Just wanted to say hello this is my first day on here. I just bought me a 49 ford f 1 I am going to fix up. The seller also has a 1979 ford bronco he is wanting to sell me. He said the f 1 will fit the bronco frame, just checking before I buy it. Thanks Raybob

 

Welcome raybob . I would give that bronco body swap careful consideration from all angles before you make any commitment . In this hobby patience will be your greatest asset , lots of cash wouldn't hurt either .

 

Welcome, the bronco drive train will fit under your f1. Where are you located? Any pictures ? We love pictures. I would guess the bronco swap would depend on your mechanical capabilities. Good luck on your project.

Bob

 

Welcome!

Frame swaps aren't easy, and the ten inches difference in the Bronco's wheelbase compared to the F-1's means you'll have to stretch the Bronco's frame. They aren't the same width either, about 4 - 5 inches difference as I recall. Not a weekend project.

 

Welcome to the board!

That cold be an intersting project. You'll need lots of patience, skils, and a good tape measure but anything is possible. Oh, and a good steady supply of frosty beverages wouldn't hurt either.

Bobby

 

I f the bronco is off that amount I will try something different. any ideas. Raybob

 

I havent heard of an easy frame swap yet, I was going to use a Dodge dakota frame but ending up cutting the heck out of it and the old butchered panel frame to make my panel one work. I takes a lot of time and patients to due these. Not to mention have to fabricate every single darn bracket,brake lines and mounts. And I still dont have anything as nice as some of these guy rigs here. I think you would be better off buying a TCI unit or something simlar that have already done the hard work and is very nice and SAFE. I am not trying to discourage you if you have the skills if you dont....Really think about it. Just some friendly advice. I have some picture of my build on here, take a look and it may give you an Idea what I had to do. Good luck and Welcome to the forum!

 

Is the F1 frame junk? you said you were fixing it up, so you are wanting it 4x4?
There are a few guys on here that have used the F1 frame and put different axles under it. I am sure they will chime in soon! Seems to me like I remember an early bronco (66-77) axle for the front end.

 

Spend your money on a used Jag IFS and a 57-72 9" rear end. Your existing frame with those componets will be just fine.

 

Hey Raybob,
You got the first part right - You bought a 1948 F1! Now don't wander off into the desert in search of some magical frame swap - use the frame you have & fix what's bothering you.

o Stock rear gear ratio won't let you get to highway speeds.
Pull the rear axle & replace it with an older F150 9 inch or an Explorer
8.8 inch with a nice gear ratio. (Takes a weekend or two).

o The stock drum brakes are scary.....
Do some maintenance & replace the worn out pads & lines or
put in a front disc brake conversion - $400. (A weekend).

o The steering wanders all over the road & is a rough ride...
Replace the worn out King pins, bushings, etc. & tighten up the stock
straight axle or install a Mustang II kit made for our trucks. $1500 -
$2500 & 3 to 4 months. (Fix the stock front end $800 & 4 weeks).

You can get there without replacing the frame but if you really want to replace it - TCI makes some with the 4 wheel disc brakes & Independent front suspension, etc. but they are pricey - $8K or so?

Good luck over there - Shoot some pics of your truck & let us know what
you like & what is challenging you. Please don't wander off into the desert in search of frame swaps.....

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

frame is ok, I think I will replace the rearend with a 9' ford I did that on a car I have I used a 59 ford 9" 57 1/4" wide. does anyone know off hand what 9" to use in my 49 ford f1. also I am going to rebuild my stock front end and install a toyota power steering. question after you install the power steering and rebuild the frontend does it steer like a modern day truck. thanks Raybob

 

I got my drive train out of a 68 Ford Fairlane. The rear was about 58" which was alittle narrow so I made up the difference with reverse wheels. I think the correct width is 59 1/2". Someone one this site will know the exact size. I think the frame swap is too much work which can turn into a black hole for your $$. Just use the drive train from the Bronco. That is assuming the 49's frame is ok. Welcome to the site. Lots of good folks willing to help.

 

Hey Raybob,
Here is a link to the bible on what will fit our trucks. The '48-'52
are a little narrower than the '53 & later.

Ben in Austin

1948 through 1960 Ford F-1 and F-100 Rear Axle (differential) Swaps .: Articles

 

Welcome to FTE! Looking forward to seeing pics!

 

My '48 is sitting on an '86 Bronco frame. Lots of "fab" work. I shortened my bed by 10in.