Frame swap? 72-74
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
Frame swap? 72-74
I normally hang out in the 80-86 section, as I have an 80 F150, but I have a question for the 73-79 gurus.
My father bought a 74 F100 new. In the early 90's, it got backed into from the side, near the front wheel, by a large truck (drilling unit). This caused the frame to bend. It was put on a frame machine, and straightened. Now, some 20 years later, it has developed a serious crack in the frame between the steering gearbox and front crossmember. This makes it totally unsafe to drive. Less than 1" of the side rail and top flange remain intact.
I have access to a 72 F250 that has almost no body left due to rust, but the frame is good. Both trucks are the same wheelbase (reg cab, LWB). Will the 72 frame swap with the 74?
I would think a frame swap would be a much safer repair than just welding the frame back together, especially given the close proximity of the gearbox and crossmember.
Will the body mounts all line up and are the rails the same distance apart?
While my father is no longer able to drive, I'd love to be able to restore his *only* new truck purchase, and be able to take him for a ride in it while he is still around. Besides, this truck has been a part of my life since I was 10, so it kinda has a special place in my heart. I even learned to drive in it.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
My father bought a 74 F100 new. In the early 90's, it got backed into from the side, near the front wheel, by a large truck (drilling unit). This caused the frame to bend. It was put on a frame machine, and straightened. Now, some 20 years later, it has developed a serious crack in the frame between the steering gearbox and front crossmember. This makes it totally unsafe to drive. Less than 1" of the side rail and top flange remain intact.
I have access to a 72 F250 that has almost no body left due to rust, but the frame is good. Both trucks are the same wheelbase (reg cab, LWB). Will the 72 frame swap with the 74?
I would think a frame swap would be a much safer repair than just welding the frame back together, especially given the close proximity of the gearbox and crossmember.
Will the body mounts all line up and are the rails the same distance apart?
While my father is no longer able to drive, I'd love to be able to restore his *only* new truck purchase, and be able to take him for a ride in it while he is still around. Besides, this truck has been a part of my life since I was 10, so it kinda has a special place in my heart. I even learned to drive in it.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
This article should have you covered... Chassis Comparison - '67-'72 vs. '73-'79 - FORDification.com
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
Sounds like a 72 frame is a no-go. Well, looks like the hunt is on for a 73-79 frame. In the meantime, I think I'll at least place a couple small welds to tie the crack together so the truck can at least be moved without too much fear of the crack growing any longer.
It isn't tagged for road use, and will be trailered to the new location.
I'm just a bit leary of a weld repair in that area, given it's an FE powered truck with power steering. Dad had a bad habit of standing on the brake pedal while turning the wheels lock to lock, after backing out of a driveway. I'm sure that was a contributing factor in the crack's progression.
It isn't tagged for road use, and will be trailered to the new location.
I'm just a bit leary of a weld repair in that area, given it's an FE powered truck with power steering. Dad had a bad habit of standing on the brake pedal while turning the wheels lock to lock, after backing out of a driveway. I'm sure that was a contributing factor in the crack's progression.
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