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I have a 77 f150 4x4 with a junk cab. I bought a 79 f100 2wd with an immaculate cab. I’m trying to decide how to go about swapping cabs. Both are automatic and the only glaring difference is that the 79 has AC (not working). Any and all help or tips are appreciated.
I guess that depends on how much space you have to work in and what tools you have. I have removed a cab using an engine crane and using a gantry crane. The gantry crane is so much better. We did one years ago with brute force. We rolled the junk cab off the frame, moved the donor truck over next to the now cab-less frame and slid the replacement cab over using 2x6s and a few friends.
I suppose my only concern, having never done it before, is the wiring. Not much going on as far as options. Am I right to assume all I’ve got to deal with is basically ignition switch, lights/ blinkers, and heater hoses? Are the steering boxes the same? They both have a C6 so the linkage should be as easy as disconnecting and reconnecting I’d reckon.
I suppose my only concern, having never done it before, is the wiring. Not much going on as far as options. Am I right to assume all I’ve got to deal with is basically ignition switch, lights/ blinkers, and heater hoses? Are the steering boxes the same?
They both have a C6 so the linkage should be as easy as disconnecting and reconnecting I’d reckon.
1973/77: NSS is located on the steering column // 1978/79: NSS is located on the manual control lever on the left side of the transmission case.
There is not a great deal of difference in the wiring unless one cab has the full gauge dash cluster and the other does not. Be sure to keep the alternator wiring harness with the cab you use and also to move the oil pressure sending unit with which ever cab you use and you should be OK. As far as the cab swap itself, I've used over head chain hoists as well as skid steers with extended, padded pallet forks and tractors with loaders. Also, If you are swapping a 2wd cab onto a 4x4 there will be slight interference on the bottom of the cab reinforcement rib with the transfer case breather vent. Its easiest to modify this rib to clear before dropping the cab on.
There is not a great deal of difference in the wiring unless one cab has the full gauge dash cluster and the other does not. Be sure to keep the alternator wiring harness with the cab you use and also to move the oil pressure sending unit with which ever cab you use and you should be OK. As far as the cab swap itself, I've used over head chain hoists as well as skid steers with extended, padded pallet forks and tractors with loaders. Also, If you are swapping a 2wd cab onto a 4x4 there will be slight interference on the bottom of the cab reinforcement rib with the transfer case breather vent. Its easiest to modify this rib to clear before dropping the cab on.
If you have a cherry picker , get a couple 2 x 6's and drill holes in center and use on end of cherry picker , use a long bolt in place were chain is on the end , with doors off put thru cab and raise , this allows 2 x 6's to pivot and raise cab straight up and move off,,can be done by yourself
Unbolt the junkcab and push it off... then grab a cherry picker and strap it to the good cab, take off frame and roll it over to good frame. 77&79F250 will be along shortly with pictures on moving the cab.
Or offer a few strong buddies a case of beer and some pizza. Knock it out in an afternoon
Ah you know me well don't you. lol Both ways will work and there are even more ideas. I'd remove the hood, then the complete front clip and go from there.
Walk thru front clip removal #1 https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14982711
Front clip #2 in case I missed something. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14696880
Pics of how to with a cherry picker. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14696917
A lot of FTE folks have done it numerous ways. Ya just have to be smart and safe about it. The guy and his kid right there, NOT so safe IMO. The lower the truck frame to the ground less altitude to travel ='s easier. Put the truck on some bare tireless rims, low ride it if you are doing a static frame swap.
Ah you know me well don't you. lol Both ways will work and there are even more ideas. I'd remove the hood, then the complete front clip and go from there.
Walk thru front clip removal #1 https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14982711
Front clip #2 in case I missed something. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14696880
Pics of how to with a cherry picker. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14696917
A lot of FTE folks have done it numerous ways. Ya just have to be smart and safe about it. The guy and his kid right there, NOT so safe IMO. The lower the truck frame to the ground less altitude to travel ='s easier. Put the truck on some bare tireless rims, low ride it if you are doing a static frame swap.
Incredibly helpful. Thank you. And I agree, avoid smashing a child 😂
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