Hi guys, this is my first thread on this forum. It looks like I found the best site for older Ford trucks.

I've been on the lookout for a 1966 F-100 Shortbox 4x4 for about two years. I have stumbled upon several and was never fast enough to get one. Today my wife and I bought a '66 F-100 4x4, but it's a long bed.
I pick up the truck this Friday in Arizona. I wish I had the time to spend in the Phoenix area and meet some of the really knowledgeable guys on this board like Bill W., Garbz2, etc. to pick their brains on my options.

Now I need to figure out what I can do to change it to a short bed. Now let me say this up front, this is my first project and I have no plans in chopping a frame(my welding and fabrication skills are VERY limited). I would like to find another shortbox frame and swap everything over and buy/find a new(to me) bed.
I have done some searching on this site, and it appears I can find any short bed 4x4 frame from any truck between 66-79? If it is after 73(?), I think I'll have to drill new holes for the bed due to the frame being expanded 4". Is this information correct and am I on the right path?

If anyone knows of a frame for sell that fits my needs, let me know.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

 

Welcome to FTE.

Well you sound like you are more ambitious than me, good luck to you. Keep up on the forum, and keep asking questions. There are tons of good guys on here who love to help.

 

Modifications have to be done to use the later frames. It will not be a direct swap. The frame isn't straight on the later models. You will have to do some fabrication to make it fit. In my opinion, it would be easier to buy a shortbed. I know the 73-79 frames are difficult for this swap, not sure about the 67-72. Someone will come along that has done this. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the input. Since this is my first project, I think I will try to find a frame that will be a direct swap.

 

Steve,
Welcome to FTE. Good luck on your project. Guys here are full of knowledge.
No question is too stupid to ask. Be as specific as possible and you will get your answers.
You will find this site more useful than any manual you can buy. Getting first hand experience from guys who have already tackled the same issues you will face.
Prayers go out for safe travels in picking up your slick.