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Hi all. I am new here and considering a project and wanted to consult the gurus. I have a totaled rollover 2002 7.3psd 4x4 SC F250 6sp with 100k. There is no mechanical damage whatsoever, just sheetmetal damage. I got a bright idea to buy a 77-79 SC 2wd and drop the body on the 02 frame and drivetrain. I am good at building such things, as I have done an IRS swap in a stang and a coil solid axle swap in an ifs bronco amongst other things. I want to know realistically what I can expect. I know squat about diesels except I like to drive them. I know quite a bit about gasoline EFI if that translates at all. My biggest concern is integrating the body electrical system to the PSD computer. How many connections are there to the body (e.g., Ignition switch, 12VDC+, Clutch sw, brake switch, etc.) that I will have to integrate? I think this could be a recipe for a great truck for the investment (currently $2000.)
Welcome 79. I for one wouldn't want to undertake that project. I am sure it could be done, but not without a lot of fabrication which is AKA PITA.
As for the important stuff, PCM, IDM, I don't think they care what body they are mounted to. The tranny and VSS will stay the same so you will toil with dash wiring, CC, and AC hookup along with intercooler, radiator, and fan shroud mounting and blah .
Nothing that can't be done, but maybe something that ought not be done. Might be better off finding a dead truck to put that powerplant in and part the other one out.
Nothing that can't be done, but maybe something that ought not be done. Might be better off finding a dead truck to put that powerplant in and part the other one out.
It'd probably be really cool... Here's the thing though. The cost of an older ford truck that's really clean isn't all that cheap. You probably won't find a really clean one that isn't a good running truck either. I'd like to see it done though. You might consider finding another superduty with a blown motor instead.
Sounds like a helluva project, think I remember seeing something like that in diesel power or something. If you have the means, and you want one, I say go for it! I can't think of any huge electrical hurdles to overcome, just stuff like adapting the PSD throttle position sensor into the new body (7.3's are fly by wire, sensors on the pedal), more dash lights, stuff like that. I imagine you'd stick with an older or replacement steering wheel, so you could loose all the airbag stuff, sensors and what not. Get a wait to start light and MIL in the new body, and it sounds sweet to me! Make some PSD mods easier to get around emissions, too.
I was thinking of plasma cutting out the firewall in front of the driver from the 02 and welding it into the early cab so all of the pedal mechanisms from th 02 bolt in. I was thinking of doing the same with the inner fenders for all the engine accessories. As far as dash wiring, I would use all stand-alone gauges such as AutoMeter or equivalent. Transplant in the power seats from the 02, Custom wheel with cruise controls, haneline power windows, generic power locks and keyless entry, add lots and lots of dynamat, and be done there. I also found a donor truck that needs paint but is straight for $550 that runs and drives. 78 SC 2wd f250 460.
Maybe set it on some 37s and 20s or something and paint it black. I think it would rock.
I was thinking of plasma cutting out the firewall in front of the driver from the 02 and welding it into the early cab so all of the pedal mechanisms from th 02 bolt in. I was thinking of doing the same with the inner fenders for all the engine accessories. As far as dash wiring, I would use all stand-alone gauges such as AutoMeter or equivalent. Transplant in the power seats from the 02, Custom wheel with cruise controls, haneline power windows, generic power locks and keyless entry, add lots and lots of dynamat, and be done there. I also found a donor truck that needs paint but is straight for $550 that runs and drives. 78 SC 2wd f250 460.
Maybe set it on some 37s and 20s or something and paint it black. I think it would rock.
If you do this you know you are required to post pics along the way so we can see how it goes.
I say if you've got the time, go for it. Start by posting pics of the 2 donor trucks so we can see what your starting off with.
Don't forget to grab the brakes off the newer truck. You'll want the 4 wheel abs. Keep us posted and good luck.