Are the cabs of F-Series trucks the same from 1980-96 or did they switch styles like they did on the front clip?

 

As I understand it, the 87+ cabs aren't exactly the same - physical mounting of the dash is different, different wiring, different pedal assemblies.

 

Yep, the 87+ cabs are diffrent in the dash mounting AND seatbelt retractors. I found out the hard way when I swapped a 90's cab on to my 84 F250. Had to do some fab work to get the 84 dash mounted, the seat belts are going to be the 90's style as I don't want to cut up the B-piller. Wiring for me is no issue at all and I am going to custom design a new harness.

 

thanks guys thats what I figured.

 

Cab to frame mounts are all the same from 80-96(97).

80-86, seat belt retractor is by your head,

87-97, seat belt retractor is on the floor,

Pedal assemblys is 80-86 only, 87-91 only, and 92-97 only. 80-82 is mechanical clutch linkages, while 83+ is hydraulic.


Rad supports - 80-86, 87-91 and 92-97.


80-86 cabs are NOT pre-punched for clutch master cylinder, while 87+ cabs are punched for master cylinder, the auto ones have a plate over the hole, bolted from the inside.

 

Do the 80-82's require a stiffener to properly handle the hyd master cylinder? If so, can it be gotten from an 83 - 86?

 

Are you talking about a firewall re-enforment plate? If so, then yes, it's a good idea to put one in, as it's so common for the firewall to crack in these trucks.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post10694047

 

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks! I'm going to be installing a ZF5 in Dad's '81 at some point, so needed that link.

 

Glad to help

 

82+ cabs are stamped for the clutch master cyl, the outer layer of re-enforcement is punched, 80-81 have nothing and you are on your own for locating the master.
I have put an 86 interior in a 94 cab before, it's all doable.

 

That's a good piece of info to know. Just so happens Dad's is an '81 but the cab is rusty so I'm planning on putting the '82 cab on that I have. So, at least I'll know where the MC goes, but need to find a reinforcement plate or make one myself. Thanks a bunch for the info.

 

I also found the clutch MC are diffrent between the years on how they mount into the firewall. I got a brand new MC for my 84 cab and went to install it in the 90 cab, well it would fit but it will be not vertical(good luck filling it). So make sure you get the correct year MC for that cab year.

 

Besides the minor bracket differences, and position of some of the holes and components, overall the cabs are all the same correct? With some work, a later cab can always be used on a earlier truck?

 

Yep, I have a 90 cab on my 84 F250. Had to do some mods for the dash to mount and had to swap the 84 pedal assy over to the 90 cab. I am not messing with the seat belts as thats too involved in swapping for me(most probly will not notice the seat belts being the wrong year anyway)

 

Well, I guess that means I have a problem as the MC I have is from a '90 F350, as did the ZF5. My plan is to do the tranny swap when the cab is off and then fit up things like the clutch mechanism when the cab goes back on but before anything goes into the cab. That'll give maximum access to things like the master cylinder.

But, some have gone with a mechanical clutch linkage on the ZF when installing it in an earlier truck. I wonder how much pedal pressure that would give?