has any one ever attempted this and if so what kind of info can yall give me. i have to stretch the frame ten inches.whats the best way and strongest? and make new body mounts. wondering if anyone knows of a good company to buy a new steering column.

 

I haven't done anything on a Bronco frame yet, but I put a 53 Dodge cab and bed on an 82 Blazer frame. I had the running gear out of a truck, so I used what I had. Anyway, I had to shorten the bed 13 inches to fit the frame, as well as make custom body mounts. It turned out pretty good. If you lengthen the frame, you should box the frame for a little ways past the break in the factory frame rails. You will possibly want to use channel iron that is about the same size as the frame rail, plus some plate to box it.

Good luck, hope it works for you.

 

have you measured for fit on pickup truck frame? i have been thinking about similar swap onto 85 f150 frame using panel truck mor 53-56 f100.
has anybody done this? maybe need to check older truck conference.

 

i haven't checked that but this is what i have available. hoping to make the best of it. i recently got two pieces of another frame for the transplant. what should i do to make sure the fram is straight after i cut it? or to support it with any ideas appreciated.
thanks matt

 

matt, i called a street rod buddy of mine and he suggested talking to a rod shop about the frame. these guys are always grafting frames to put modern suspensions under old metal.
i think i am going to check out some this week. i'll get back with info.

 

To make sure the frame is straight, mark some points on both sides of the frame before cutting, then when you lengthen the frame, use the original marks, add the additional length to the total, and make sure both sides match. Also, try to do it on a level surface, and measure from the floor to the frame, making sure it is same height all around.

As far as supporting the frame, try using C-Channel iron, and if you want strong, box the frame while the cab and bed are off. Channel with flex, where a box frame is more rigid. If you are looking to 4 wheel it, I recommend boxing the frame. My frame has A LOT OF FLEX on my Dodge, and it seems to be tweaking it a bit.

 

thanks for the responses. i hope that this will go smoothly. i have the body off and just a bare frame to work with now. do yall think that some 5/16 plate would be strong enough? after i cut the frame should i just try and slide the back half of the vehicle back to the right point.and leave the front stationary. i am going to make some marks on the ground also. to try and help me stay in line.i have two pieces of c channel that i cut from another frame. once i get these in do you think that i should put some plate on both sides for more support.then box it. any other help would be appreciated.
thanks,
matt

 

I think you have the right ideas. Leave the front where it is, and move the rear. It is easier to keep the rear straight than the front(due to steering). Since you cut a section of another frame, I think you should be fine. Plating it with 5/16" plate should be enough, since I believe it is thicker than the frame rails anyway. You may not even need to put the plate on both sides of the frame. However, you will want to at least plate ALL 3 SIDES of the frame rail. This way the original cuts will not stress and break the plate.

Good luck.