Frame Swap
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New User
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Mechanicsburg, OH
Frame Swap
So my truck is an F150 2wd with a great rust free body and the truck has some sentimental meaning to me. I had an idea about swapping the body onto a 4x4 f250 frame, I would rather have it become a heavier duty 4x4 truck and this seems like a fairly easy way to do it. The body would be a direct bolt on correct? Would I be able to bolt the body on to any frame from 1980 to 1997? Just an idea I've thought of, thanks for your input
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From: Virginia
Yes, as long as it's the same wheelbase, it will bolt up. But, you may have gas tank problems. Since you have a 86 body, you need to stick with the older sending units since the guages are different around 88 and later, so those later tanks won't work with your older fuel gauge. Your truck is also fuel injected most likely, so if you put a carbed engine/frame under your body, you may need completely new tanks or sending units, since your sending units/tanks have fuel pumps inside them.
Your 86 front bumper may or may not bolt up to a 87 and later frame. I was recently told it would, but double check to make sure.
And of course your GVWR on your door tag won't be correct for a f250. Not a problem unless something legal happens and they find you where grossly overloaded according to your GVWR tag.
Your 86 front bumper may or may not bolt up to a 87 and later frame. I was recently told it would, but double check to make sure.
And of course your GVWR on your door tag won't be correct for a f250. Not a problem unless something legal happens and they find you where grossly overloaded according to your GVWR tag.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Mechanicsburg, OH
Thanks for the info, the gas tank situation doesn't seem too major of an issue, I could just keep my old tanks. Yes my truck is fuel injected so I would definitely stick with that. I had an idea of getting a frame with a 7.3 on it, but these are just ideas at this point.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 235
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From: Balt. Co, MD
I haven't had firsthand experience with this, but I'm looking into a cab swap so I've done a little research. From what I can tell, you'll need to keep in mind that you'll have to make a hole for the transfer case shift lever if your current truck is automatic and the new truck is a 4x4. The cover on a stock 4x4 is pretty big, but you could probably get away with cutting a much smaller hole and the shift boot will cover it. Best of luck.
Also your location says Mechanicsburg. Are you in PA?
Also your location says Mechanicsburg. Are you in PA?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
It can be done, you will just have to come up with a plan.
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New User
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From: Mechanicsburg, OH
Yeah the fuel tanks will be an issue, would it be easier to just use some older diesel tanks out of a 6.9 truck?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Yes. But I will warn you, the sending units in all these trucks are famous for wearing out, and the diesel units are hard to find and very expensive if you do. They are different because the have a return line fitting, but no electric pump in the tank.
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