Frame swap
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 8
From: Indian Falls, New York
1980-1986 obviously, though 1980-1981 had Swiss cheese frames. 87-96 and 97 for F250 an up will work but the front end is a bit different but body swaps have been done so i don't think its too bad. The front bumper mounting brackets are also different after 86. The 2WD frames are similar as I have learned here but the springs are smaller and needs to be replaced if the truck is 4WD.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 115
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From: Lockport
Oh awesome, thank you.
I think I may and try to make my 2wd frame into a 4wd come spring instead of looking for a new one just yet.
I started looking around for front suspension shackles and they are much more common than I thought they were going to be.(and cheaper)
I think I may and try to make my 2wd frame into a 4wd come spring instead of looking for a new one just yet.
I started looking around for front suspension shackles and they are much more common than I thought they were going to be.(and cheaper)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 8
From: Indian Falls, New York
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 115
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From: Lockport
With this swap, I already have a c6 and tc. The truck I have is a 4 speed w/ a blown tranny. How difficult is it to make it to an auto(i would prefer it to be a top loader instead of the collumn)
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Lockport
so i figured Id make a comment on this since it has been awhile...
frame swap got cancelled. the donor frame was rotted too much and it not stable sad day... another one will be going to the scrap yard
frame swap got cancelled. the donor frame was rotted too much and it not stable sad day... another one will be going to the scrap yard
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From: Virginia
You said something about front shackles, so you must be working on a f250 or 350. 4x4 swaps are possible on those trucks, but it's not a bolt in like the f150 swap is. A little bit of rivet drilling/grinding and bracket swapping afterward.
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From: Lockport
If I don't sell the truck then I am interested in doing the conversion.
I would probably just get a divorced tcase
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
No you don't need to box the frame, but you need to do a little modification to the front of the frame and bolt in the small brackets(drill out the rivets on the 4x4 donor) that mount the shackels up inside the front frame. You will have to position and drill a few holes for the rear spring hanger bracket.
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From: Lockport
I am going to start looking into getting it lined up
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