I'm doing my first pickup. I have parts from multiple donors, and a fairly complete 1978 F-350 2wd dually Flat Bed. The F-350 is in awful shape. I'm definitely replacing all body components. The frame is very badly rusted. I guess I won't know what to make of it until it is stripped down and I can attack the rust. I haven't gotten any of it cleaned enough to read the rear. But, I'm fairly certain that it is a 3:55 Dana 70.

I am pursuing a partial 74 F-250. It doesn't have a bed. But, the frame is potentially in better shape than my F-350. The cab definitely is. I have nice enough doors and fenders.

I also have a running 460 with C6 transmission to drop in.

My questions:

How compatible are the frames on these two trucks? Would I be able to transfer my flatbed over to the F-250? How about the rear? It would seem doable. I might have to build my own wood frame to bed spacers. If I do it, how much capacity would I lose? Is that based mostly on the rear? I'm wondering if I'd actually be gaining due to the condition of the F-350.

Anyway, like I said, I'm very new at this and would welcome any guidance.

Thanks

 

I'm not the local rocket scientist, but here is what I think.

Use the search option..there is a ton of info here but you gotta figure out how to find it.

I'm pretty sure if both frames are 2WD then you should be fine but I would grab a tape measure and compare the 2 over and over. Grab a coffee and pull up a chair and think about it.

Measure spring pads, overall axle width, leaf spring width, bed bolt hole differences, etc.

I've "blended" 3 trucks so far on my little money pit and I started off with alot of dought, but at some point you just got to go for it and make modifications as you go.

I have a very nice 1973 2WD rolling chassis that I will part with when my project is finished but not until then.

Good luck on your dent.

 

some 2wd's had narrower frame rails so measure them. In particular I believe the trucks with a dana 70 had the narrow frame rails. I think the 2wd 3/4 ton trucks were all wide frame rails, but not 100% sure. If the frame rails are the same and obviously if the length is the same (I think some of the F350 chassis cabs were longer) then it should be easy to swap components. As far as capacity, I believe the frames were the same from the factory and it was basically just the axle specifications and possibly spring stiffness that make up the 3/4 to 1 ton difference.

so basically you'll need to do as suggested above and bust out the tape measure and see what you are dealing with.

 

Thanks guys. I'll have tape measure in hand and figure something out.