Model Year Changes?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 950
Likes: 2
From: West Bend
Model Year Changes?
Hello,
I have a 1985 F-250 4x4 which is in pretty good condition mechanically, but body-wise, it's quite horrid. I figure I'll replace the box with a flatbed/stakebed, fenders are fix-able, but the cab needs to be replaced for sure. It's so rusted that the body line is about 4 to 6 inches low on the drivers side, and about 2 to 3 on the passenger side. I went over a good sized bump and the front drivers side cab mount box collapsed a little, not to mention the seat is rusted through and about 3" low from the floor. It's to the point where the shift lever in park actually has the transmission in Reverse (since the front mount collapsed). There's a 1990 F250 cab in the Junkyard (no rust at all) and looks to have the same instrumentation etc. Will I be able to use the '90 year cab, or did cab mount placement/doors change? Willing to do custom fabrications if need be, but prefer a bolt-in swap. If anyone knows if it will work, your help would be greatly appreciated! ckleman@charter.net if you wish to email. Thankyou!
I have a 1985 F-250 4x4 which is in pretty good condition mechanically, but body-wise, it's quite horrid. I figure I'll replace the box with a flatbed/stakebed, fenders are fix-able, but the cab needs to be replaced for sure. It's so rusted that the body line is about 4 to 6 inches low on the drivers side, and about 2 to 3 on the passenger side. I went over a good sized bump and the front drivers side cab mount box collapsed a little, not to mention the seat is rusted through and about 3" low from the floor. It's to the point where the shift lever in park actually has the transmission in Reverse (since the front mount collapsed). There's a 1990 F250 cab in the Junkyard (no rust at all) and looks to have the same instrumentation etc. Will I be able to use the '90 year cab, or did cab mount placement/doors change? Willing to do custom fabrications if need be, but prefer a bolt-in swap. If anyone knows if it will work, your help would be greatly appreciated! ckleman@charter.net if you wish to email. Thankyou!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Model Year Changes?
why not stay with the same yr? there aught to be lots of '80-86 models in junkyards. You might find a truck in this model yr range for for sale for a low price, that the motor is shot but the body is good. There's still lots of these around. It's always best to stay with the same yr models, that way you'll know everything will fit, except maybe some minor issues. Going to a '90 ('87-91 has same body style) is pretty risky for such a big job, not knowing what kind of problems you'll run into. I would get out a tape measure and measure mounting locations, front to rear and left to right where possible. Cross members might be in slightly different locations. Then there's the clutch mechanism, steering column mounting, electrical connections, '90 has a computer which means all the wire harness going into the cab would be different, ect. But if you like to "rig" stuff and have access to welding or other machine shop facilities--and a little patience ....I guess one can almost do anything...
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 950
Likes: 2
From: West Bend
Model Year Changes?
I would do that, except all those year cabs are pretty well rusted out. They use a LOT of salt in the area, and the '90 cab is completely rust free. All I wanna know is if the cab mounts line up, the doors will change over, and the body is the same style. I've got a torch and welders and steel and not afraid to fabricate if need be. Changing interior/dash/gauges etc. is minor stuff and wouldn't take more than an afternoon to do. just need a solid tub.
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