Frame Questions

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Nov 22, 2011 | 06:16 AM

56fordguy

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Frame Questions

I have been on here now for about 3 months I am very impressed with the tech help from the members. I have a question I have a 56 F-250 I was wondering Has anyone put a different frame with the original body, Different I mean like a newer model f-150 or f-250 or etc. Any help would be great.Thanks

Nov 22, 2011 | 08:15 AM

yamagrant

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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Anything can be done: but do you want to spend all that time and money doing it? Most modern frames are not flat like your original is. Most donor frames will probably need extensive repairs to make them roadworthy. I 've seen Ranger/Explorer swaps, and S10 swaps, and years ago a freind of mine did a 48 ford to a f150 swap (4x4). I refused to ride in that one! A lot of members will chime in again,( this is not a new topic ) and give you their opinion on this. I myself am sticking with the staight axle and going with the Toyota P/S and power disc brakes up front. There atre alot of opions on front suspensions out there without having to go through all that work doing a frame swap. As for the rear suspension and motor and tranny mount: the world is your oyster. Good luck with your build

Nov 22, 2011 | 10:08 AM

56fordguy

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Thanks for the input do you have a f-250 or a f-100 i am all for keeping the original frame but if am looking things up to replace everything back to stock it isnt cheap. Also when i called a couple of places from magazines they tell me things like the IFS wont fit my -250 or the 4 link rear wont fit so then i thought what about going with a modern frame. If you have a 250 please let me know i really would like to pick your brain on some things. Thanks again.

Nov 22, 2011 | 10:19 AM

yamagrant

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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Sorry, I have a f100.

Nov 22, 2011 | 10:28 AM

56fordguy

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Thanks again I dont mind the stock suspension but I would like to upgrade brakes and steering. If you hear of something or someone please let me know. mlbrod51906@yahoo.com

Nov 22, 2011 | 11:30 AM

52 Merc

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From: Burbank, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56fordguy

Thanks again I dont mind the stock suspension but I would like to upgrade brakes and steering. If you hear of something or someone please let me know. mlbrod51906@yahoo.com

Brake upgrades are easy. The F-100 and 250 share the same front spindle, so the disc brake kits available are a direct bolt on. You will be changing from the 8 lug pattern to the half ton 5 lug, though. A rear end swap to a 9" from a 1972 and earlier F-100 will take care of the other end and give you a matching bolt pattern and better driving gears.

I'm not a '56 expert, but I believe the Toyota power steering box swap is doable in the '56 F-250, as well. It may take a bit of fabrication on your part to build a mounting bracket, if the frame size is different from the F-100 in that location, but the rest should be straightforward and follow the conventional swap instructions.

There's a lot of things you can do to improve your truck without doing an entire chassis swap. Those rarely turn out good in the end. Doing a chassis swap is very involved, and one of those things that if you have to ask how to do it or if it can be done, you probably don't have the skills or experience to pull it off successfully. No offense intended.

Good luck with your project.

Nov 22, 2011 | 03:01 PM

56fordguy

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Wow that is some great info. Thank you much. I know you said you were no 250 expert but do you have any thoughts or experience on if a IFS will work on a 250? Thanks again you have been a big help Im 55 and just bought my truck this past summer. Its rough but its mine!! And its my project till well you know for ever i guess. LOL So any help from you or any other people would be a big help I like your truck too