frame changes?
New User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 24
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From: jax,Fl.
frame changes?
Does anyone know if there is a drastic frame change after the 1972
year model? See what i would like to do is find a nice 79' 4x4 and strip the entire body/fenders and bed. Then install a beautiful 68-72
body onto the frame. yes No maybe? Thanks Eric
year model? See what i would like to do is find a nice 79' 4x4 and strip the entire body/fenders and bed. Then install a beautiful 68-72
body onto the frame. yes No maybe? Thanks Eric
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Mount Sunapee, NH
frame changes?
>You may want to double-check on the later board but I
>believe the 4x4 frame didn't get wider in the rear until
>mid '78 or '79.
>
>Barry
This swap is ver do-able with not much mods. I have done it the other way around then what you want to do. I took a 72 F250 4x4 frame and put a 79 body on it. I know the bed will not be a direct bolt on nor will the rear cab mounts. I was in mid '77 that the F250 4x4 got wider in the rear. I'm not sure if you are planning on doing this on a F150 or F250 but I know what is untailed on doing it on an F250 4x4. Feel free to ask any questions.
Jeff
>believe the 4x4 frame didn't get wider in the rear until
>mid '78 or '79.
>
>Barry
This swap is ver do-able with not much mods. I have done it the other way around then what you want to do. I took a 72 F250 4x4 frame and put a 79 body on it. I know the bed will not be a direct bolt on nor will the rear cab mounts. I was in mid '77 that the F250 4x4 got wider in the rear. I'm not sure if you are planning on doing this on a F150 or F250 but I know what is untailed on doing it on an F250 4x4. Feel free to ask any questions.
Jeff
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Hollister, CA
frame changes?
For what it is worth, I know of one gentleman that put a 1976 body on a 1969 F250 4x4 frame.
Reggie
Reggie
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 350
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From: Fairbanks USA
frame changes?
I put a 1970 body on a 1973 frame, and the only difference is the bed needs to be mounted closer to the cab than what the holes will align it to. It also has alot of 1975 major components, so I'm sure a 75 frame would be about the same.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 589
Likes: 2
From: Crossroads of America-Ind
frame changes?
I'm in the middle of doing a simular swap now using a 79 4x4 frame. It goes from 34" in the front to 37" in the rear. It starts to "flare" out right in the area of the front spring hangers for the rear springs. I'm using a 64 cab and bed so I had to shorten it up 4 inches. I couldn't get enough room with just moving the springs forward. (not enough axle travel) I cut it with a cutoff wheel right where the front spring hanger is riveted to the frame, preheated it, and TIG welded it after cutting 4" out. Later I added a fish plate to stradle the welded area, for strength. The spring hanger is also bolted through all this stuff for insurance. 
================================================== ==============
>>You may want to double-check on the later board but I
>>believe the 4x4 frame didn't get wider in the rear until
>>mid '78 or '79.
>>Barry
>
>This swap is ver do-able with not much mods.
================================================== ==============
>>You may want to double-check on the later board but I
>>believe the 4x4 frame didn't get wider in the rear until
>>mid '78 or '79.
>>Barry
>
>This swap is ver do-able with not much mods.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 721
Likes: 1
From: Floyd, Va
frame changes?
just thought you would like a little more info. I put a 1972 camper special f250 body on a 1978 1/2 ton 4x4. the only real issues were mounting the box. The holes didn't line up, and the box hit down on the rear fuel tank. There is also a slightly larger space between the box and cab. I tried pushing them together, but then the wheels weren't centered in the wheel wells. :-staun Everything else worked out well. I would recommend using a 1978 or 79 because the parts are easier to find, and the power steering is slightly less problematic than a 73-76. I was able to keep my 390, by getting mounting towers from a 76 4x4 and modifying them slightly. I also had to use small spacers under the back of the cab, and front of the box, to make it sit correctly. I also used the steering coulmn from the 1978. The wiring was slightly different, but the connector can be taken apart to rearrange the wires to make them work.
Good luck and let us know how it goes
Good luck and let us know how it goes
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