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I have a 1981 f150 4x4 short bed with a 5.0 engine. I’d like to keep the drive train and chassis and swap onto the frame a 1986 5.8 HO from a 2wd long bed truck I have. I’d also like to do this because the 1986 has a nicer, more upgraded cab (power everything) and obviously the bigger engine not to mention is a SWB. Anyone see this working or maybe not? Problems? Ideas? Thoughts?
Should not be a problem, even if you are selling it. Your truck will become the 86, and you will need to go register it and transfer the tags. Both are f150's. The GVWR or something like that might be off, but even the 8th digit specifying the engine will be correct since you are moving the engine also.
P.S. I forgot the earlier truck is 4x4. But still, unless someone decodes all the numbers on the door tag, it will not be noticeable. As far as the dmv and the cops are concerned, you are good as long as you register it properly. Don't forget your insurance company also. It's going to be just like you have bought another truck.