okay, i've read through several of the dreaded frame swap threads, and yes i realize it is a truly significant undertaking, and probably not worth it if i were to keep the truck RWD — however, i'm looking to (maybe) go 4x4, so it seems to at least be an option to be considered.

as a bonus (i'm assuming), since i'm looking to make a custom flatbed anyway, i don't care so much about the wheelbase or back half of the frame trying to mount/align a standard bed... i just need to be able to mount the cab in a safe manner and not have it look "wrong", right?

much to my surprise, there are currently two different options for complete 4x4 chassis locally to me: '72 F250 highboy, and '95 F150.

i know the '72 would be much closer to the specs of my '52 F3, but the '95 is appealing due to the (recommended here) 5.8L EFI roller motor vs. the 360FE. not to mention updated brakes, steering, etc.

is the '95 even an option? i'm no master fabricator, but should be able to get help as needed from someone skilled with the torch.

so... who's going to encourage me and who's going to talk me out of it?


thanks in advance.

 

OK, I'll go first. If, and that's a big if, I were to even consider a frame swap, it would be for the 4x4 application. And I'm as big of an anti-frame-swap guy you'll find here. Many, many years ago a friend of mine put a 55 on a 77 4x4 chassis, and did it successfully. It was a lot harder than he ever imagined, and I really don't know how nice it was when it was done, but it was done, and he drove it for some time.

All that said, I'd choose the 72 over the 95. Fitment is the biggest reason. The 95 frame will be a much harder shape to conform to, and the width will have the tires pretty much completely outside the fenderwells. Even the 72 will be wider than stock, but will be much more manageable. Parts for the 72 will be just as available as for the 95. It can always be upgraded with PS and PDB if it doesn't already have them, if you want them. If you really gotta have the 351, that can be installed, too, like any other engine swap. Going flatbed will be a great work savings in the back end. All you need to do now is create some cab mounts, a little butchery here and there on the firewall and floor, figure out where to put the radiator support so your front end sheet metal goes where it needs to, and you're good to go.

That's my 2c. Good luck with your project.

 

I strongly suspect it would be easier to install the cross members required for your engine, transmission, transfer case, and front axle than to swap the steering, sheet metal, etc. onto a later frame. At least when you are cutting metal for cross members the mating part (the frame) is two parallel pieces of metal. Not so when you have a later frame.

 

The 95 is newer but I wouldn't want the TTB. If it were me I'd buy an Explorer drive train. Dana 44 up front or even a Jeep Dana 30 (small but would handle 33s fine) and call it a day

 

Anything can be done with enough money, time and skill. I saw this truck at a car show, it was on a Ram frame with a Mopar V-10. You can see the wheels are way outside the body. Didn't really fit on the frame but it was on there...

 

Ok... I'll chime in on this... What shape is your stock frame in? What size tires & lift do you want? Most body swaps end bad unless your a experience fabricator. The third option is to add Strait axles (Leaf spring), t-case & drive shafts (engine and trans if you like) to your setup. Also can add Toyota power steering to your stock frame. With the F3 you already have the wide opening front fenders. How about adding a pic of your truck how it currently sets?

 

Some states a frame swap can get you in trouble with the DMV. The serial number would be different plus I've heard it also considered in some states as trying to get around emission testing (being interpreted as a modern vehicle with an old body) I know a guy in Ohio who as of this writing has his registration on a '66 suspended over this. His only option now is to find a junker with a matching title and VIN # on the frame and start all over again.

 

hmmm... first i've heard of this. sounds like i've got some "search" time here on FTE ahead of me!

there are some pix from my first thread, here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15776534

(unfortunately the truck is still sitting in snow field about 45 minutes from me).


i've decided to skip the frame swap for now -- just build the truck up as planned and then consider converting to 4x4 at a later date. i'll have plenty enough to do just to make it roadworthy.

c'mon Spring!