F350 suspension and axle swap into F150?
 

Hi,
New to the forum. I have a 97 f150 4x4. I know where i can get axles and springs from a 2000 f350 superduty 4x4. The questions are...are the frames different between the 97 f150 and the 2000 f350? If it's basically the same frame, would the necessary holes for the front suspension componants already be pre-drilled in the 97 f150 frame?

Thanks.

I'm about 95% sure they're totally different and you'd be in for a LOT of fab work.

Thanks,
Is there a chance that the rear springs and Sterling will be a bolt in the F150? If so, is there a way to swap in 8 lug hubs to the front?

Thanks.

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- Maybe, but you'd likely have to move the spring perches and most likely have to fab up some kind of custom spring hangers and shackles.

- Maybe, but I doubt it.

The problem is that the two trucks are TOTALLY different in terms of axles, suspension, and frame. Any attempt to interchange parts is almost certainly not going to be a bolt-in job and will require lots of custom work.

For some people, this isn't a problem. There are people on this forum who could absolutely do this kind of job, given enough time and money. So the question is, do you have the skills, time and money to do it?

I think I see what you are getting at here. The Super Duty has a solid front axle, and a stronger rear axle, thus making your rig way more capable off road. What you have to realize is that when you do this sort of swap, everything is going to come out. You are going to have to remove the entire front and rear suspension from the F-150, weld in leaf spring mounts for the axles, as well as shock mounts. The leaf springs are longer in the rear, and most likely wider, so you would do well to graft the spring mounts from the other truck's frame or measure them and make your own. Other things you have to consider are problems hooking up the steering, driveshaft lengths, U-Joints (probably diffrent sizes and such), hooking up the brakes (brake lines and ABS must be considered here), and another BIG one... the 2000 Super Duty is wider than the 97 F-150. From '80- '96 it didn't matter, they used the same frame and body. These newer trucks, the F-150 is completely diffrent from the 3/4 ton and up. You have ALOT of work to do to make this work properly. It isn't going to be a one day job, or even a weekend job. If you have something else to drive, and alot of spare money and time, then go for it, I would encourage you. If not, then I say let the dream die, or at least simmer on the back burner for a while, otherwise you will do nothing but frustrate yourself.

in short ,no the f150 and f 350 are not compatible.they are totally different in every way you can imagine.the only similarity is the ford emblem on the 2 trucks.it can be done,but nothing will be a bolt in swap.-billy

I'm pretty disapointed in the Superduty axles. I had one in the shop last week or so and was appalled at the size of the rear wheel bearinds. Or should I say the lack of size. They are also closely spaced together. If I ever get a Superduty I will swap out the crappy unit bearing front and the small bearing rear for the pre 97 axles. I can live without the disc brakes for the beef of the 10.25 and a kingpin 60.

Chris