Downgraded front clip?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Bakken
Downgraded front clip?
Hey everybody, Happy new year.
I've been reading through some of the older posts and have seen a bunch of threads on upgrading to newer front clips, mirrors, interior, etc...
Personally, I've always liked the front ends from the 99-04 models, which is why I just bought my 04 besides for the price and condition. I'd seen a deal on an 08 at the dealer that I was tempted to buy until I found my truck. So my question is for the next truck, is it possible to take a newer truck and "downgrade" the front end to the older style?
I know you have to do a lot of cutting and fabricating to go to the newer styles so would it be easier to go back?
I've been reading through some of the older posts and have seen a bunch of threads on upgrading to newer front clips, mirrors, interior, etc...
Personally, I've always liked the front ends from the 99-04 models, which is why I just bought my 04 besides for the price and condition. I'd seen a deal on an 08 at the dealer that I was tempted to buy until I found my truck. So my question is for the next truck, is it possible to take a newer truck and "downgrade" the front end to the older style?
I know you have to do a lot of cutting and fabricating to go to the newer styles so would it be easier to go back?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,863
Likes: 4
From: Airdrie Alberta
You can do anything you want to do as long as you are willing to pay for it. I think going for your 04 look on anything newer than an 07 is going to be more hassle than it is worth though. Even on the 05-07 probably not as easy as upgrading the earlier models to the 05-07 look.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 1
From: ALPHA ,NJ
I'm going to say not really feasible. To put an 08 front end on an older truck you have to weld in spacers to fit the fenders properly as well as modify the Frame. So to fit the older stuff you would have to switch out the fenders and cut the inner fenders and modify the Frame.
Sent from my Galaxy using IB AutoGroup
Sent from my Galaxy using IB AutoGroup
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,450
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
I prefer my 04 body over all the other years but IF I buy a new truck I won't be going back to the older body look, trust me the new body will grow on you after you buy it
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 565
Likes: 33
From: Newcastle & Gillette WY
Taking an 05-08 back to the 99-04 look wouldn't require cutting/welding if you change the header panel. Newer (than 08) models would involve extensive work.
Hi-Teck may be able to help you out. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...0-shipped.html
BTW Jeff, I'm with you on the front leafs!
Hi-Teck may be able to help you out. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...0-shipped.html
BTW Jeff, I'm with you on the front leafs!
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 1
From: ALPHA ,NJ
Sent from my Galaxy using IB AutoGroup
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
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 1
From: ALPHA ,NJ
Taking an 05-08 back to the 99-04 look wouldn't require cutting/welding if you change the header panel. Newer (than 08) models would involve extensive work.
Hi-Teck may be able to help you out. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...0-shipped.html
BTW Jeff, I'm with you on the front leafs!
Hi-Teck may be able to help you out. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...0-shipped.html
BTW Jeff, I'm with you on the front leafs!
Sent from my Galaxy using IB AutoGroup
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
The '08 and newer trucks have a revised front frame. This was done because of the larger heat exchangers mounted in the nose, like the radiator, trans cooler, intercooler and such. An '07 and earlier nose probably won't have enough room for the upgraded cooling bits.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
I think there would be enough room for the fenders, hood, grill, and lights but I think a custom bumper would have to made to fill the gaps of the different frame and taller front end.
I think the OP should try it out and post pics.
I think the OP should try it out and post pics.