Frame swap

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Jun 26, 2007 | 08:07 AM

grace553

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Frame swap

Hello, Can anyone tell me if the frame on a 1965 F100 is the same as the frame on a 1966 F100? My 1966 frame is damaged and I can pick up a 1965 frame close to home. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks! MM

Jun 26, 2007 | 10:57 AM

magee

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As far as I know, the frames are the same. Just the 64 and earlier slicks would be different.

Jun 26, 2007 | 02:15 PM

jowilker

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by grace553

Welcome to FTE, The nations truck stop for Slick tech support.

May I suggest that you look for a 73-76 frame if your truck has the V8 and a 73-79 if your truck has the I-6 engine. That way you can have the power steering and disc brake upgrade with the chassis replacement.

John

Jun 26, 2007 | 07:53 PM

grace553

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More frame questions

John, Thanks for the suggestion! I have heard of doing this with the later frames, but have read that the newer frames have differences from the cab back. For example, there is a length and width problem with the rear section when compared to the original '65 and '66 that requires some relocating of the bed mounting pads (I think) or massaging of the bed to make it bolt up. At that point it fits, but it's not exactly quite right. The difference in fit is apparently noticeable if you know what your're looking for. Also, one swap I saw in a magazine with the different frame exhibited a problem with the centering of the front wheels within the wheel housing. The more you looked at it, the more you could tell that the wheels were about an inch out of center from where the old suspension kept the wheels.How about it? Is the problem being overblown or is it a legitimate problem? If it is a problem, I think I would rather buy the components from a donor truck and put them on an original frame. Yours and others experience and opinions would be really welcome!
Thanks, MM.

Jun 27, 2007 | 05:23 AM

jowilker

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

MM, What you have read is all correct. The chassis is 4" longer, wider behind the cab, and used a new rear axle width to allow the rear wheels to track the front starting in 73.

If you are building a show truck the suggestion may not be great for you. I had no way of knowing what your plans are, and wasn't trying to lead you in a direction that would not be good for you.

Chassis from 65-72 should be a direct bolt hole exchange for your 66.

good luck

John

Jun 27, 2007 | 05:58 AM

grace553

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Frame swap

Sir, I sincerely appreciate the help you have sent my way concerning the frames. I think you must be a really informed Ford man or a professional mechanic to have accumulated so much knowledge about these old trucks. I am not building a show truck, but I am an old school, old head who is set in his ways and likes the truck to look like I know it should, even if it is a daily driver. Thanks so much!! MM.

Jun 27, 2007 | 12:19 PM

bertha66

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Central Oregon

Check with your DMV about the frame numbers, here in Oregon the title works off the frame number, so here you wound need the title that goes with the frame.