Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

new toy

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 4, 2010 | 02:29 PM
Share
  #1  
newfordman's Avatar
newfordman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
new toy
I have just purchased a 1978 bronco with a ranger body on it. I was wondering if the body off of my 1982 f-150 would bolt on to the frame fairly easily. any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 4, 2010 | 02:44 PM
Share
  #2  
northeaster79's Avatar
northeaster79
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 899
Likes: 1
From: trenton ns canada
well the bronco frame is shorter then a swb F150.I would think you'd need a truck crossmember for the rear mounts and it would also depend on what the po maid for mounts to put the ranger body,is the ranger body rotton?
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 4, 2010 | 04:41 PM
Share
  #3  
newfordman's Avatar
newfordman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
ya. the ranger body is rotten. The other thing i was thinking is bolting the suspension under my 1982 but it is only 2 wheel drive.
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 4, 2010 | 04:49 PM
Share
  #4  
ri_truck_guy's Avatar
ri_truck_guy
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
Club FTE Gold Member
The 70's frame is also narrower....would take a lot of metal work to make an 80's body bolt up.
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 06:47 AM
Share
  #5  
northeaster79's Avatar
northeaster79
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 899
Likes: 1
From: trenton ns canada
yes and like truck guy said the width of the frames are slightly different,the rear is the same at 37 5/8'' but the front is almost 5'' narrower,where the front cab mounts are is the same,and the rear cab mounts are on the crossmember,it could be done if you were determined enough.I think I would go with your second idea of putting the suspension under your truck.
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 10:51 AM
Share
  #6  
newfordman's Avatar
newfordman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Thanx guys. i think that is what i will do. I have one other question. When did they start putting the twin I beam front end in 4 wheel drive trucks or broncos?
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 11:00 AM
Share
  #7  
northeaster79's Avatar
northeaster79
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 899
Likes: 1
From: trenton ns canada
they started using the twin traction beam in 1980 in the trucks and broncos,alot of guys with the 1980-96 F150s are swapping out to soild front axles like the one you have,it would probably be your best way to go,I imagine there will be someone along here soon that will chim in and direct you were to look to do the swap.
I will have a look for one here for you thats pretty in depth.
 
Reply
0

Trending Topics

Old Feb 5, 2010 | 01:53 PM
Share
  #8  
newfordman's Avatar
newfordman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
so would it be easier to just get an 80 or newer 4x4 running gear to bolt under my truck
 
Reply
0
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 02:15 PM
Share
  #9  
northeaster79's Avatar
northeaster79
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 899
Likes: 1
From: trenton ns canada
if you had an 80 or newer frame and running gear yes,but you can make what you have work pretty easily too,what is in the bronco/ranger for an engine?whats in your truck for an engine?
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 8, 2010 | 09:23 AM
Share
  #10  
newfordman's Avatar
newfordman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
I fianally got a better look at the truck and the guy i am buying it from was wrong it is an 80 or newer. i am kinda upset about it but, atleast it will make the job of changing it over easier.
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 8, 2010 | 09:25 AM
Share
  #11  
newfordman's Avatar
newfordman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
The only other question i have is will the suspension bolt right in place on my 2wd frame or do i need to change the brackets?
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 8, 2010 | 11:51 AM
Share
  #12  
ri_truck_guy's Avatar
ri_truck_guy
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
Club FTE Gold Member
The front will bolt up. But if you're thinking of doing any kind of lift, now would be the time. The rear springs may have a different width that might require you to change perches.
 
Reply
0
Old Feb 12, 2010 | 03:09 PM
Share
  #13  
newfordman's Avatar
newfordman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
K. i was wrong again. the 4wd is a solid front axle. So now i need to know how to convert my 82 2wd into a solid axle 4wd. Please help me.
 
Reply
0
Tags
Back to Subforum
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
View Next Unread
brake problem!! please help




Advanced Search
Reply Closed Thread Share
Forum Jump

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:25 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE