I have a '64 f-100 that I've already installed an '84 460 with a c-6 behind it. I was wondering if the frame from a '73 & up could be put under it? Has anyone ever seen this? I really want the independant front end with disk and power, but want to stay Ford and I want it heavy duty enough for a truck that might get beaten a little. I live in Phoenix, so getting my hands on a frame would only cost a couple of hunderd bucks complete with the majority of the front suspension still there as opposed to a couple grand to do a Mustang 2 which I'm not sure would be as tough as a twin I-beam.

Anyone have any advice?

 

I do think there was a forum on this but go for the 78-9 frame has all your upgrades and you can get the tank out of the cab. Last summer I went and looked at a 64 that was put on a 79 4x4 frame, looked good.

 

do you happen to know if the frame length are the same?

 

BTW mine is 2wd

 

Hi Eclypseballoons, Bill W here, Hey i am in Tucson and have 65-66 f100s. I dont know much about these old trucks but i am learning. THIS site is GREAT for all your questions
Man everyone on the east coast would fall over if they saw how many trucks there are out here. I saw 9 old slicks on the road the other day not to mention the 65 falcon with about 15 in wide tires under it i saw that day too. I know for a fact that once you start on this fourm you cant stop thinking of questions to ask. the guys are great here as well. good luck with your project and welcome.



Bill W
1965 f100 240/6cl short bed 99%stock
1966 f100 352 v8 4spd w/ac work in progress
1959 ****** wagon 4x4 Gave up on for now
1958 IH 3/4 ton 4x4 3 door just got it

 

Yes it can, but it is not gonna be a direct bolt up, and you might have to clip off some of the rear end of the chassis. Take your time and measure three times before you cut anything.

John

 

are the wheel bases the same?

 

Kind balloon person, Likely it is, but if you have to ask, then you shouldn't consider the job. Grab a good 1" wide measuring tape and measure a few wheel bases.

John

 

73-79 are +2" longer, with a SWB coming in at 117 compared to 119 for the 73-9.

They are +3" wider at rear because 73-9 frames splay out 1.5" per side at rear of cab.

In 61-64 version of a Slick, you have to re-locate cab mounts on 73-9 frame to line up with your cab. On some models the rear cab mount holes may need to be simply re-drilled in the cab floor. This can happen on 65-6's also. Support cores should line up but will require shimming for a particualr chassis normal variations.

Both 61-4 and 65-72 require drilling new holes to re mount your bed to the chassis rails in the CA or Cab to Axle rail locations, due to the +3" wider configuration of the 73-9 chassis. It is here where I "fudge the +2" length difference as much as possible. any I have left I "fudge" at rear bumper brackets.

It is quite a job to do a 61-4 onto a 73-9 frame, but if you have the skills, resources, equipment, tools & work space you can do it in 35-40 hours or so. If you are a novice it will probably take a lot longer.

If you lack any of the prerequisites I cited, I suggest you not attempt the swap until you have all the capabilities required. On a 65-72 I would say try it if you have most of the capabilities. The fact there is a virtual bolt up conversion on the later style is the difference in the deal

You have to deal with the steering column. 61-4 are 1 piece column & box combined while 65-79 use a rag joint and a 2 piece column/ Box combination. Also with a manual Shift there is clutch linkage to figure out & fabricate, and so on.
My 66 SWB CC Styleside sits on a 79 F-150 SWB Trainer Special Frame with huge front discs & extra suspension features. it was an easy upgrade for me, but I still have 40 hrs or more into the job. I cleaned Painted & replaced steel lines with stainless, used a bigger fuel line, dealt with making in frame, rear mounted, fuel tank functional with a filler etc.

As for using a M-II front suspension on a truck with a 460. I would not do it myself. But I don't like Pinto or Mustang II anyway they handle terribley partly due to geometry of their flimsy style front end design [In My Honest Opinion].

I certainly would not attempt the things I do with my Slick the way it is now, if it had an M-II front suspension. I've 14" dia X 1.125" Thk front rotors. U can't get them with a M-II. It's also impossible to slow & turn out early in the braking area after a 12.60- 120+mph pass in a 1/4 mile with M-II, even in an M-II Hot Rod !
FBp

 

If you can get away from the ford suspension, Industrial chassis in Phoenix sells a kit to put a Dodge Dakota p/u front suspension in these trucks. They were down on 31st ave. south of Thomas. This suspension is later model with discs and should be strong enough to handle the truck if you are hauling some loads in it.
Kevin S.
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63 F100 Project
29 Ford Sedan Delivery