I have a 1986 F150 4X4 that I want to convert to a F 250 4X4. Can I simply use the suspension components and axles from a donor F-250 and install them onto my existing frame or will I have to use the F250 running gear (including frame) and install my bed, cab, and front end onto it. Also, what year models would make any acceptable donor F250? Any info greatly apprecitated. Thanks, Jim Pennycuff

 

Use the donor F250 frame and suspension and instll the bed, cab and front end onto it. 80-86 F250-F350 will make a good donor frame and suspension.

 

80 to 86 would make good years but stay away from 81s they have the infamous swiss cheese frame under them and if you plan on hauling cargo or hauling through the mud they will probbaly break or twist like a pretzel good luck and let us know how it turns out

 

I would suggest making sure the donor truck is a HD 250 or 350 with a Dana 50 front or Dana 60 solid axle (will be expensive and hard to find) and a Full floating rear , dana 70 or ford 10.25 depending on the year. Otherwise you won't gain much over the 150. (I have an 84 250 with a Dana 44 front and Semi floating 70 rear and the GVW isn't much more than an F150)

 

You can do the swap either way. I have personally installed the suspension and axles out of my 84 F-250 4x4 underneath my friend's 80 Bronco. The hardest part of the swap was modifying the pivot brackets and installing them in the correct place. Measure six times and cut or weld once!

 

If the wheel base is the same and the F250 frame is in the same shape or better I would swap the bodies so you get the heavier frame. If the F250 frame is in worse shape than yours, swap the suspension. I have done both, a lot of work eitherway you go. Unless you are beefing a Bronco I would go with the heavier frame.

Just so you don't think I am a web mechanic only, there is a Bronco in the driveway I did the Dana 50 swap to and a F250 in the driveway I did the body swap on for the heavier frame.

Chris