frame charts
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From: wi
frame charts
does any one have factory frame charts for a 78 f150 and a 78 bronco? I have been told that there frames are different. I have not had to next to each other but cant tell why after the twin I beam suspension is take off why the factory spring pockets , trailing arms, front Dana 44, steering box cant bolt up to the 2 wd frame. what I am looking for is the dimensions of the frames. I have the shop manuals for my 70 cyclone and all the specs are in there for my car. but as of yet I don't have shop manuals for my 78 f150.
now I know the difference in the lengths between a bronco and f150 super cab short bed are not close. but I have to believe the front section is damn close.the cross member from the 2 wd would have to be trimmed or removed, but the frame rails have to be the same. someone please make or brake my case. thanks jack k
now I know the difference in the lengths between a bronco and f150 super cab short bed are not close. but I have to believe the front section is damn close.the cross member from the 2 wd would have to be trimmed or removed, but the frame rails have to be the same. someone please make or brake my case. thanks jack k
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From: East Central Florida
I concur there are no "frame charts" or Dims in the OEM Service & Repair Manual Set. 
But to answer your question of why your proposal is so difficult to make work it's simply because 4X4 is front steer steering box/linkage, set FWD to clear a front driveshaft from transfer case to your front differential.
4X2 or 2WD frames have no front differential and no front drive shaft either. Strg gear box is at firewall, not out by the support core. 4X2 or 2WD frames use the rear steer set up.
By front & rear steer I mean ahead of front axle for a front steer & behind front axle for a rear steer set up. . . . Now if you'd forget about using a 4X2 or 2WD, and use 4X4 set ups between the two different vehicles you'd have something.
In otherwords your problem is more Mixing 4X4 & 4X2 designs, not Bronco vs F Series. I will qualify that with "As far as engine bays are concerned".
FBp
But to answer your question of why your proposal is so difficult to make work it's simply because 4X4 is front steer steering box/linkage, set FWD to clear a front driveshaft from transfer case to your front differential.
4X2 or 2WD frames have no front differential and no front drive shaft either. Strg gear box is at firewall, not out by the support core. 4X2 or 2WD frames use the rear steer set up.
By front & rear steer I mean ahead of front axle for a front steer & behind front axle for a rear steer set up. . . . Now if you'd forget about using a 4X2 or 2WD, and use 4X4 set ups between the two different vehicles you'd have something.
In otherwords your problem is more Mixing 4X4 & 4X2 designs, not Bronco vs F Series. I will qualify that with "As far as engine bays are concerned".
FBp
Last edited by FordBoypete; May 20, 2006 at 08:50 PM.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Northshore, MN
just for chart sake, any bodyshop might still have their frame charts from wayyyyy back when. Car-O-Liner is one brand used. There are others too. But everything in the previous post is right, also the boxed part of the frame and the boxed crossmember that requires the rear sump oil pan.
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I agree with what you are saying about the steering, but both frames are channel frames. now both trucks use the same steering column. so by using the 4 x 4 gear box which has the steering shaft on the outside of the frame rails( as where the 2 x 4 is on the inside and near the firewall )why couldn't that work on the 2 wd frame?the 4 x 4 has a additional shaft from the column to the gear box. the 2 wd has the cross member directly under the engine,where the 4 x 4 is up front under the radiator.i could cut my 2 wd cross member down to clear the diff. the weld in the front cross member from the 4 x 4. ect..... I guess what I cant find out is are the frame rails the same? every other part should "bolt" in if they are. I can get a 78 bronco and just start switching item to my 2 wd.
there are nothing the same between the 2 wd and 4 wd suspensions the trail arms are not the same even. but if the frame rails are the same this is where the "bolt in" comes in to play. see what I mean??? jack k
there are nothing the same between the 2 wd and 4 wd suspensions the trail arms are not the same even. but if the frame rails are the same this is where the "bolt in" comes in to play. see what I mean??? jack k
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Northshore, MN
I have a 3 part series from a 4x4 magazine, that grafted a 4x4 front onto a 2wd supercab w/460. They did this because 4x4 supercabs w/460's were never offered from the factory. However, in their series, they cut the whole frame and welded a 4x4 frame from the cab forward. They had their reasons, and if I can find the articles, I'll post them here. Not saying it can't be done, just alot of work.
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