Frame Replacement
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Frame Replacement
So I just purchased a "new" used pickup to replace the one that I had to junk last year. 1996 Ford F150 8 cyl 5.0L 4x4 manual Eddie Bauer Edition with 3" Lift, the wheel base is 133 and it does not have a snow plow package. Pictures to come tomorrow.
My problem is that despite the fact that body is in great shape for a Ford Truck and the engine runs strong the frame is a bit on the rusty side and has at least 1 rust hole is present. I have applied rust mort rust stop but my body guy says its too far gone to do much to save it and that the damage is done. I am looking to get the frame replaced but since Ford no longer makes reproduction frames I need a salvage frame. What years of truck can I get a salvaged frame from? I searched the forums but could find nothing. Is there anyone that has any advice? Also if I am looking to restore the truck toget it close to original should I look into undoing the 3" lift? Hopefully someone can help.
My problem is that despite the fact that body is in great shape for a Ford Truck and the engine runs strong the frame is a bit on the rusty side and has at least 1 rust hole is present. I have applied rust mort rust stop but my body guy says its too far gone to do much to save it and that the damage is done. I am looking to get the frame replaced but since Ford no longer makes reproduction frames I need a salvage frame. What years of truck can I get a salvaged frame from? I searched the forums but could find nothing. Is there anyone that has any advice? Also if I am looking to restore the truck toget it close to original should I look into undoing the 3" lift? Hopefully someone can help.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 4
From: boonville ny
depens what cab and how long the box is. the 92-96 f150 frame is all the same. if you got a reg cab long bed than thats the frame your gonna need or extended cab short bed your gonna need that frame just depends on which body options you got. i think your gonna have to change motor mounts or something if you get a frame that had a straight 6 but you could just use the ones from your old frame. maybe it woulda been better just to fix up your old truck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
You need a 92-96 F150 reg cab long bed frame. Nothing else will work.
Got any pics of your current frame, Holes can be repaired pretty easily.
like this
Rotted and thin
Piece of frame for donor
Bad cut out
Patch cut out
Patch welded in
Got any pics of your current frame, Holes can be repaired pretty easily.
like this
Rotted and thin
Piece of frame for donor
Bad cut out
Patch cut out
Patch welded in
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Frame Pictures
Snapfish: Share:Registration
If that doesnt work here are a few.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
That is not too bad at all. I'm not sure in that 1st pic of that is supposed to be 2 factory holes or just one. I would go around with a pick hammer and safety glasses. Just start hitting the frame knocking the scale off and listen for thin spots. After that a GOOD power washing with a 0* nozzle. Then some Marine Clean, and Metal Ready. Then 2 good coats of POR15. DONE
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
That isn't bad at all. I've seen worst here in salt free Arkansas.
But the ABS servo looks like someone got tired of the abs light and used it as a boat anchor.
But the ABS servo looks like someone got tired of the abs light and used it as a boat anchor.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Salvageable
ABS Servo?
Coil spring tower and leaf spring hangers. Are they easy to replace if I take the frame off the body? Can I get these pieces new? Or do I have to salvage them?
My body shop guy said that there is not much he can do for me. He said it's rotting from the inside of the hollow spaces, and that a good sandblasting would not stop the rust. Is the frame worth saving, filling the rotted holes with fresh metal, or would it be more beneficial to get a new unrusted frame?
I have limited experience with bodywork and rust prevention on the frame. I am originally from the northeast and we didn't stop the rust. It was easier to let the truck go when it got too bad and buy a new one.
Coil spring tower and leaf spring hangers. Are they easy to replace if I take the frame off the body? Can I get these pieces new? Or do I have to salvage them?
My body shop guy said that there is not much he can do for me. He said it's rotting from the inside of the hollow spaces, and that a good sandblasting would not stop the rust. Is the frame worth saving, filling the rotted holes with fresh metal, or would it be more beneficial to get a new unrusted frame?
I have limited experience with bodywork and rust prevention on the frame. I am originally from the northeast and we didn't stop the rust. It was easier to let the truck go when it got too bad and buy a new one.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
ABS servo is what i call this when I'm not looking in the book for is real name. 
As for the coil spring tower and leaf spring hangers. I can go to my local O'Reilly's and pick up the hangers, order the coil spring tower and grab a few shock mounts just for the heck of it.
Forget the body guy, he doesn't want to work on your truck and he's been trying to tell you this with out saying it. But if you force him to, he's going to make you pay.
What you need is a buddy, that has a welder, air tools, and a set of wrenches. That is willing to be paid in beers.
As for the coil spring tower and leaf spring hangers. I can go to my local O'Reilly's and pick up the hangers, order the coil spring tower and grab a few shock mounts just for the heck of it.
Forget the body guy, he doesn't want to work on your truck and he's been trying to tell you this with out saying it. But if you force him to, he's going to make you pay.
What you need is a buddy, that has a welder, air tools, and a set of wrenches. That is willing to be paid in beers.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
As for the coil spring tower and leaf spring hangers. I can go to my local O'Reilly's and pick up the hangers, order the coil spring tower and grab a few shock mounts just for the heck of it.
Forget the body guy, he doesn't want to work on your truck and he's been trying to tell you this with out saying it. But if you force him to, he's going to make you pay.
What you need is a buddy, that has a welder, air tools, and a set of wrenches. That is willing to be paid in beers.
Exactly what he said
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
Get yourself a wire wheel on a grinder and go at it with that and a hammer. You will be amazed at what a difference it will make once you get the scale off. Just did most of mine that way and and followed that up with some chassis saver and top coated it with blitz black paint. Looks great.
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Frame
Ok, So I was able to snag a replacement frame, radius arms, spare tire bracket and steel rimmed spare tire for about $600 that is in much better condition then mine was. I have a place that is doing the work for me as I have neither a garage or a place to do the work myself. They are going to do all the work for old frame removal, including engine, suspension, body and such for $4500 and gave a time frame of 30 days. The total for parts (frame and yard parts included) will be around $1600. I am hoping you all can provide input about prices and job time. Further I was planning on doing the best I could with the frame on the truck but was unsure if the time and $ put in would be worth the return.
Opinion:
Several buddies also think I should just leave it as is and when it dies get a new truck. Am I crazy for wanting to restore and hang on to this classic American truck?
Opinion:
Several buddies also think I should just leave it as is and when it dies get a new truck. Am I crazy for wanting to restore and hang on to this classic American truck?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 43
From: New York
Yes. For $6000 you can buy a lot more truck than you'd have after investing that much in what you already have. If I was to do it again, I'd find a rust-free specimen from the south and have it transported up.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Damage truck
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
33
Nov 18, 2017 06:54 PM
Alec Blanchard
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
7
May 2, 2016 12:56 AM
Bluethunder3320
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
0
Jul 13, 2012 10:59 PM