Suspension
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Suspension
Would it be safe to have on the original frame to cut the bottom of the c channel where it attaches to the back of the C and weld in a section to make the C taller?
Nathan
I think you should leave that stuff in the attic because you will be laughed at by other teens.
Nathan I think you should leave that stuff in the attic because you will be laughed at by other teens.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,392
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From: Michigan
Suspension
Hey dualer.. I wish ya luck on this project... I almost did it myself, but opted to to stick with the stock front end my 52. I'm actually adapting quite a few 79 parts to fit my 52 though, I guess its what I get since my other project is a 79 F-150 street rod. I have however noticed that the frame width in the front is very close in width, although if I remember correctly my 79 F-100 seemed about a half inch wider than my 52 F-3. Also the 79 steel is heaver in thickness, but not by much, so honestly, I think its something you could make work without too much trouble.
As far as other things I've been yanking off my 79 parts truck are the brake booster, which I'm adapting to fit under the cab, to let me use the stock brake pedal, as well as using the body mounts (will buy them new, but 73-79 rubber hockey puck style) and the original driveline out of my F-150. Also I need to try and track down a set of 73-79 side facing seats to go in my 52 extended cab... overall, my 52 is gunna be a 79 under the sheetmetal, but hey, she is still ford (plus 73-79's were my first love). Wish ya luck with the project, and nice to know I'm not the youngest on here (I'm going on 25)
Jon
As far as other things I've been yanking off my 79 parts truck are the brake booster, which I'm adapting to fit under the cab, to let me use the stock brake pedal, as well as using the body mounts (will buy them new, but 73-79 rubber hockey puck style) and the original driveline out of my F-150. Also I need to try and track down a set of 73-79 side facing seats to go in my 52 extended cab... overall, my 52 is gunna be a 79 under the sheetmetal, but hey, she is still ford (plus 73-79's were my first love). Wish ya luck with the project, and nice to know I'm not the youngest on here
(I'm going on 25) Jon
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Suspension
I would made a cut in the side of the c channel. pull the bottom of the cut down and weld in a section to fill the hole thus making the frame taller to fit the crosmember. The frame is about 4" tall and I want to make it 6".
Nathan
Nathan
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Suspension
I'm going to have the local welder in town weld the crossmember. Everything else just bolts on so I will have to do a lot of drilling.
Then the next part is to get the transmission crossmember in the right place. Could a M-3 transmission crossmember be modifed to accept a automatic. I know I would have to move it. This crossmember is lower than the F-1.
Nathan
Then the next part is to get the transmission crossmember in the right place. Could a M-3 transmission crossmember be modifed to accept a automatic. I know I would have to move it. This crossmember is lower than the F-1.
Nathan 
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: waco
Suspension
I wonder how hard it would be to sit the body of the 52' on to the 73' to 79' frame. I'm thinking of putting the twin I beams under my 49' like Nathan. I'm just not sure what the easiest route would be.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
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From: Northwest Fl
Suspension
I am in the process of putting my 55 on a 69 f-100 frame, have already done the disc brake conversions from a 75. It is a good swap if you don't care for the dropped look. I understand that there is some companies now making the dropped I beams that can lower the fronts if you want to go that route, though I haven't researched it. You can flip and relocate the back spring hangers to lower and level the frame. I have the cab remounted and now in the middle of the bodywork. I understand the 52 were a little narrower than the 53-56 but not sure how much.
I have a couple of Pics in my gallery if you’re thinking of the change.
I have a couple of Pics in my gallery if you’re thinking of the change.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Suspension
I have a friend who has a 48 F-1 mounted on a 72 F250 frame. He didn't do the work, but the end result came out pretty good. The only thing I can see that might have made the chassis swap better was if an F-100 frame had been used instead. It's hard to find eight lug wheels with the correct amount of offset.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 620
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From: USA
Suspension
My 56 is currently setup on a 1979 1/2 ton chassis. It sits up pretty high, a few inches higher than stock. The suspension "I think" is wider too. I've got 8" wheels on the back with 275/60 15s and there is still a good 6 inchest between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender lip, also it sticks out about 2 inches from the fender, but that might be the wheel offset. Either way, it does work, and you could lower it to be more normal looking.
The biggest problem we ran into is where the motor is in the frame, to do this right it needs to be moved forward a couple inches, we didn't and lived with the fact the front wheels are too far forward in the front. It's all going to be re-done in the future.
Jordan
The biggest problem we ran into is where the motor is in the frame, to do this right it needs to be moved forward a couple inches, we didn't and lived with the fact the front wheels are too far forward in the front. It's all going to be re-done in the future.
Jordan
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
Suspension
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-Nov-02 AT 10:28 PM (EST)]Are there kits readily available to drop a 70s Ford? I know there are for Chevys. Not that this is a show stopper for dumping the truck a bit. Just curious if aftermarket drop spring hangers or whatever are available. You guys are making the swap sound promising if a reasonable ride height is obtainable. They definitely look four wheel drive if you leave the swap frame stock.
'fenders
'fenders
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 620
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From: USA
Suspension
I'm pretty sure you can buy an I-beam drop kit for them, I've also heard of cutting them? Not sure what that consists of. I'm sure it's not an easy task. Another problem would be the need to setup the rear axle on top the springs and then notch the frame to allow for sufficient travel.
Jordan S.
Jordan S.
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