Hi everyone! Im new to the site and looking for some advice. I'm currently looking at trading for a 1979 Ford short bed, step side, 4x4, 460, auto. That's all the details I know as of the moment. My questions start with what I've been told, the truck was rolled, needs a cab and front clip. The seller has a clip for a 3/4 ton that he believes to be a 79 as well, now here's the drawn out question. From what he's been told the cab wont bolt up to the frame because the 3/4 ton has different cab mounts. Is this true? If so how hard of fab work is required? I'm sure its going to be a job, but its been one of my dream trucks so I think I'm willing to tackle it!

Any advice would be appreciated! Look forward to hearing from everyone!

-Tim

 

I would be more worried about the frame than the cab. If the mounts don't line up (which I believe you are correct that they won't) you just need to drill new holes.

 

On the cabs the only difference I have encountered was the 1973 to 1977 One ton and 3/4 ton 4x4s, they have a narrower frame, two wheel cab should work, if the cab had a behind the seat gas tank those mounts will be different, you might have to cut out the floor pan on the hump and install your floor pan cover which has the cutout for your transfer case linkage. Usually the front mounts are the same, measure the distance side to side and see if your old cab has the same measurement. Far as I know the only difference on the front clip is the core support which is different from 6 cyl to V8, on the drivers side inner fender well sometimes you have to trim for the steering box, hopefully this info will help you, if you plan on keeping the truck I would invest in a Factory 1979 Ford Truck Shop Manuals which show you about everything about a 1979 Ford Truck, Ebay is the best place to look. Also the wiring harness could be different.

 

Thanks for the info! I'm not sure if the frame is bent or not. I'm fixing to go look at it now, will be sure to take pictures. Again, thanks for the help!

 

460 has been swapped in. 1983 was the first year that the 460 was available with 4WD and then only in F250/350.

All 1973/79 F100/350's with 460's were only available with 2WD

To discover what engine your Flareside (stepside is a Chevrolet) originally came with and to verify it was originally 4WD, post the VIN

 

Flareside* My apologies, learning! Lol will be aure to post VIN when I have a chance

 

Is the F250 2WD or 4WD? If 2WD, its left inner fender apron is different than 4WD

I'd be very leery of this truck, since the engine has been swapped. What engine/trans mounts were used? If the job was done correctly, the parts would have to be aftermarket.

 

Would have been a pretty hard roll, those frames are pretty tough, if you need lots of parts , I would look for a two wheel drive, also I have actually bought a whole truck with a nice body and just swap the bodies, if you have any problems let me know