Body Bwap
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Mount Sunapee, NH
Body Bwap
>I have a 1971 Ford Highboy 4x4 and a 1978 Ford F150 2WD.
>The 71 body is rusted bad, but my 78 is in good shape.
>Will the 78 body fit the 71 frame.
>THANKS
The 78 body will fit the 71 frame. The cab mounts in the front are in the same spot, but the rears are different. On the 71 the mounts are on the outside of the frame while on the 78 the mounts are on the cross member. The radiator support will bolt right on. The front bumper from the 78 will work but you will need to take the brackets off of the 71. The bed will fit but not bolt right on, you will need to drill new holes. The wheel base on the 71 is 131" and the 78 if its a long bed is 133" so your rear tire will not be centered in the wheel well. It is hard to see it being only 2" off center. While doing this swap use all the wireing from the 78 just to make things easier. I did this swap with a 79 body onto a 72 F250 4x4 frame. If your 78 is an F250 4x4 i'd conver the power sterring over and put the 78 front end in the 71 if the gears match and in good shape. Let us know if you have any other questions. Good luck.
Jeff
>The 71 body is rusted bad, but my 78 is in good shape.
>Will the 78 body fit the 71 frame.
>THANKS
The 78 body will fit the 71 frame. The cab mounts in the front are in the same spot, but the rears are different. On the 71 the mounts are on the outside of the frame while on the 78 the mounts are on the cross member. The radiator support will bolt right on. The front bumper from the 78 will work but you will need to take the brackets off of the 71. The bed will fit but not bolt right on, you will need to drill new holes. The wheel base on the 71 is 131" and the 78 if its a long bed is 133" so your rear tire will not be centered in the wheel well. It is hard to see it being only 2" off center. While doing this swap use all the wireing from the 78 just to make things easier. I did this swap with a 79 body onto a 72 F250 4x4 frame. If your 78 is an F250 4x4 i'd conver the power sterring over and put the 78 front end in the 71 if the gears match and in good shape. Let us know if you have any other questions. Good luck.
Jeff
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Aaron-71
Manitoba / Saskatchewan Chapter
10
Jul 14, 2011 08:34 PM
Enthused'71f1004x4
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
4
Jun 24, 2004 10:14 AM
comet
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
May 3, 2004 11:10 AM
