4x2-4x4
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4x2-4x4
I might of just scored a good deal on a 78 f-150 4x4 that the body is completly shot on but it has a great running gear. Ive always wanted my truck to be a 4x4 I was thinking putting my body on the 4x4 frame would be the easiest since I need to put all new body mounts on it anyway. Can I pull the cab fender and hood all together or should I take the front clip off? I know the box is the easy part. With the body off the 4x4 chasis I will be able to clean it up degrease it real well and undercoat it real nice. Whats everyones thoughts on this kind of swap. I had a friend suggest just putting all the suspension under my frame but to me that sounds like more work then changing bodies.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
Just swapping the suspension may SOUND easier but it's not. The 4X4 frame is different from the 2WD. It can be done and has been done many, many times but there is cutting and welding involved. Swapping the body will be infinitely easier.
I would take the front clip off before swapping the cab. I don't think you can do it all in one because of the radiator support.
I would take the front clip off before swapping the cab. I don't think you can do it all in one because of the radiator support.
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Rhode Island
I basically did just what you are thinking of doing with my 78 supercab.
The swap really comes down to equipment available.
With three other buddies you can pull the nose as a unit, and then swap the cab and box as a unit!
Plug the harnesses back in and your well on your way. Other than of course what you find wrong with the new truck as you take it apart!
The swap really comes down to equipment available.
With three other buddies you can pull the nose as a unit, and then swap the cab and box as a unit!
Plug the harnesses back in and your well on your way. Other than of course what you find wrong with the new truck as you take it apart!
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I basically did just what you are thinking of doing with my 78 supercab.
The swap really comes down to equipment available.
With three other buddies you can pull the nose as a unit, and then swap the cab and box as a unit!
Plug the harnesses back in and your well on your way. Other than of course what you find wrong with the new truck as you take it apart!
The swap really comes down to equipment available.
With three other buddies you can pull the nose as a unit, and then swap the cab and box as a unit!
Plug the harnesses back in and your well on your way. Other than of course what you find wrong with the new truck as you take it apart!
Thanks Dynamic, Thats what I was guessing. I got to put all new body mounts on anyway as the ones with my truck are shot and Im guessing the ones on this one are to. I figure I will put a mild body lift in while Im at it . Perfect time to do it. I dont want no monster truck just a little extra clearance for a nice set of tires. are you suggesting that if I get 4 or 5 of my bros that we can just lift the cab off one frame and onto the other? Ive seen it done with saw horse's and blocking up the body and rolling out one and rolling the other back under before.
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Rhode Island
Thanks Dynamic, Thats what I was guessing. I got to put all new body mounts on anyway as the ones with my truck are shot and Im guessing the ones on this one are to. I figure I will put a mild body lift in while Im at it . Perfect time to do it. I dont want no monster truck just a little extra clearance for a nice set of tires. are you suggesting that if I get 4 or 5 of my bros that we can just lift the cab off one frame and onto the other? Ive seen it done with saw horse's and blocking up the body and rolling out one and rolling the other back under before.
Exactlly what im saying! Invite over some strong buddies for a BBQ and surprise them with the truck project and that you expect them to help you swap the parts before they can have any BEER or FOOD!
you can also make up some saw horse's and go that way but its more time consuming!
I used a boom lift on a wrecker truck when I did my supercab. But I have helped out doing a reg cab with three other buddies.
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Nice how much lift you got in that?
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Rhode Island
Not sure to be honest. I cant take credit for the lift, It was one thing the PO did a good job on. I cant really speak to badly about the PO as he had repair shops fix his truck as he couldnt spin a wrench to save his life.
I beleive its around 4 inch's of lift. I would have to measure a stock set of front spring hangers to get a good idea on actual lift. I should be putting the 35's back on soon, which will make it look much better!
I beleive its around 4 inch's of lift. I would have to measure a stock set of front spring hangers to get a good idea on actual lift. I should be putting the 35's back on soon, which will make it look much better!
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Junior User
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Yes 35's will make it look much nicer. Im just gonna go with a body lift for now. probably a 3 inch that should give me enough for a good set of beefy tires and still allow the kids to get in it without to much trouble
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Hmmm if yah find them and dont want to use them let me know. Maybe we can work something out. I read something about having to weld an extension in to the shifter shaft if keeping the column shift. I think it just might be easier to put a floor shifter in. But who knows Im on a real tight budget
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
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From: Rhode Island
HE HE ...
I know exactlly where the extended shifter rod is! I sand blasted it, cleaned up the weld, painted it, tried to install it and remembered that I had two shifter rods and that one is wrong!
I will try to take a look for the lift blocks.
I know exactlly where the extended shifter rod is! I sand blasted it, cleaned up the weld, painted it, tried to install it and remembered that I had two shifter rods and that one is wrong!
I will try to take a look for the lift blocks.
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HAHA ok very cool if you will part with the longer shift rod to that would be very cool. let me know when you get it dug up.
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From: ELYRIA OHIO
I just did this last week.....took three days. Day 1 rip donor apart, Day 2 Put cab and Bed on, Day 3 Wiring and Front Clip.
My 4x4 body is still in the shop for body work. Im schedule to take my truck with me on vacation for some offroading for 4th of July but since my body work isnt finshed....... I bought a POS 4x2 for 300 bucks and put the sheetmetal on my freshly redone frame and motor.
Here is some pics of the truck an how I got the cab off with my wifes help.
DONOR
My Frame and Driveline
Day 1
The Process to remove cab with 2 people
You need 2 long 10ft 4x4 posts, Cinder Blocks, and a Jack. You build 4 cinder block towers wide enough apart for the wheels to roll through so you can roll the old frame out from underneath and the new frame into place. I had this stuff laying around feel free to use your imagination. Jack up truck until it looks something like this......
Day 2
Truck has a 4 inch suspension and 3inch body lift until I go higher then its coming off
Day 3
4x2into4x4
My 4x4 body is still in the shop for body work. Im schedule to take my truck with me on vacation for some offroading for 4th of July but since my body work isnt finshed....... I bought a POS 4x2 for 300 bucks and put the sheetmetal on my freshly redone frame and motor.
Here is some pics of the truck an how I got the cab off with my wifes help.
DONOR
My Frame and Driveline
Day 1
The Process to remove cab with 2 people
You need 2 long 10ft 4x4 posts, Cinder Blocks, and a Jack. You build 4 cinder block towers wide enough apart for the wheels to roll through so you can roll the old frame out from underneath and the new frame into place. I had this stuff laying around feel free to use your imagination. Jack up truck until it looks something like this......
Day 2
Truck has a 4 inch suspension and 3inch body lift until I go higher then its coming off
Day 3
4x2into4x4