crew cab questions
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 3
From: Shelton, washington
crew cab questions
Hello comrades,
I have 2 crew cabs the first is a1984 f350 2 wheel drive that is in great shape minus the lack of a driveline but runs.
The second is a 1985 f350 4x4 that is in rough shape but runs and drives. Both have the same engine a 460ci and the same trans.
I want to convert the 84 to 4x4 using the 85 as a donor. My question is what would be easier a full body swap or swapping the suspension, front and rear ends as well as the trans?
I have 2 crew cabs the first is a1984 f350 2 wheel drive that is in great shape minus the lack of a driveline but runs.
The second is a 1985 f350 4x4 that is in rough shape but runs and drives. Both have the same engine a 460ci and the same trans.
I want to convert the 84 to 4x4 using the 85 as a donor. My question is what would be easier a full body swap or swapping the suspension, front and rear ends as well as the trans?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
I'm going to say body swap. The F150's are bolt in conversations 2wd to 4wd, but the f250/350 are not. The earlier trucks are easier and it has been done before, so it is possible.
Swapping bodies will give you a chance to clean and prep the 4x4 frame. Take as much as you can out of the cab, doors included and get 4-5 strong friends to help lift it off. Same with the bed.
Swapping bodies will give you a chance to clean and prep the 4x4 frame. Take as much as you can out of the cab, doors included and get 4-5 strong friends to help lift it off. Same with the bed.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I would bet the body swap is easiest, but I'm not sure. One of the issues you may encounter is that the cab mount bolts may be rusted and, therefore, difficult to remove. If they are so badly rusted that you ruin them getting the cab off then that isn't a good plan. So, if you decide on that approach then you should try to remove the cab mount bolts and see how easy that is - and don't ruin the mounts if you run into serious resistance.
Beyond removing the mount bolts you will also have to remove the wiring, which runs from the left headlight, into and across the cab, and then forward to the right headlight. It isn't easy but I think it is easier than swapping the engine, transmission, front axles, etc.
Beyond removing the mount bolts you will also have to remove the wiring, which runs from the left headlight, into and across the cab, and then forward to the right headlight. It isn't easy but I think it is easier than swapping the engine, transmission, front axles, etc.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
You actually might be able to bring the cab over with the wiring intact - assuming both trucks have the same options. Just disconnect all the stuff under the hood, remove the fenders, unbolt the cabs, and swap.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 3
From: Shelton, washington
Sadly the trucks are night and day when options are concerned. The 84 is a XL with almost every option. The 85 is a base model.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Well, I mis-spoke. It really isn't "options". I believe the base wiring harness is the same, and the add-on harnesses have to do with what engine is used, if the truck has A/C or not, etc. So, you should be able to swap the add-on harnesses if need be.
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
When in doubt...use the parts catalog....and you'll see there is more than one base (dash) wiring harness.
the base wiring harness is the same, and the add-on harnesses have to do with what engine is used, if the truck has A/C or not, etc.