46 1/2 Ton
 

hello, I have been sitting on a 46 1/2 for almost 3 years now and really want to get started on it. Pretty sure I need to do a frame swap what is a good frame for this truck?
The bed on it is off a 1950 F100
I also have already purchased a 70s 302 motor with 3 on the tree however I wish to convert it to the floor.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as this is my first build and I am really at a loss for where to even begin. Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the group. Not to be a downer, but if this is your first build, unless your frame is totally rotted, you might be better to upgrade the stock frame. If you have fabrication and welding skills you can find a good donor with S-10 and possibly Dakota frames.
What kind of suspension are you wanting? That will help figure your frame situation as well

I was hoping to do an independent front to get rid of the straight axle, like an MS ll IFS Kit but I am struggling to find one that is a bolt in and for a decent price.

When you get into something of this magnitude, frame swap or full different suspensions, it will most likely NOT be a bolt in.
What fab skills, tools and place to do this in do you have?
Hate to say this but it sounds like you may not have much of any of them and this project will be sold in parts in a year or two.
Hope you show me wrong.

As for price well when it is done we can talk about that. Up till then all you can do is look around for the best price for what parts you use.
I have not looked closely at MS II IFS kits but going to say got to be a few thou. So what would you consider "decent price?"

As was posted look at the 2 trucks if the wheel bases are close to work for a frame swap.
Talking of that do a search for Crown Vic frame swaps both in FTE (all years) and Google to see what is involved and see if it is over your skill / tool / place level.

BTW I did a 4 year cab off frame rebuild of a 81 F100 Flare Side and I had the skills, tools and a 3 bay garage to do the work in and at times I wanted to give up but happy I did not.
I would love to do a CV frame swap on a 80 - 86 truck if I can come across the parts cheap.

Good luck
Dave ----