need frame

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Oct 7, 2004 | 09:05 PM

fords_forlife

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From: wisconsin

need frame

i am in the process of a complete rebuild of my 1980 f-250 lwb and am looking for a different frame. Once i got the bed off my truck i realized it was a light duty model and has the "swiss cheesed" frame rails so i want to replace it for a stronger one as long as i have it apart anyway and also as long as i have it apart i want to get a short wheelbase frame, without the holes in the rails, so that i can mount a flareside box. Local junkyards are no help, they either don't have a swb frame around or at least if they do have an 80 to 86 swb truck they say they can't sell it. does anyone within 50-75 miles of Colby, Wisconsin (54421) have a parts truck with a frame that will fit my 1980 f-250. it has to be a short wheel base (117") without the holes that were added 80-83 (i think). I don't care about surface rust but no excessive flaky rust or through rust and nothing that might be bent. I need it as cheap as possible as money is tight right now. any help is greatly appreciated.

Jon

Oct 7, 2004 | 09:57 PM

1982fordf100

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From: SE, Michigan

I believe that only 1980-1981 frames where the swiss cheese frames. I have a 1982 F100 and the frame on that doesn't have the holes in it. Hopefully that will help widen your search. A frame from 1980 to 1996 I believe is a direct swap. Good Luck Fred

Oct 8, 2004 | 06:12 AM

82F100SWB

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From: Dryden, ON, Canada

80-91 is a direct swap, 92-96 have an accordion section at the front for a crumple zone.

To get a 117" wheelbase frame, you are going to have to go to a F100 or F150 frame, or, shorten a longbed frame.
And, yes, I'll second that 80 and 81 are the only years of the swiss cheese frames.

Oct 8, 2004 | 10:11 AM

7283-F250

Cargo Master

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From: NH

I got an 82 swb F150 2x4 frame you could have but unfortunatly I live in NH. I think thats a bit farther than 50-75 miles

Oct 8, 2004 | 10:30 AM

fords_forlife

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From: wisconsin

ya thanks anyway NH is just a little to far for me to travel but hey maybe you could cut it up into little pieces and mail it on piece at a time.

Jon

Oct 11, 2004 | 11:16 PM

fords_forlife

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From: wisconsin

bronco frame

will a bronco frame work for my application i'm going to the junkyard friday to scrounge around. also what differences are there between a 73 - 79 and a 80 - 86 frame.

jon

Oct 12, 2004 | 12:34 AM

82F100SWB

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From: Dryden, ON, Canada

Nope, a bronco Frame ia 105" wheelbase, and the kickup after what would be the rear cab mount is totally different.
As fot a 73-79 and 80-96 frame, to start with, 80-up is 4" wider