Body to Frame
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New User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7
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Body to Frame
Im 16 and own three trucks and was wondering if I could put the body off of my 1979 Ford F-100 and put it on my 1981 F-150 frame without any major modifications. Please respond asap. Thank you.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 112
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From: ATCHISON USA
Body to Frame
Although i have never tried this, i am betting that changes would be in order. When Ford made its change between 79 and 80, many things were improved or made worse depending on your view point. Many 79' enthusiast like me think that ford quit making real trucks in 79' and did not make another real truck until the modern diesel superduty, but that is a matter of opinion. The change over you are considering seems difficult at best to me. FOMOGO
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 194
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From: Needham US of A
Body to Frame
Hey man welcome to the wonderful world of Ford Trucks. The best thing you can do is break out the measureing tape and spend a day under over and in both trucks...wont answer all the questions but will get you started. Check frame widths, body mount width how far apart the mounts are front to rear and radiator mount differences...Ive done alot of jobs people said couldnt be done, but you can count on having to do alot of modifying anyway...point being get ready to do alot of figuring and changing. Whit
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Body to Frame
Dittos on broncoman, get out the ol 1" wide steel tape measure and measure it front to back, back to front, left to right, right to left, and then measure it all over again.
When you have done that, you will have a good idea. If you have ever been to a major car show, you know about anything can be done.
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John
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In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
When you have done that, you will have a good idea. If you have ever been to a major car show, you know about anything can be done.
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John
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In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 26
Body to Frame
You could, but there is no improvement to be had in switching to the weaker later ball joint front suspension. If your earlier frame is bad. I'd swap whatever stuff you have left over for another earlier chassis or donor truck, since that is a _lot_ less work than making/moving cab mounts and levelling the thing when you are done.
If you post what trucks/parts you have and the end result you are looking for it will be easier to help.
Mixing Ford trucks is a nice way to get what ya want, but some swaps are more work than the results are worth.
If you post what trucks/parts you have and the end result you are looking for it will be easier to help.
Mixing Ford trucks is a nice way to get what ya want, but some swaps are more work than the results are worth.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Boise, Idaho
Body to Frame
something to maybe take into consideration... I know 2 guys that owned early 80's ford trucks (80-83) that suffered extensive damage to the frame... presumably due to holes pressed into the frame. I assume to make the frame lighter. can anyone else on here provide any validity to this?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 177
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From: Sapulpa
Body to Frame
I have noticed those holes in the frame before. Im guessing they are there to make it lighter. My 85 didnt have it. I always assumed it was on the f100's and not the 150's. I got a rust hole in my 76 right above the axle, Im hoping it wont effect it that much.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Oakville Canada
Body to Frame
Hello,just recently bought a F-250(79) with a 81 standard cab body on it. It had a 2" rubber body lift on it and still had the front of the crossmember where the rad support is all cut out (to me weakening the frame). The rear of the cab was mounted in a weird fashion too.
But anything can be done,if you have time and good weather.
But anything can be done,if you have time and good weather.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 33
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From: Newport USA
Body to Frame
You want advice. Break out the freaking tape measure and do what they said above. Then break out the cutting torch, grinder, drill, level, and welder. You will need them all. Just a thought. Have you ever noticed that your newer cab is wider then the older one.
Me_Bad_Dog(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
74 F-250 4X4
In process of rebuilding
460cid
np435
np205 devorced
heavy duty tow bed
looking for dana 60 open knockle front
Me_Bad_Dog(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
74 F-250 4X4
In process of rebuilding
460cid
np435
np205 devorced
heavy duty tow bed
looking for dana 60 open knockle front