turned out good road worthy and safe. I plan to use the 53 as a truck, it will have to pull a trailer, haul feed, and construction supplies, etc.
I have concern that the old frame may not be up to this work. not due to age, but design.
Also modifying the original frame for 4WD. duty, or to carry a much heavier diesel engine, while running all the amenities, power disk brakes, power steering, air and cruise control.
I am a fairly competent builder. Have had several home built cars, mostly Ford, a 35 ford 5 window coupe (fenderless) and two dirttrack cars that I ran for about eight years.
I have looked into suspension and steering mods and drivetrain swaps that can be done, but am concerned that I may wind up with a nice truck, but will it be up to the task?

 

I think what Wayne is trying to tell you is that successful frame swaps are rare. It can be done but it is a lot of work. The guys on H.A.M.B. were skeptical too but here is a guy that did it with a Ranger frame but he used a bunch of fiberglass parts:
Ford Ranger Frame Use? | The H.A.M.B.
from this company I think:
USbody.com | Fiberglass Auto BOdy parts, Monster Truck and Full Race bodies. Molding fiberglass since 1987.

Looks like you might have the skills . . . if you have the time and money go for it. But IMHO I think that for a lot less time and money you could modify your truck's F-3 frame to work. Those frames are really tough. Just try to remove one of the frame rivets (without a plasma cutter). There are lots of examples of guys on here that have boxed the frame and even added IFS front and rear.

Here are a couple of examples of members that have nice panels. Ask them.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16319388

And Ilya "51panelman" has some very nice panel trucks.

And this is a good thread for you to find some panel truck guys:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-question.html

 

Welcome. These trucks were designed to work, so I don't think you will have an issue with it not being up to your task. They certainly were built strong enough for the farmers and other abusers, lol, after all they have lasted 60 plus years albeit in all different kinds of shape and disrepair. They just don't go very fast. Good luck on your build and keep us up to date.