I don't know how to start this so here goes

I got a 96' XLT and I have heard that it has around 104" of wheelbase?

I can pick up a 79' body for 600-800 (cab, quarters, front clip.)

How difficult would it be to take the 79' body, put it on my 96' frame and put all my interior inside the 79 body?

This is just a rough idea for now but the 79 body is rust free just needs to be prepped for paint while my 96' needs to be blasted down, patched and recoated.

 

Aside from being completely different in physical dimensions and every mounting point between body and frame ('79 frame averages 3" more width than later models), the swap should be painless. The 79 body is heavier and lacks ALL of the necessary provisions for maintaining the onboard computer systems (OBD-II, ABS, Electronic 4WD shifting (if equipped)). Shift linkages are completely different. Not sure how contrived fuel fill neck will end up, that could be the simplest part. Bumper mounting will need at least some fabrication unless you plan on using the '96 bumpers under the '79 body. PSOM connections are the most critical in the dashboard that do not exist and there is no provision in the '96 drivetrain for a mechanical speedometer/odometer. These are the pitfalls I can think of at this point. Anything can be done. It depends on how much work/fabrication you want to do to get it there.

 

Save the headaches and get a 79 Bronco on it's frame. Plus you will already have a solid axle instead of the doucheTBB.

 

TTB is a fine setup and more functional than standard a-frames or solid axles. But that is not what this thread is about so I will refrain from saying any more.

 

I was just aiming for a replaced tub since mine looks like the bottom half is starting to take a crap on me, but the rest is just surface rust so a DA will take care of it.