Frame Swap

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Dec 17, 2011 | 04:34 PM

Redneck1465

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Frame Swap

I have an 85 F150 truck that I want to swap to 4x4 and I have a cummins that will be going into the truck. I have a donor F250 truck with all the suspension and the 4x4 but obviously the F250 is TTB and I have been told that with that and the leaf springs its obviously not a bolt in swap you need to fab a little. I came across a 2003 frame from an F350 4x4 that is the same extended cab 8ft bed for pretty cheap. Has anyone ever swapped our bodies onto these frames before when they are restoring trucks? And if so how did it go? Just an idea not set in stone. Thanks guys.

Dec 17, 2011 | 04:39 PM

dohc_chump

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From: In the garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redneck1465

Why not swap the F150 body onto your F250 chassis? Am I missing something?

Dec 17, 2011 | 04:42 PM

Redneck1465

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F150 is extended cab 8ft bed. F250 is regular cab 8ft bed they are not the same length therefore not going to work. Also cab is shot on the F250 way beyond repair even if I wanted a single cab (which I don't).

Dec 17, 2011 | 05:03 PM

dohc_chump

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From: In the garage

Ah, I see. Sounds like it's time to bust out the old tape measure and start measuring both frames.

Dec 17, 2011 | 05:21 PM

Redneck1465

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I would but the problem is the frame is about 1.5 hrs away and I dont want to drive there just to measure and find out its wrong. I was just hoping maybe someone else had done this swap already. THanks for the info

Dec 17, 2011 | 05:29 PM

dohc_chump

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From: In the garage

Ok, frames a ways away, but you got to have a used car lot in town with one in inventory? I doubt you'll find someone who's done this swap when there are still tons of the 80-96/97sd trucks hanging around for cheap. So in your case you'll probably have to either measure for yourself or find someone willing to measure their truck for you.

Dec 17, 2011 | 06:33 PM

fellro86

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From: Marengo, Iowa

That's about the only way you will figure it out, as you are doing something that generally isn't really considered due to so many things different. I doubt anything will be a straight swap, it likely will require a large amount of fabrication.