Cab swap starting
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Norristown PA
Cab swap starting
Finally picked up my new cab today. Going on my 88 F250 7.3 IDI
Original cab is rotted beyond repair. Going to update the process though out the swap. After swapping the cab, I'm basically going to replace all the sheet metal on the truck. (Doors, fenders, core support, bed, tailgate) One piece at a time.
Original cab is rotted beyond repair. Going to update the process though out the swap. After swapping the cab, I'm basically going to replace all the sheet metal on the truck. (Doors, fenders, core support, bed, tailgate) One piece at a time.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
That's how my 84's cab came home from the yard too! Easy going in the bed(fork lift at yard), but a PITA getting it out from a tree...
With a cab stripped out like that, and accessible now is the best time to really seal up the firewall and cowl areas to keep water leaks and rust occuring.
With a cab stripped out like that, and accessible now is the best time to really seal up the firewall and cowl areas to keep water leaks and rust occuring.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 53
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From: Norristown PA
I'm hoping about 6 guys can lift it out of the bed. I plan on completely stripping cab of everything and sealing it, with either roll on bed liner (Rhinoliner?) or POR15. Interior too. Hoping it with help with sound dampening too. I still have to order body mount bushings too. I don't plan on this being done in a weekend either. Especially with the very cold weather lately. Lucky it's not my only 4x4 truck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
Problem there!!! The 88 dash may not mount up into the 92 cab unless you do some mounting fabrication for the older dash. The steering column mounts are different too.
I have not messed around much with the 92 F150 I have, but have noticed the dash/column mounts are different than the 87 to 91 trucks.
80 to 86 cabs are bolt and go between those years
87 to 91 cabs are bolt and go between those years
92 to 96?/7 are bolt and go between those years
I found out this the hard way when I tried using a 91 cab for my 84 truck. I finaly made up firewall mounts for the 84 dash and had to use the 84's steering bracket(The brace that is spot welded to firewall,holds up the column) in the 91 cab. Few months ago, I found a 86 cab that is ALOT better shape than the 91 cab, so for $250, it came home and I swapped it over.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
Don't worry, it's doable, but you may need to swap a bracket or two. Someone else did the swap here, maybe if you search you'll find it. I haven't had my coffee yet, so I'm no help... 
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 13
I'm hoping about 6 guys can lift it out of the bed. I plan on completely stripping cab of everything and sealing it, with either roll on bed liner (Rhinoliner?) or POR15. Interior too. Hoping it with help with sound dampening too. I still have to order body mount bushings too. I don't plan on this being done in a weekend either. Especially with the very cold weather lately. Lucky it's not my only 4x4 truck.
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Norristown PA
Problem there!!! The 88 dash may not mount up into the 92 cab unless you do some mounting fabrication for the older dash. The steering column mounts are different too.
I have not messed around much with the 92 F150 I have, but have noticed the dash/column mounts are different than the 87 to 91 trucks.
80 to 86 cabs are bolt and go between those years
87 to 91 cabs are bolt and go between those years
92 to 96?/7 are bolt and go between those years
I found out this the hard way when I tried using a 91 cab for my 84 truck. I finaly made up firewall mounts for the 84 dash and had to use the 84's steering bracket(The brace that is spot welded to firewall,holds up the column) in the 91 cab. Few months ago, I found a 86 cab that is ALOT better shape than the 91 cab, so for $250, it came home and I swapped it over.
I have not messed around much with the 92 F150 I have, but have noticed the dash/column mounts are different than the 87 to 91 trucks.
80 to 86 cabs are bolt and go between those years
87 to 91 cabs are bolt and go between those years
92 to 96?/7 are bolt and go between those years
I found out this the hard way when I tried using a 91 cab for my 84 truck. I finaly made up firewall mounts for the 84 dash and had to use the 84's steering bracket(The brace that is spot welded to firewall,holds up the column) in the 91 cab. Few months ago, I found a 86 cab that is ALOT better shape than the 91 cab, so for $250, it came home and I swapped it over.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Norristown PA
Well, first "real" problem showed up today when I was looking at the 88 cab. The firewall on the driverside is very different. I guess I'm gonna cut out most of the old firewall and weld it into the new cab. Still not that bad, just gonna take some more time.
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: N E Pa.
Its amazing the lengths we'll go to keep our truck's on the road . I did my swap just over a year ago . Don't be surprised if when you remove your old cab you find rot on the frame where it mounts .
BTW my 88 donor has a diesel if you need any parts , I'm just down the road (no goodto me )
BTW my 88 donor has a diesel if you need any parts , I'm just down the road (no goodto me )
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Norristown PA
Got the cab out of the truck with out any help. Just me and a engine crane. Also got the dash board out of the 88. I found a couple brackets that will need to be welded to the new cab. Also my 88 dash is in terrible shape. I'm looking for either a nice 88 dash or a 93 diesel dash and engine harness, and cluster.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Like others have said. The complete firewall is different between the 2 trucks. I would plan on cutting you old firewall out and welding it not your "new" cab.
That or just get the Right 87-91 cab and bolt it on
That or just get the Right 87-91 cab and bolt it on
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Norristown PA
Old cab is 85% stripped. Just carpet, headliner and trim panels left. Also still have to remove fenders and hood. Also hooked up on a very nice Eddie Bauer dashboard and door panels, and hopefully doors. Going to pull and pick up next sunday.
The rust was really bad!
The rust was really bad!