1970 f-100 question??
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1970 f-100 question??
I have a 1970 F-100 2 wheel drive long bed with auto tranny. with an almost perfect body. I want to mount it on a 3/4 ton 4X4 frame. What years are compatible? and what are the major headaches? would be greatful for any help and/or insight. Thanks everbody in advance.
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Except for 'minor things' like the rear frame rail widths, the different wheelbases, different types of steering gear boxes, section modulus and depth of the frame rails, front leaf springs and etc.
1980 and later is a totally different truck. Body, frame...and etc are different.
If you want P/S, be aware that 1973/77 F100/150 & F250 4WD's (High Boys) used Power Assist P/S that when new worked fine. Today, it's a different story.
There are next to no new parts available, expensive when you do find them.
There was one type for 1973/77 F100/150's (Garrison), two different types for 1973/77 F250's (High Boys-Garrison & Bendix), the parts do not interchange.
1965/75 4WD's have front drum brakes. Disc brakes were not available until 1976.
1980 and later is a totally different truck. Body, frame...and etc are different.
If you want P/S, be aware that 1973/77 F100/150 & F250 4WD's (High Boys) used Power Assist P/S that when new worked fine. Today, it's a different story.
There are next to no new parts available, expensive when you do find them.
There was one type for 1973/77 F100/150's (Garrison), two different types for 1973/77 F250's (High Boys-Garrison & Bendix), the parts do not interchange.
1965/75 4WD's have front drum brakes. Disc brakes were not available until 1976.
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1965/66's are shorter than 1967 and later. Some are only 120," some are 129."
If I was gonna make this swap, I'd used a non Highboy 133" wheelbase frame (1977 from serial number Y20,001) & 1978/79 F250's, which has Ford integral P/S, disc brakes, other amenities.
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From: Portland, OR
If I was gonna make this swap, I'd used a non Highboy 133" wheelbase frame (1977 from serial number Y20,001) & 1978/79 F250's, which has Ford integral P/S, disc brakes, other amenities.
...and what would you do with the 2" difference in wheel base?
...and what would you do with the 2" difference in wheel base?
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(sorry for the duplicate post - learning how to quote)
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Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
What everyone else does...what that is, I haven't a clue. 
I have read myriad posts where this has been done, and if I was gonna make this swap, I'd contact the FTE member that knows all about it.
I think his name is 75F350, he lives a few miles east of me in Claremont CA and posts in the 1973/79 forum.
I have read myriad posts where this has been done, and if I was gonna make this swap, I'd contact the FTE member that knows all about it.
I think his name is 75F350, he lives a few miles east of me in Claremont CA and posts in the 1973/79 forum.
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Some people just eat it and allow the 2 extra inches in space between the cab and bed. That looks funny to some people, but at least the rear wheels are centered on the wheel wells. Others will split the difference, allowing one extra inch between cab and bed, and then to be one inch off center in the wheel well.
But I think Bill is right....contact those that have done these... I have only read about it!
But I think Bill is right....contact those that have done these... I have only read about it!
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Sidney, BC, Canada
Hi, 67-72 is interchangable for bodies. ND will probably have better details, but the only things that I can think of are the following:
Tranny hump -- I think this varies whether it was an auto or manual trans
Underdash wiring harness -- this varies a bit by year based on the cluster. If you're swapping everything from the body it shouldn't be a problem
Aux gas tank -- I don't think the 4x4's will fit the tank the side (due to the transfer case, if I remember right). If your 4x2 (the good body truck) has the side tank you might have to orphan the filler and watch the pump jockey's carefully.
HTH, darrell
ps: I'm sure if you can't find a good donor frame, I would be willing to take it off your hands! Just kidding...
Tranny hump -- I think this varies whether it was an auto or manual trans
Underdash wiring harness -- this varies a bit by year based on the cluster. If you're swapping everything from the body it shouldn't be a problem
Aux gas tank -- I don't think the 4x4's will fit the tank the side (due to the transfer case, if I remember right). If your 4x2 (the good body truck) has the side tank you might have to orphan the filler and watch the pump jockey's carefully.
HTH, darrell
ps: I'm sure if you can't find a good donor frame, I would be willing to take it off your hands! Just kidding...
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From: Portland, OR
The rear cab mounts for the 2 wheel drive cab are inside the frame rails while the 4x4 mounts are on the outside. But that is no biggie.
The tough part will be finding a good donor 4x4 frame with good running gear.
In the Pacific Northwest 2 wheel drives are a dime a dozen, but the 4x4's much harder to come by.
I don't mean to discourage you. When you do find one it just makes it that much more special!
This is based on junkyard shopping for '72 parts this summer. I'm currently in the middle of a frame off restoration on my 4x4.
Cheers, and keep us posted on your progress.
The tough part will be finding a good donor 4x4 frame with good running gear.
In the Pacific Northwest 2 wheel drives are a dime a dozen, but the 4x4's much harder to come by.
I don't mean to discourage you. When you do find one it just makes it that much more special!
This is based on junkyard shopping for '72 parts this summer. I'm currently in the middle of a frame off restoration on my 4x4.
Cheers, and keep us posted on your progress.
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From: Simi Valley, CA
How many times a year is the big Portland swap meet staged? That would be a good place to start looking for parts.
The last time I attended was in the late 1970's, only one swap meet was held a year.
The last time I attended was in the late 1970's, only one swap meet was held a year.
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From: Portland, OR
As far as I know the Portland Swap Meet is only in April.
I went for the first time this year.
It was almost overwhelming. I need to allow way more time to browse next year.
I did see some pretty sweet bumpsides there.
I went for the first time this year.
It was almost overwhelming. I need to allow way more time to browse next year.
I did see some pretty sweet bumpsides there.