Possible Cab Swap
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
Possible Cab Swap
Hey all,
I have just aquired a 1988 F-350 dually 4x4, with 7.3 and C6 for next to nothing. It doesn't have a bed (or anything on the back for that matter) and the vin tag says incomplete vehicle, its titled as a cab and chassis. The cab is shot. The back is actually sitting on the frame from where it rotted. I bought it with the intent of it being a parts truck, but the rest of the truck is really not in too bad of shape. And I think there may be potential to save it.
I also have a 1988 F-150 with 302 and AOD 4x2, with a real nice cab, fenders and doors. Box has typical rot, but other than that cab is real solid.
I was wondering what all would be involved in swaping cabs.
I have titles to both trucks, and obviously both are Reg Cab trucks. Just kinda testing the waters to see what I may be getting myself into.
I may place a call to the DMV tomorrow and see what you would have to go through for paper work stuff. Pry all about money I'm sure. lol.
Wiring does not scare me, so I feel confident with that.
Thanks for any input!
P.S. I'll try and post some pictures of the trucks here in just a bit.
I have just aquired a 1988 F-350 dually 4x4, with 7.3 and C6 for next to nothing. It doesn't have a bed (or anything on the back for that matter) and the vin tag says incomplete vehicle, its titled as a cab and chassis. The cab is shot. The back is actually sitting on the frame from where it rotted. I bought it with the intent of it being a parts truck, but the rest of the truck is really not in too bad of shape. And I think there may be potential to save it.
I also have a 1988 F-150 with 302 and AOD 4x2, with a real nice cab, fenders and doors. Box has typical rot, but other than that cab is real solid.
I was wondering what all would be involved in swaping cabs.
I have titles to both trucks, and obviously both are Reg Cab trucks. Just kinda testing the waters to see what I may be getting myself into.
I may place a call to the DMV tomorrow and see what you would have to go through for paper work stuff. Pry all about money I'm sure. lol.
Wiring does not scare me, so I feel confident with that.
Thanks for any input!
P.S. I'll try and post some pictures of the trucks here in just a bit.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
From: Boston, KY
It will take a bit of time but shouldn't be too bad since you don't mind getting into the wiring. That would be the toughest part. To do the actual swap, you'll either need a few strong friends or a large motor jack with some chains and board to lift and move the cabs. I'd like to see a detailed build on this.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
I have a 4000 lb cherry picker, wonder if we could make it work.
Before I get too carried away, I would like to make sure the 350 will run first, its currently not running, hopefully a lift pump is all that it will need to go.
Before I get too carried away, I would like to make sure the 350 will run first, its currently not running, hopefully a lift pump is all that it will need to go.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
If you have access to a lift it would be a lot less of a job. I've done a few frame jobs on Expeditions. Wood blocks on the lift pads and you can raise it right up then roll your other frame right underneath it. On the 6.0L's, we would pull cabs to get the heads off.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
I work at a shop with lifts, but they are the old center post style, and not a 2 post. So I don't think they would help me much.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,926
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From: Saskatchewan Canada
I can sure see why you want to do this swap. Mechanical obstacles should be minimal, but that GVWR on the door sticker might be a problem. Maybe your DMV has some sort of sticker that will bring you back up to the F350 GVWR? Could be a tough one to explain roadside, or at the scales.
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Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
My thoughts exactly. I need to call and ask them about it.
I need to see if it will run first. Hopefully that won't take much. Taking delivery tomorrow some time. They are going to trailer it to my shop.
I need to see if it will run first. Hopefully that won't take much. Taking delivery tomorrow some time. They are going to trailer it to my shop.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,579
Likes: 5,611
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
the 350 has a 33 inch wide frame rear, the 150 has a 36 inch rear frame.
what i do is swap the cab and put the VIN plate and all the diesel wiring from the 350 in the 150 dash, and remove the warranty tag on the door pillar. i have never had any luck swapping the warranty tags. .
basically the same thing you would be doing if you bought a cab from a junk yard, because when you buy a cab from a junk yard they do not come with a VIN plate or title. .
what i do is swap the cab and put the VIN plate and all the diesel wiring from the 350 in the 150 dash, and remove the warranty tag on the door pillar. i have never had any luck swapping the warranty tags. .
basically the same thing you would be doing if you bought a cab from a junk yard, because when you buy a cab from a junk yard they do not come with a VIN plate or title. .
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
I've decided to hit the eject button on this project, the 350 is going to need much more work than a cab swap. I thought if I could just get away with that, then it may be worth it, but this is not the case. Thank you all for your responses. I know now then if I ever do this in the future what to expect. Looks like I have a good parts truck. thanks again.
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