Hello, I recently acquired a project truck with a lot of potential. Actually, I own two trucks: 1) 1978 4x4 w/ 4" suspension and 3" body lift 2) 1978 rwd. I plan to take the 3" body lift off of the 4x4 and use the rwd truck as a donor (this truck is all original with good metal-needs paint). Anything I need to keep in mind when swapping one trucks cab, bed, etc over to another trucks frame? Also, I will either be rebuilding or purchasing a reman long block depending on which one's cheaper. Any leads for a good 460 supplier or machine shop? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

Are they both the same body style? i.e. Reg cab long box? Are you planning on just swapping the bodies? The only difference should be the hole in the floor for the t-case shifter.

Find a local builder that will guarantee his work and has a good rep. Make sure you need a rebuild before you go and do it.

 

Thanks for this advice. The two trucks are the same in every way-except the body/bed on the 4x4 is a lot rougher. This is a regular cab long box. I currently have a local body man who has guaranteed his work for as long as I own the truck (even after I told him I planned to keep the truck rather than flip it).

UPDATE: Due to the cost being about the same I have ordered a Ford factory long block for this rig. I was within a few hundo of doing all the work myself, however, Ford offers a 2-year or 24,000 mile warranty on their product. The extra cost is worth it to me.

Anyone know where I can find a new steering wheel pad for a '78 w/cruise control? I would prefer the wood grain look but black is OK too.

 

LMC truck may have something, otherwise you may have to hit up a junkyard.

 

OK ladies and gents; I have a new area of concern. As mentioned above I plan to delete the 3" body lift my truck came with. In order to recover a stock ride height I have ordered a master bushing and hardware kit for the body mounts. This kit is supposed to supply everything needed for the job, however, only comes with bed bolts. I have done some research and it seems the bed is either metal to metal or uses essentially a cut mud flap as an insulator. Does anyone have input on this? I would be interested in purchasing correct hardware if it exists. I would also be interested in any at-home remedies so long as they maintain an even cab-to-bed appearance.