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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Frame the same?

Old Sep 25, 2008 | 10:28 AM
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Frame the same?

I've heard Ford used the same frame on F-150 from 80'-96'. True?
 
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 10:47 AM
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It's very very similar, but I don't know that every aspect is the same throughout those years.
 
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 11:37 AM
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so in other words an 84' frame will fit under my 89'?
 
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 01:34 PM
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For starters, the replacement frame MUST BE the same wheelbase as your truck, From there engine, trans, 4x4/4x2, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton etc are all factor that must be considered.
Dan.
 
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 01:46 PM
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I found that the swiss cheese frame is slightly less taller than the later frames
 
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 02:55 PM
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I'm leaving the engine and trans from the 84' in there. The only thing I'm switching is the body.
 
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 03:04 PM
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'80 and '81 have all the holes. Leaf spring hangers are different from 2 to 4 wheel drive Also the engine mounts that are on the frame are different depending on engine. I swapped a frame in an '86 4x4 and used a later 2 wheel drive frame. Had to swap rear spring hangers and frame engine mounts.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by rostena
I'm leaving the engine and trans from the 84' in there. The only thing I'm switching is the body.
I wouldn't bet the farm that they are identical. But maybe need some adjusting of the front clip to work. I would also believe the front bumper frame tabs are different, but then again, maybe not.

I had an 82 F-100. The entire suspension, frame and cross members were lighter duty than the 83 F-150. Stamped steel I beams, mounting brackets and cross members were smaller and the spring mounts, shocks and all of that were also smaller/lighter. Yet it had a trailer towing package, with the big six and a C6 tranny. Go figure. It did get marvelous gas mileage. Something on the order of 24-26 interstate. Then again, it had a 2.73 rear axle ratio....
 
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Old Sep 27, 2008 | 03:10 AM
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you should have no problems bolting on your 89 body onto an 84 frame.
there are the odd differences like the swiss cheese 80/81 listed, and the differences between F250's but the body mounts as far as i can remember are still in the same place.
 
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