Guys I have picked up a 1966 M250 to do some work on and put back on the road. I have cab mounts to do floor pans and cab corners to repair. All body panels are in great condition no rust. I want power disk brakes on the front and power steering. Truck came with no motor or transmission.
Fastest route and cost effective I can find is a doner truck.


I have picked up a 1972 ford F250 with a 390 automatic.
My question is to save some time could I do a body swap from the 66 merc to the chassis and drive train of the 72 ford?????


I had planned just to swap front end to make power steering and disc brakes and move over power brakes stuff.


Can any body give me some advice here. The cam has to come off either way for ease of repair on mounts and cab cross member support.


Not sure if I need to mention but the merc is a Flare side and the ford is a fleet side.


Please give me all the advice you can please I need Major help here si I can make a plan.

 

Yes and no... The '68 has a slightly longer wheelbase. The rear axle can be moved forward to match the '66 but it is easier not to. I suggest you remove the front sheetmetal from the '66 in one piece, give the frame a good clean, and swap everything over.
It is trivial perhaps, but the '65-'68 Mercs did not use the "M" prefix. You have a Mercury 250.
Eric

 

The serial number is stamped into the frame. So if you switch it your going to have fun with the motor vehicle department. Swap out the drums for disks.

 

8' beds:

1965/66 F100/250 2WD & 1966 F100 4WD have a 129" wheelbase.

1967/72 F100/250's have a 131" wheelbase.

Dual piston caliper front disc brakes were optional for 1968/72 F250 2WD, but you do not want these brakes, because the calipers were problematic.

Ford replaced the calipers 4 times between 1968/72, the problem was never solved. The front brake hoses must match whatever the ID number is on the calipers.

The caliper locating bolts have a long shoulder with short threads. The threaded section was notorious for shearing off. There are two types: 1968/71 and 1972.

1956/65 F250's have 12 1/8" x 2" front/rear drum brakes, as do 1966/72 F250's with GVWR's under 7,500 lbs.

1966/72 F250 Camper Specials and F250's with a GVWR of 7,500 lbs. have 12" x 2 1/2" front/rear drum brakes.

1968/72 F250's with optional dual piston caliper front disc brakes have 12" x 2 1/2" rear drum brakes.