does the frame change when the body does

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Apr 1, 2017 | 02:35 AM

Kendal

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Joined: Jan 2016

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From: knoxville tn.

does the frame change when the body does

OK does or will a bump side body bolt on a dent side frame thanks kendall

Apr 1, 2017 | 03:05 AM

351Cleveland C4

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Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 8,679

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From: On the Edge of the Desert

The dentside trucks have a 2" longer wheelbase. That difference makes a 2" gap between the cab and bed when a bump body is installed.

Apr 1, 2017 | 03:57 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Kendal, The chassis from the rear cab mounts to the front bumper are the same from 65-79. So if you lifted a cab/front clip together off a 65 it will bolt back down on a 79. In 73 Ford widened the rear track to again match the front, that they widened in 65, added 4 in to the rear of the cab behind the rear cab mount and that changed the wheel base that 351 referred to.

So the front is direct fit but there will be alignment issues with the bed area.

John

Apr 1, 2017 | 09:07 AM

Kendal

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Joined: Jan 2016

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From: knoxville tn.

thanks guys OK now is there a way around that and also I beams what years are interchangeable thanks

kendal (ask how it can't hurt long)

Apr 1, 2017 | 10:00 AM

HIO Silver

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Joined: Dec 2009

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From: NorCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kendal

thanks guys OK now is there a way around that and also I beams what years are interchangeable thanks

kendal (ask how it can't hurt long)

This article will answer your question: http://www.fordification.com/tech/Ibeamsspindles.htm

For discs: Fordification: Installing Disc Brakes on Your 2WD Pickup

Body swap to a Dent frame: http://www.fordification.com/tech/ch...comparison.htm

Apr 1, 2017 | 08:19 PM

RichS2659

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 3,008

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From: North Pole, Alaska

[QUOTE=jowilker;17079651]Kendal, The chassis from the rear cab mounts to the front bumper are the same from 65-79. So if you lifted a cab/front clip together off a 65 it will bolt back down on a 79. In 73 Ford widened the rear track to again match the front, that they widened in 65, added 4 in to the rear of the cab behind the rear cab mount and that changed the wheel base that 351 referred to.

So the front is direct fit but there will be alignment issues with the bed area.
John

[/QUOTE

They widened the rear frame to 37 1/2" from 33 1/2" in 73 except for 73-77 F-250 4wd's which kept the original frame width.

Apr 1, 2017 | 08:53 PM

Kendal

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2016

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From: knoxville tn.

THANKS I had tried to look it up on here but I can not ever get it to work for me. HIO

thanks for the links think I may be able to do it that way and afford it that way

thanks all kendall

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Apr 2, 2017 | 05:32 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

Likes: 74

From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kendal

thanks guys OK now is there a way around that and also I beams what years are interchangeable thanks

kendal (ask how it can't hurt long)

65-79 are bolt hole interchangeable. If you are wanting to keep it simple, your 73-79 donor should have the same family engine and transmission that you have or want to go with. I-6 with 4 spd look for I-6 with 4 spd donor. I-6 with 4 spd but would like to go to auto then find a donor with auto. The FE 352/360/390 and the I-6 use the same engine perches. The drivers side had some changes when they went power steering. The 302 uses different perches.

Brake lines are more alike across, but pump mounts, steering columns are different so try to keep that in mind for ease of swap.

John