Would 2006-2010 Explorer frame fit F1?
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Would 2006-2010 Explorer frame fit F1?
I have a '48 F1 truck that I am considering doing a frame swap onto. I have researched several frame swap projects where guys used the Explorer frame, drivetrain, etc and sat the F1 body on the frame. Most of these are using the Gen 2 Explorer (1994-2001) for this. Gen 3 Explorers (2005-2005) according to research I've done had so many problems I am steering away from these. Therefore I am considering using Gen 4 (2006-2010) Explorer as a donor and using the frame, entire drivetrain, wiring, brakes, steering wheel, etc, and fitting my '48 F1 onto it. Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm having a hard time finding all the frame specs, ect, that I need to make a final decision. Any info or help would be greatly appreciated.
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Yes, the Gen 4 Explorer (2006-2010) did have a full frame. The information I've found says Ford made the frame more beefy by boxing the frame, but I can't find any specific dimensions. I didn't get any front end, rear end or drivetrain with the F1 I bought, so that's why I'm considering the frame swap, rather than piece parting a donor car, or several donor cars, and fitting it into the stock frame I have. Gen 5 which was came out in 2011 is when they turned the engine sideways and replaced the full frame with some type unibody frame/body system.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,203
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From: Southern SC.
It would be easier to put a Jag front end and an Explorer rear end with an engine of your choice than doing the frame swap. I would check that out before spending time looking for frame info. The reason people say stay away from doing it is it usually ends up a mess and leads to another unfinished project. Just another 2cents worth about that much I guess but after reading about so many failures on this subject I would hate to see another unfinished old truck just sit. Have fun
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,912
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From: Angier, NC
The later truck guys are using Crown Vic front suspensions with the Explorer rear axle on the truck's frame but I would look into using the full frame from the CV.
Heck if you bought a running/driving (police) car do a body swap and you don't have to deal with finding everything that plays nice together.
Dave ----
Heck if you bought a running/driving (police) car do a body swap and you don't have to deal with finding everything that plays nice together.
Dave ----
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,636
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From: Crossville, Tn
The later truck guys are using Crown Vic front suspensions with the Explorer rear axle on the truck's frame but I would look into using the full frame from the CV.
Heck if you bought a running/driving (police) car do a body swap and you don't have to deal with finding everything that plays nice together.
Dave ----
Heck if you bought a running/driving (police) car do a body swap and you don't have to deal with finding everything that plays nice together.
Dave ----
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
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From: Austin
Hey Lugnuttz,
If you have a '48 frame ...that would be the easiest route.
You can mount a pre-2002 Explorer 8.8. rear end in a weekend... if you choose wisely
you can find 3.73 gears, locking diff, & rear disc brakes. installing the front IFS from a Jaguar
works great as it's an ideal width...loads of how to discussions & knowledge on here. A CV is too wide
& involves cutting & welding aluminum ...not for the faint of heart...do you want to ride in a truck where the
front suspension has been cut in half & welded back together shorter?
In 6 weeks you would have a modern suspension on a frame that fits all your sheet metal....
then it's all about choosing the drivetrain you want.
We are running a 351W with an AOD transmission, Explorer rear end including springs, & a Mustang II style
after market front suspension. Makes a great cruiser.
Where are you at in Texas?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
If you have a '48 frame ...that would be the easiest route.
You can mount a pre-2002 Explorer 8.8. rear end in a weekend... if you choose wisely
you can find 3.73 gears, locking diff, & rear disc brakes. installing the front IFS from a Jaguar
works great as it's an ideal width...loads of how to discussions & knowledge on here. A CV is too wide
& involves cutting & welding aluminum ...not for the faint of heart...do you want to ride in a truck where the
front suspension has been cut in half & welded back together shorter?
In 6 weeks you would have a modern suspension on a frame that fits all your sheet metal....
then it's all about choosing the drivetrain you want.
We are running a 351W with an AOD transmission, Explorer rear end including springs, & a Mustang II style
after market front suspension. Makes a great cruiser.
Where are you at in Texas?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Northville, MI
There are a few on here that have done this but most that we hear about are never finished. There are a lot of aftermarket parts available for 1948-52 Ford Trucks. If you search this forum you can find solutions to most any problem that you encounter modifying F1s with a stock frame. The further from that that you deviate the less help that we can give you. I would never recommend going this route. It isn't as easy as it sounds.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Northville, MI
In case you don't know how to use a search tool Lugnutzz :https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...eally-bad.html
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 2
From: Moorhead, MN
Have you driven a stock explorer? They are nothing to write home about as far as handling, performance, economy etc. You start adding or deleting stuff(airbag, abs, antitheft, HVAC, catalytic converters, etc) you now have a wiring and programing nightmare. While it seems like a frame swap is a short cut from Point A to Point B, it is just as long, hard, and expensive(if not more so) than doing it the right way the first time.
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