Swapping old Chassis for newer model
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
What is your definition of 'a ton'? All of the swaps - Ranger, S-10, Bronco, Explorer, F150, and a couple I'm forgetting - require a level of fab and reengineering to complete. There is an older threat that may be of interest:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ontribute.html
The 'Advanced Search' feature, or simply using a Google search yields a number of threads.
The 'Advanced Search' feature, or simply using a Google search yields a number of threads.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 859
Likes: 3
From: Newberg, OR
this comes up often. The usual advice is to keep your frame and replace the front suspension with a MII kit or newer model IFS that fits well (Jag and Crown Vic seem to be the prevailing choice) and rear suspension with Ford Explorer 8.8 with original leaf springs or a 4 link kit. There have been build threads here involving transplanting a body to a complete chassis but that requires a lot more design and fabrication skills especially if you wand a lowered stance. Of course not too hard to do if you want the jacked up Grave digger monster truck look.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 6
From: Beaumont Texas
If you decide to change the frame , the very first thing to do is to have the truck title IN YOUR name. If you build it and then try to register it ,they might want verification of the serial numbers. The paperwork may be a nightmare. Some states are hard and some are not. With the title in your name, you can do whatever you want. Save yourself a headache .
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 3
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 653
From: Brentwood, TN
As always, the devil is in the details. That "EZ Chassis Swap" website looks like a good resource...no body better suited to answer questions about the "details" than someone who has made a business out of it.
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Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
I saw an F1 that had been placed on a Mercury Mountaineer chassis and it looked factory. It was professionally built and looked it. I spoke briefly with the guy who was driving it. The builder had incorporated many of the Mercury features, door locks, outside key pad, AC and the usual later model equipment. Fit and finish were superb and proportions were correct. It can be done.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
Last edited by Mervy49; Jul 1, 2016 at 03:20 AM. Reason: That's my dad, he passed away in 2006
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 28
From: manitoba
All depends on your fab skills, s10 is easy to mount but...but if you have a good frame why would you not install a mustang 2 front end??? It is cheaper to get with the s10,I I did this to my recent build only because I had no frame, and it LOOKS 100 % and handles good!
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