Hello all, I am new to the site.

I will start off by qualifying (or trying to) my post as I currently do not own any ford vehicles. I own a 74 Dodge D500. It is a 2 ton truck, rear wheel drive with a 313-1 engine in it. The reason I am here asking for help/advice is because I plan to soon own a 60s something Ford F600. The Ford cab/tranny/engine is all scrapped, but it is a 4x4 with what looks like rockwells under it. The running gear is all complete and she shares the same tire size in 8.25-20.

I want (against some advice) to try to convert my Dodge 500 truck to a 4x4 and do this by basically swapping out the axles/tires/T-case from this Ford. I know I will have to get custom drive shafts at some point. I also want to repower my truck with a cummins but that is another story.

I had a chance to look over the Ford and the spring mounts look very similar to the ones on my truck. The frames of both trucks also look near identifical if not.

My question is; from what I can see, It looks like the swap would basically require new holes drilled in the frame of my truck to accept the different spring monts from the ford, or... possibly swapping the springs to mount on my Dodges spring mounts.

Anyway, I have some tools for the job, and access to a rear shop. However, I will admit I am limitted in knowledge about these trucks and have already learnt lots from cooming through your forums.

Iam sorry if I am out of line posting on your Ford forum and do not want to start a war.

Any advice would be gretly appreciated regarding major hurdles I should expect or things I should prepare for.

Joe.

 

Welcome to FTE.

So you have a rolling chassis--axles, driveshafts and transfer case? No engine, no trans, no cab.

And you want to repower with a Cummins.

I'd repower now, and transfer the Dodge cab over to this frame, along with whatever bed you have on the Dodge now.

Serving suggestion, ymmv.

 

I agree, put the Cummins in the Ford. And use your dodge cab.

..... the mid 90's medium duty Ford came with the 12 valve Cummins so finding mounts would be easy.

Oh and welcome to FTE.

 

Most medium/heavy trucks had nearly the same frame rails, with few exceptions. The above posts are right, repower now, and transfer the Dodge over to the Ford frame. They should both have a 34" wide frame, outside rail to outside rail. It could be as simple as transferring body mounts, and such. I've done this a few times myself, and it makes life much easier.

 

Agreed, its easier to transfer a cab than running gear..

 

thanks for the replies. I accept the advice, and will try to follow that path. The only block I am getting at is how/if I could ever get this other truck registered and insured.... If it is not a big job/deal then absolutely I will do that. However, I am afraid that they will find any and every reason not to insure an old heavy truck in this modern 'green power' society. If that is the case, I will have to weight which would be more hassle... fighting to get the Ford insured and on the road or seriously looking at replacing the running gear on my already insured D500.

That being said... I have (well almost, pick her up wednesday) the Ford. Now, I feel bad for asking, but can I get some decoding help?. I seriously looked elsewhere on the forums for the answer since im guessing you guys are tired of decoding vins... but here we go:

F60ECJ14783

T32 T F600 D 8 4 66

19500 182 3800 B66753


Then on the sun visor is a sticker that says :

"NAPCO POWER-PAK" which then has a small diagram of how to use the all wheel drive and shift the T-case.

Again, any info from the above codes would be appreciated.

Joe.

 

No input on the code breakdown, as it's a bit too new for me, but I don't think you'll have issue with the paperwork end. Most states have procedures for folks working on classic/antique autos. If you have the paperwork on both rigs, it could be as simple as taking it in to your DMV, with both titles, or whatever, and filing a form. It would likely stay registered as the D500. In my state, Oregon, it's as simple as filling out the assembled vehicle title form, and submitting that along with the titles, or bills of sale. They title/register as to what it resembles overall. Insurance would likely follow along with DMV.