57 f100 frame swap anybodydunit ?

[yosemite371]

hi has anybody done a frame swap on 57 f100 . i want to make it as easy to do maintenece as possible. and i hate mail order parts that let my trk sit untill it gets there. i thought a single swap would be cheaper and better. ill have brakes steering gas tank susp., brake lines engine mnts., trans mnts., all in one swap. but is it worth the hassle of fabrecation graftin a 57 to a lets say a 80's or 90's f100. oh yea its gotta be a ford swap. no chevy parts for my baby. oops dont tell my wife i said that.

[CIAF]

h w g a

[yosemite371]

ax what u thick ill hack up my trk. do u have info on swap what yr donor would be better dont want hack job!

[Randy Jack]

yosemite371 - Please don't take offense.

CIAF was referring to a member of our forum "AXracer", who is a good authority (or. at least opinionated) on many topics, including frame swaps.

Some members here have done them. They are daunting as the later frames aren't as flat as the 57 frame. This causes many unique mods to cab, bed and front clip mounting. Most folks who try don't finish the job. However, the ones who have done it will be along shortly to test your resolve.

For the most part, folks just add to the 57 frame to get IFS, IRS (or 4-link, etc), move the gas tank, etc. That has seemed to be the easiest method to accomplish the retro exterior and the new mechanicals.

[51dueller]

Things to consider:

57 F-100
Frame width - 34" front to back
Wheelbase - 110"
Trackwidth - 61.25"
Frame profile - Flat

1965-72 F-100
Frame Width - 34" front to back
Wheelbase - Short 115" Long 131"
Trackwidth - Front 64.5" Rear 61.25"
Frame profile - Hump in front suspension and rear section is raised 3"

1973-79 F-100/150
Frame Width - Front 34" Rear 37.5"
Wheelbase - Short 117" Long 133"
Trackwidth - 64.5"
Frame profile - Hump in front suspension and rear section is raised 3"

1980-96 F-150
Frame Width - 37.5" front to back
Wheelbase - Short 117" Long 133"
Trackwidth - 64.5"
Frame profile - Hump in front suspension and rear section is raised 3"

[yosemite371]

whew! man it sounds like i might be in for it on the swap. thnx guys all info is needed still aint givn up though. sounds like 72 f100 might be donor. track width gets me id like to see tires go under fender.

[AXracer]

Originally Posted by CIAF

h w g a

LOL!
Might want to do a search on frame or frame swap, this topic comes up at least once a month and has been discussed to death. Bottom line there ain't no free lunch or easy frame swap. There is very little benefit to recommend the 72 over the frame you have.

[Walston]

Welcome to the forum, lots of good advice here and there is lots of advice also..LOL

There are many options that are much easier and more cost effective that swapping the frame.

Rear: The brakes are easily rebuilt and the later years offer no real upgrade. The rear end is already a 9" so the third member can be easily swapped with what ever gear ratio you desire. If you want a lower stance, there are spring options to do that. and finally relocating the gas tank behind the rear end is a common and easy mod.

Front: If you want IFS, there are 4 or 5 options. I you keep the axle, there are disc brake conversions and the Toyota power steering conversion makes that easy. Lower stance can be achieved with either option.

Engine: Many engine mounts are available to install a different engine.

So IMHO, you would be money and time ahead keeping the 57 frame and deciding what you want to do to it.

Two last comments: A 72 frame will require a similar amount of rebuild for things like brakes, springs, etc.

Finally: I looked at you gallery and you have a couple good looking trucks to start with. Good Luck.

[yosemite371]

thnx walston but the two 57 f100 trks are actually the same trk. i sold it about 15yrs ago and recently bought it back. question why do these trks trks look so good in hot rod yellow or red and white?