frame swaps
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: mostly in trouble
frame swaps
I was thinking about swapping my '60 f100 4x4 on to a newer running gear. I saw a beautiful '60 crewcab 4x4 on here that was swapped on to a '77 f250 frame. I was wondering if anyone on here had done similar frame swap? I compared frame and rear axle width, with my '79 f250 crewcab 2wd and my '60 f100 4x4. the '79 frame is 3/4" narrower than the '60. the '79 dana 60 rearend is 1" narrower drumtodrum than the '60 9" rearend. I looking for advise and ideas on upgrading the running gear on the '60.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Thats interesting about the rear axle measurements. The rear axle meeasurements for the older trucks are narrower than the newer trucks. Typically the rule of thumb we go by is the pre 1972 trucks have the narrower rear diff, when Ford changed the body style in 72 they got wider. I'm running a 1960 rear diff in my 49 and it was the exact width of the original 49.
On a 4x4 it wouldn't matter as much as on a street truck sinc eyou'll probably have big tires that stick out past the fenders anyway. Frame swaps can be done. They do require quite a bit of work, but I'd be tempted in the situation you are describing. Look up the show "Trucks", they did a frame swap recently. They took a 73-79 Ford crew cab dually body and put it on a late model Dodge truck frame.
Bobby
On a 4x4 it wouldn't matter as much as on a street truck sinc eyou'll probably have big tires that stick out past the fenders anyway. Frame swaps can be done. They do require quite a bit of work, but I'd be tempted in the situation you are describing. Look up the show "Trucks", they did a frame swap recently. They took a 73-79 Ford crew cab dually body and put it on a late model Dodge truck frame.
Bobby
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Bobby, not to sound picky, but it's pre-'73. Just want to add that for anyone in the future searching.
Jason, at one time, not long ago, a frame swap question would have numerous member's undies in a bundle. I think it's been asked so many times now none of the naysayers want to give input. I personally think it can be done but I totally agree with Dick.
You may want to check out this post on my web page, I don't know how much it relates to the later models but it's an interesting read:
1948-52 Ford Truck Frame Swap
Jason, at one time, not long ago, a frame swap question would have numerous member's undies in a bundle. I think it's been asked so many times now none of the naysayers want to give input. I personally think it can be done but I totally agree with Dick.
You may want to check out this post on my web page, I don't know how much it relates to the later models but it's an interesting read:
1948-52 Ford Truck Frame Swap
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From: mostly in trouble
Here's the cool part, I 've been taking welding classes at the community college along with high school, so I have complete access to a shop with 500k in equipment.
Plus I can buy metal through the community college.I also thought the rear axle would be wider on the '79. You do have a good point about the tires. The tires the '60 are 33x12.50r15 and they stick out 2+" already, so a little more/less axle width isn't going to hurt it.
The main reason for wanting to upgrade the frame on the '60 is because it been beating to hell and back. Judging by the welds on the frame, one of the previous owner was a farmer. The other reason is I want a 3/4 ton 4x4 running gear instead of a f100 4x4. Oh yeah, plus power steering and better brakes.
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Junior User
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From: mostly in trouble
Bobby, not to sound picky, but it's pre-'73. Just want to add that for anyone in the future searching.
Jason, at one time, not long ago, a frame swap question would have numerous member's undies in a bundle. I think it's been asked so many times now none of the naysayers want to give input. I personally think it can be done but I totally agree with Dick.
You may want to check out this post on my web page, I don't know how much it relates to the later models but it's an interesting read:
1948-52 Ford Truck Frame Swap
Jason, at one time, not long ago, a frame swap question would have numerous member's undies in a bundle. I think it's been asked so many times now none of the naysayers want to give input. I personally think it can be done but I totally agree with Dick.
You may want to check out this post on my web page, I don't know how much it relates to the later models but it's an interesting read:
1948-52 Ford Truck Frame Swap
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
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From: Erie, pa
Up until Nathan (Link above) shut me up I was of the school of "Couldn't Be Done" - Now the school I attend is "It Ain't Easy".
