80 f100 axle/ drivetrain conversion.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Ogden
80 f100 axle/ drivetrain conversion.
Hey there, got a 1980 f100, 2wd that I am trying to put a front axle into. I have heard of 80s 350s with independent front axle, does anyone know if the the two have the same set up? Meaning, would the i-beams bolt into the same spots?
Otherwise which solid axles would work with the same radius arm setup? Im thinking early model big broncos with the solid 44s? I just don't know if the width of the spring pads and arms radius arms are the same. I could figure out steering and panhard bar.
Otherwise which solid axles would work with the same radius arm setup? Im thinking early model big broncos with the solid 44s? I just don't know if the width of the spring pads and arms radius arms are the same. I could figure out steering and panhard bar.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
A front axle from an 80-96 F150/Bronco is a bolt in swap for the twin I-beam. Anything else is going to require major fabrication to fit.
The TTB D44 from F150/bronco attaches to the same pivot and radius arm brackets, and all you would need is the axle halves and radius arms, the rest of the steering and suspension is the same between 2wd/4wd.
The TTB D44 from F150/bronco attaches to the same pivot and radius arm brackets, and all you would need is the axle halves and radius arms, the rest of the steering and suspension is the same between 2wd/4wd.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Hey there, got a 1980 f100, 2wd that I am trying to put a front axle into. I have heard of 80s 350s with independent front axle, does anyone know if the the two have the same set up? Meaning, would the i-beams bolt into the same spots?
Otherwise which solid axles would work with the same radius arm setup? Im thinking early model big broncos with the solid 44s? I just don't know if the width of the spring pads and arms radius arms are the same. I could figure out steering and panhard bar.
Otherwise which solid axles would work with the same radius arm setup? Im thinking early model big broncos with the solid 44s? I just don't know if the width of the spring pads and arms radius arms are the same. I could figure out steering and panhard bar.
You really need to take a step back and decide what you want to do with a big project like this (it's a big project, trust me). What are you going to use the truck for? What size tires are you going to run? Would it be easier to buy a 4x4 truck?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Ogden
Im not worried about workload and no it would not be easier to buy a 4x4 truck. got this one for $100. have a 400 that I am rebuilding, t18 and transfercase from a f350 that will go in nicely. The application for this truck is gonna be a play truck. Ill be puttin the biggest tires on this truck possible until i break axles, then upgrading...
yes i know it has a gas saver frame but I am planning on adding some strength to it.
yes i know it has a gas saver frame but I am planning on adding some strength to it.
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From: Virginia
The frame is the same as any 1980 f150. The key here that needs to be stressed is a 4wd front axle from a f250 or f350 will not fit your frame. Like was said you need the frontend from a Bronco or f150, and it's a easy bolt in. The 400, a 4x4 t18 and the f350 transfer case will bolt in and work fine, but the heavier frontend from that f350 will not. If you want the heavier f250/350 frontend, then get a f250/350 frame and bolt your body onto it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
I think it also bears mentioning that the F100 frame isn't any weaker than the F350 frame. In 1980 and early 81, all F-series trucks had the "swiss cheese" frame style. It's only weaker when it comes to hard impacts. Instead of simply bending (usually beyond repair), it will fold over itself at one of the holes, totally beyond repair.......
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Be careful... this is absolutely not true. The early 80's trucks all may have swiss cheese underneath but a 1-ton frame is always stronger than a 1/2 ton frame.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
When used within the manufacturers stated GVWR, the F100 frame isn't any more likely to have a failure than an F350 frame. Not counting environmental issues, such as rust.... Exceeding the GVWR, all bets are off.
I would be surprised if the older F350 frames were substancially heavier than an F100 frame, for the same wheelbase trucks. Aside from a few key brackets, most everything is direct swap. From the firewall back, nearly everything is a direct swap, it's the front suspension and crossmember area that have the most variations.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Ogden
yeah i think it will be ok for the time being having the bronco/F150 front axle. It is a project, and a toy, and will eventually probably convert the front end to a leaf spring style front.
As for the frame, has anyone ever just welded some plates along the frame (of course cut to allow brackets, lines, etc) over the holes? I think it would be worth doing, considering I will probably be modifying frame already. Now I know some of you will just ask "why the heck won't this guy just get a f350?" Two things; no frame is going to be cheap that is in as good of a condition as mine (Little to no rust, except on body, frame has no undercoating and just surface rust), and insurance for a 1980 F100 (kinda considered less than a 1/2 ton) in maryland actually reduces the cost of my insurance plan with other vehicles on it. Id like to have a f350 to start with, but this is good enough.
Right now I just want to get the 4x4 conversion done, even if it is a weak setup, so that I have a base to work off of. Cash flow is not fast now either.... which prevents me from getting springs made, a straight d60, and everything else I want to do to the truck. but it will come in time
As for the frame, has anyone ever just welded some plates along the frame (of course cut to allow brackets, lines, etc) over the holes? I think it would be worth doing, considering I will probably be modifying frame already. Now I know some of you will just ask "why the heck won't this guy just get a f350?" Two things; no frame is going to be cheap that is in as good of a condition as mine (Little to no rust, except on body, frame has no undercoating and just surface rust), and insurance for a 1980 F100 (kinda considered less than a 1/2 ton) in maryland actually reduces the cost of my insurance plan with other vehicles on it. Id like to have a f350 to start with, but this is good enough.
Right now I just want to get the 4x4 conversion done, even if it is a weak setup, so that I have a base to work off of. Cash flow is not fast now either.... which prevents me from getting springs made, a straight d60, and everything else I want to do to the truck. but it will come in time
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From: Virginia
If you are up to all the fabrication it takes to install the larger components later, go for it. You never know the capabilities of each person when they post questions on here, so I just wanted to warn you it would not fit unless you want to make it fit.
You could also just get a junked f250 or 350 and slide the frame under your body, and still use your title for the f100 since it would match the vin plate in the windshield and on the tag on the door jamb. It would just have the heavier frame and suspension. You will find later down the road, your cheapest solution for a upgrade will be to buy a 86-up f350 for parts, and swap the whole frame in. If you look around just for the Dana 60 frontend itself which only comes in the 86-up f350's, you will probably pay at least $800-$1000 just for the dana 60 itself.
You could also just get a junked f250 or 350 and slide the frame under your body, and still use your title for the f100 since it would match the vin plate in the windshield and on the tag on the door jamb. It would just have the heavier frame and suspension. You will find later down the road, your cheapest solution for a upgrade will be to buy a 86-up f350 for parts, and swap the whole frame in. If you look around just for the Dana 60 frontend itself which only comes in the 86-up f350's, you will probably pay at least $800-$1000 just for the dana 60 itself.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Ogden
yeah understandable. My shop has a 89 f350 chasis cab (old uhaul truck) that they said they would sell to me for cheap, but the problem is since it has such a high gvw and a diesel and a box on it the insurance company won't let me insure it unless it is a commercial account. which with my drivin record will double my already tough rate. I want to make that a flat bed offroad recovery vehicle but I don't want to have a 1 and 1/2 ton f100 and get nailed for insurance fraud.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
How are they going to know it's not the original frame? Build what you want, insure it how you can, and don't worry about it. No one ever went to jail for building an offroad truck out of parts.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Ogden
well then, the problem with that is the fact that the box truck is also 2wd. If i were to find a dana 60 the axle should bolt up right?
and if i remember correctly those transmissions behind the idis did not have interchangable tail housings for 4wd right?
and if i remember correctly those transmissions behind the idis did not have interchangable tail housings for 4wd right?