Body Swap
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 29
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Body Swap
Back in December I posted a question asking if a 1990 F-150 body would fit on a 1981 F-250 chasis.I got no response. Since no one had an answer, I guess that now makes me a bonafide expert on the subject.
Having just completed this project I want everyone to know that it can be done with relative ease. The cab mounts match perfectly as do the holes in the frame for the box bolts. There are a few challenges with wiring, vacuum lines,and the fuel system. I also went from an automatic to manual transmission. The only added expense was an alternator belt and a flex radiator hose. It can otherwise be done using components from one vehicle or another.
If anyone wants to attempt this themselves you can e-mail me if you want more details.
Having just completed this project I want everyone to know that it can be done with relative ease. The cab mounts match perfectly as do the holes in the frame for the box bolts. There are a few challenges with wiring, vacuum lines,and the fuel system. I also went from an automatic to manual transmission. The only added expense was an alternator belt and a flex radiator hose. It can otherwise be done using components from one vehicle or another.
If anyone wants to attempt this themselves you can e-mail me if you want more details.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 215
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From: Craig
Body Swap
Just an FYI on the subject, I have an 82 F-150, and when I hit a deer a few years ago, I seriously looked into installing a 94-95 front clip and bed on the truck. The fenders will bolt up, as will the hood and cowlpanel. However, a radiator support for that year vehicle needs to be installed also. The reason I did not do this was because I worked in a body shop and was able to get the replacement parts for next to nothing.
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2
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Hi I just joined this site and I am wondering about the same thing. I have an 89 F-250 with a 460 and a Five Speed. The truck is a 4x4 and the body is shot. Just wondering if it's relatively easy to buy a whole truck and swap the entire body. Also wondering if the body from a half ton or 1 ton or even a 73-79 body would work. Any helpful hints or problems to look out for would be appreciated. Thanks for the help.
Last edited by mikelone351w; Aug 16, 2006 at 10:02 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,955
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From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
when I was in highschool I had a buddy who built off a 78 1/2 ton chassis. He use a 1980 body but he had to weld new body mounts on, he did a 3" body lift too to clear stuff I think. The thing had 12" of suspension lift, 390 and a 4 speed.
So its not going to bolt up but if youre handy you can put anything anywhere
So its not going to bolt up but if youre handy you can put anything anywhere
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Congratulations on completeing your swap. I just brought home a 95 F-150 I am using for a front end swap on my 85 F-250. I also just learned the tailgate swap is not a bolt on deal, but won't be too difficult. Just have to drill 2 large holes for the striker bolts on the bed.