(By the way Nathan grew up on a farm near Nowere Canada - He had welding sticks for candles on his first birthday cake and most of his work was done at night in the middle of winter in a snow cave after school and chores)
(By the way Nathan grew up on a farm near Nowere Canada - He had welding sticks for candles on his first birthday cake and most of his work was done at night in the middle of winter in a snow cave after school and chores)
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Post Fiend
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From: springfield il
just search . lots of threads here on that subject . started one , never finished due to an " accident " by an overzealous person in the household , and many who have also and one under construction in the projects page . a 55 on f250 late model gear . hades go for it whats the worst it wont get finished ???? oh well live and learn and next time round you'll be more prepared !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
My neighbor stuffed parts from three different '35-36 Ford trucks on a S-10 frame with a '72 Torino engine. He has it up and running in about two years working on it when he could at night and on weekends.
Anything can be done.
Anything can be done.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
This is a compilation of various frame swap threads; it is a lot of reading.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9645212
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9645212
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From: mostly in trouble
This is a compilation of various frame swap threads; it is a lot of reading.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9645212
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9645212
Up until Nathan (Link above) shut me up I was of the school of "Couldn't Be Done" - Now the school I attend is "It Ain't Easy".
(By the way Nathan grew up on a farm near Nowere Canada - He had welding sticks for candles on his first birthday cake and most of his work was done at night in the middle of winter in a snow cave after school and chores)
(By the way Nathan grew up on a farm near Nowere Canada - He had welding sticks for candles on his first birthday cake and most of his work was done at night in the middle of winter in a snow cave after school and chores)
didn't mean to **** off the farmer's that can weld.
The only school I've ever attended is The It Ain't Easy.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,289
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From: South central, Minnesota
just search . lots of threads here on that subject . started one , never finished due to an " accident " by an overzealous person in the household , and many who have also and one under construction in the projects page . a 55 on f250 late model gear . hades go for it whats the worst it wont get finished ???? oh well live and learn and next time round you'll be more prepared !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you are referring to mine it's a 54!
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
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From: Northshore, MN
yeah, the F250 up through mid-'77 had a narrower frame for the 4x4. It was a divorced tcase 4x4, gas tank still in cab, narrower rear springs w/more leaves truck, also known as a highboy. The f150 of the same years, '73-on was wider in the back, married tcase, had a frame mounted gas tank, 3" wide rear springs (5 leaves) same width up front. The front axle is supposed to be the same width throughout all the years. Hopefully we'll find out some day, when I decide to rebuild my '79 Bronco w/'70 sheetmetal.
These "highboys" had a power assist type steering, but on the last truck of this type we built, we swapped in an integral power steering unit....similar method as the Toyota box steering in the F1/100
These "highboys" had a power assist type steering, but on the last truck of this type we built, we swapped in an integral power steering unit....similar method as the Toyota box steering in the F1/100
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Well I don't know about the snow cave but I did dig the truck out of a snow drift to trade the front clip assembly once. I did have sparklers though but on a pizza sized cookie as I've never liked the taste of cake.
But back to the topic. Personally having done it and with a few years under my belt in the automotive trade, build a custom frame using the later suspension and components. It will fit much better and look better.
If I ever can get enough money together, that is what I'm going to do. I'm doing a few change ups like front steering and a custom 4 link rear suspension with the bars made from 1.5x3" I beam (came from a 1940's *****hutt disc seeder).
But back to the topic. Personally having done it and with a few years under my belt in the automotive trade, build a custom frame using the later suspension and components. It will fit much better and look better.
If I ever can get enough money together, that is what I'm going to do. I'm doing a few change ups like front steering and a custom 4 link rear suspension with the bars made from 1.5x3" I beam (came from a 1940's *****hutt disc seeder
).
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From: mostly in trouble
I thought I was the only one that had sparklers on a giant birthday cookie.