Simple question....I was just tinking of the answer and wanted you all's opinions on it to....65 2wd cab onto 66 4X4 chassis....yeah or nay ???? what mods might need to be done...this cab is like a step back 40 yrs...that tight and clean.

Thanks, cs65

 

Don, The 4x4 uses the 61-64 cab and mounts, so it will not be a direct bolt up. You might consider a later 70s chassis for a more direct bolt up.

John

 

cs,
A 4X4 cab is differernt than 4X2 cab in 1965 & 66 because 4X2s frames changed to accomodate twin I's. 4X2 cab was modified to fit new frame design. The good news is 61-64 cab is what 65 & 66 4X4 remained. SO.... 61-64 4X2 & 65-66 4X4 pretty much used the same cab.
The major differences betwixt them are front cab mount location & style, also door step "wells" & different, or taller floor, center over gear boxes, plus a few other slight but different features between 4X2s & 4X4s in 61-64 vs 65 & 66 4X4 cab comparison.

The "swap" can be made, BUT involves installing, then modifying 65-6 style mounts at front of cab, playing around with either 65-66 support core panels to fit & align with a 61-64 style frame or modifying 61-64 support core & Fr Fenders so nose will align with 65-6 style cab @ cowl & firewall. Steering column is slightly different too which req's it be addressed also.

FWIW, it's easier to swap a 65-66 cab onto a 73-79 style 4X4 chassis than to 65-66 style 4X4 chassis,IMHO. Besides being easier [again IMHO] it ends up being a better or more contemporary style 4X4 set up than earlier style. For one suspension is superior, as are power disc brakes, later style power steering, better choice of tranny manual vs A/T & so forth. Even natural occuring relocation of fuel tank between incab & rear mounted, in frame position, is an upgrade as I see it. [just be sure you've got & use a skid plate under a rear tank].

I haven't put a "Slick Cab" on mid 70's Bronco chassis yet & probably never will, but I've considered it greatly. The notion of a "Short" short wheel base appeals to me in a 4X4 configuration. I messed with WW II Army issue jeeps before I messed with later model 4X4 stuff. Turning radius of "Short" SWB Jeeps spoiled me big time. Later when I had a LWB 62 F250 4X4. It was a project to turn around in tight spots. Next I had a
SWB 68 F150 4X4 360cid FE with p/s & p/b [drum style] it was "loaded" and was a vast
improvement over a 62 F250, but unlike a Jeep where manueverability was concerned. A friend had a "early style" 66 Bronco. It manuevered more like old jeeps did. But I was really impressed with mid 70s Bronco. It had everything, Best of Both 4X4 Worlds, the way I saw/ see it.

In summary, I really believe if faced with "building" a 4X4 out of some assortment of components I'd most likely build a late, mid 70's bronco based, 4X4 with a Slick cab & a "customized, super short, styleside, short bed" or even flareside, or stake [flat] bed. Around here there are a lot of 76-79 Broncos, well maybe a lot isn't an accurate term. I'll change that to there are more Broncos than truck based 4X4s available.

It seems Bronco Body is really subject to "ferrous oxide" because of leaks they suffer
from. There's lots of Broncos around with bodies too far gone to use. These Broncos accept a variety of FoMoCo Power Plants, including 385 series because systems similar to mid 70s Pk/Ups are used for mounting. This makes everything from use of 240- 250
& 300 CID I-6 thru the Windsor family, Cleveland & Modified families & 385 series family all available & fair game for Bronco power plants. Show up at a Mudder Convention in a slick truck bodied, 460 powered, 76-79 Bronco framed 4X4, I GuarOOOoontee you'll steal the show. At 1st they may have problems figuring out 'zactly whatcha got. When
they do figure it out, it's your shoe tho'. Do meticulous work, fit & finish and you'll gain HTP like no other there. [ FWIW HTP= Head Turning Power.] Just my thoughts on it.

I'm conflicted by idea of going thru a lot of work to build things I can get already built by OEMs. If I have to actually "build" as in engneer, modify, change/ alter and perhaps even "invent" things, at this point in my life, I'd want it to be really different & unique instead of a replication of some existing available vehicle. But hey, that's just my own opinionated point of view on this subject. . . .

Keep us advised if you undertake this project cs65. It would be interesting.

FBp

 

Thanks for the info FBP, The swap is one a friend is doing and what struck me as I was in bed last night was column/dash differences in these years. He has a 66 4X4...think it mighta been a Weyerhauser truck...Holly Green that he got for a song some time ago and was asking me my input...He also acquired a 65 2wd 1/2 ton which he parted...kept cab/doors..although some peon once upon a time killed both door skins....like they were opened too far which I know isnt possible, but so you get the idea....big vert. creases...still close as tight as day one though:-)
I was thinking also as a buddy of mine years ago had a 64 4X4 and I remembered the droppped door sills for one. But I wasnt aware that you had to rework 65 mounts to fit 4X frame...Ill go talk to him....He's a real nice guy...also has a pretty 66 3/4 ton L/Box. How much of a reworking issue is the 61-4 vs 66 frame??? I will mention the later frame swap idea too....but you all know how these big projects are.....Much more ideas then $$$$ to go around GRRRRRRRR....should be other way around if ya ask me.....hehe.

As for myself...lol....I think Im leaning towards parting with my newly acqired ranger and 66 1/2 ton which I STILL cant post on classifieds to save my a**.....Gonna zero in on my main one which I have had for better then 10 yrs and known of my whole life which is better then 30 years. Plus sentiment...you know the story....the one that got away....this one almost did, but I had a friend nice enough to sell it back to me for same thing my Dad sold it to him for yrs prior. Turns out its pretty much top of the line aside from radio delete and painted grille.....Anyway, enough of my rambling...now if I can just get a post in the classifieds....I havent heard from the powers that be as of yet and has been some time....couple weeks or better as of now....



Cheers, cs65

 

The 4x4 that you are working on, is it 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton? I have a 66 1/2 ton 4x4 and over the 25 years that I have had it I have changed the cab 2 times. The first time I used a cab off a 65 3/4 ton 2 wheel drive with no problems with the mounts. 2nd time I used a the whole body of a 65 2 wheel drive with a auto. The only thing that did not fit was the rad core support, the 4x4 is diferant and the way the radiator mounts on the 4x4. The 3/4 ton frame is differant and may need the cab mounts changed but I do not know, I have not worked on a 3/4 ton4x4

 

FBP - I'm looking for a similar swap as what you mentioned, but had ruled out 4x4 trucks....thought they were different. But if what you say is true....then that is what I would prefer. Just need to find a 76-79 donor now....

 

The one thing that I forgot was that the inner fender of the 2 wd does not fit the 4 wd, because of the cutout for the steering box, but I think the 4 wd will fit the 2 wd.

 

As the owner of one of these swaps I agree with FBp. I inherited a 64 4x4 with 66 2wd Mercury body. I have never been fully happy with the result. I still have the original cab and it is rust free in the corners underside and mounts but very beat up and has had some bondo repair I am scared to look at. Needless to say I am looking around for the proper 64 4x4 cab.