'64 swap
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Fort Saskatchewan, Ab.
'64 swap
Hey guys, I'm here to ask the experts....
I have two chioces for chassis swaps for my '64 rebuild, a '79 with a 6cyl. or a '75 XLT with a 390/C6 (both 1/2tons) both with garbage bodies.
I will definately be putting a v8 in the finished product so it seems the '75 is the way to go....just wondering if there is any significant difference in going with the newer chassis?
Give me your 2 cents worth and I will keep you posted.
Mike.
I have two chioces for chassis swaps for my '64 rebuild, a '79 with a 6cyl. or a '75 XLT with a 390/C6 (both 1/2tons) both with garbage bodies.
I will definately be putting a v8 in the finished product so it seems the '75 is the way to go....just wondering if there is any significant difference in going with the newer chassis?
Give me your 2 cents worth and I will keep you posted.
Mike.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
The floor pan on your 64 is significantly different than the pans on 4x2 Twin I Beam trucks 65-79. Your 64 floor pan actually would fit a 4x4 frame with less modification. I suggest you locate a 65-66 cab and install that on your 75 frame and build from there. Or get a 4x4 frame and move your body and the V8 from the 75. One more option would be to use a floor pan from a 65-79 and put your cab on that, basically converting the 64 cab to a 65-79 cab. Much work. I think I'd do the 4x4 deal.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
I had a thread going about this swap. I don't know how to paste it here, but it's on page 7 of this forum, "'61-'64 frame swap". I got a lot of good info, and even pictures. Search that thread. FWIW, I'm gonna do it- I already have a donor, and a '64. Doesn't look too bad for someone with some experience for this sort of thing. It mostly involves removing the cab mounts from the frame of the '64 and mounting them on the donor frame, plus modifying them or adding risers to get the height right.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Fort Saskatchewan, Ab.
Thanks guys...So, William, what is the major difference between the 4x4 and 4x2 frames? Is it worth all the work to strip all the front running gear off and replace with 4x2 front end?
Keeping in mind that I have a '65 shortbox donor (my '64 is a longbox) as well.....floor/cab is completely useless but front suspension is all good....can I take the front end off the '65 and mount it on a 4x4 frame?
I am going to strip everything right down anyway so that is not the problem....just wondering, if I get a 4x4 frame would I have all the necessary components to complete the rolling chassis between all 3 trucks? ('64 project, '65 donor and '73-'79 4x4)
I'll check back soon!
Keeping in mind that I have a '65 shortbox donor (my '64 is a longbox) as well.....floor/cab is completely useless but front suspension is all good....can I take the front end off the '65 and mount it on a 4x4 frame?
I am going to strip everything right down anyway so that is not the problem....just wondering, if I get a 4x4 frame would I have all the necessary components to complete the rolling chassis between all 3 trucks? ('64 project, '65 donor and '73-'79 4x4)
I'll check back soon!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Mike, The 4X4 frame is narrower than the 2X4. I have seen several documinted tech articles on this up fit, and it isn't that hard. There will have to be some welding done to move the 64 mounts to the donor frame.
My choice would be the 75 with the FE over the other wid the boat anker. You are getting a big V8 with lots of power, an auto tranny, power steering and disc brakes, along with the gas tank out of the cab.
John
My choice would be the 75 with the FE over the other wid the boat anker. You are getting a big V8 with lots of power, an auto tranny, power steering and disc brakes, along with the gas tank out of the cab.
John
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 589
Likes: 2
From: Crossroads of America-Ind
Look here:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=317280
Lots a work, but can be done. Good luck, Phil
Lots a work, but can be done. Good luck, Phil
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 59
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From: Fort Saskatchewan, Ab.
OK, thanks again....so, if the only difference is the frame of the 4x4 is narrower, then the '75 4x2 chassis will be fine then? I don't want to waste time stripping off stuff I won't be needing or looking for a 4x4 frame that I don't really need....although I know I can find a frame cheap and easy at a number of local wreckers and then just start bolting things on as I have them repaired/restored.
I have already removed the mounts from the '64 and am ready to modify them as documented in Phil's previous posts. I will mount them up using the finest of grade8 bolts and then procede to sandblasting! I just want to make sure I bolt them on the right frame!
Thanks for all the great info and I look forward to reading your replies.
Mike.
I have already removed the mounts from the '64 and am ready to modify them as documented in Phil's previous posts. I will mount them up using the finest of grade8 bolts and then procede to sandblasting! I just want to make sure I bolt them on the right frame!
Thanks for all the great info and I look forward to reading your replies.
Mike.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 589
Likes: 2
From: Crossroads of America-Ind
Mike, my 64's frame was the SAME width as the 79's I bought, until right behind the cab where it starts to flare out an additional 4 inches total. The frame width under the cab was the same. Phil
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Fort Saskatchewan, Ab.
Thanks Phil, I think that I have heard about every possible option on this swap!
I have also taken EVERY possible measurement of my '64 frame and am now taking some time measuring up the 4x4 and 4x2 frames available to me.....I will find the right one and get things rolling.
Mike.
I have also taken EVERY possible measurement of my '64 frame and am now taking some time measuring up the 4x4 and 4x2 frames available to me.....I will find the right one and get things rolling.
Mike.