Another 4x4 conversion question...

[tempefd]

I currently have a 1970 F350 crew cab 2 wheel drive long bed that I want to convert to 4x4. I have thought about using the current frame until the other day when I found a 1989 F350 4x4 crew cab long bed for sale. It has a 460 and auto trans. The truck is pretty cheap which got me thinking if it was possible to do a body swap onto the 1989 frame and keep the fuel injected 460 and running gear with the 1970 body. I did a rough measurement on the wheel base on both trucks to see how close they are. The 1989 is roughly 168" and the 1970 is roughly 162-163" so I know it is shorter. Is it possible to do a swap? What would be the major problems I would encounter? Is it worth the effort? Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[1971ford]

go find one in a parking lot and break out the tape measure

[johnhood]

Im currently Building a 1969 on a 79 frame no major issues so far the only thing i can say is do what i did just do it

[1971ford]

Im currently Building a 1969 on a 79 frame no major issues so far the only thing i can say is do what i did just do it

Major chassis changes between '79 and 89, though.

[averagef250]

The relationship between the firewall and the front axle centerline is something you can't easily change and it is different on the 1980 and newer trucks. Measure carefully here to make sure the engine will fit where it needs to with the axle centered in the wheel opening.

Iirc the forward cab mounts are in about the right place, but nothing else fits. measure the width of the frame behind the cab too, if it's wider than the bump you'll have to murder the cab corners to get it to sit down on the frame.


For the work involved to swap frames VS modify the existing 2wd frame to accomodate the newer axles, engine and transmission I would choose to Keep the old frame. Swapping the frames will never result in a finished product that isn't obvious workarounds were done to make the newer frame work. Another way of putting it is if you swap frames you'll save some work making the engine and axles fit in the old frame, but you'll spend that time making the old body and newer frame fit together instead and that work will be more obvious.

[tempefd]

That is the information I was looking for. I never thought about the firewall/axle measurements. I know the 89 frame is longer or the wheelbase is longer for sure. I appreciate the help and information on the conversion. I obviously want the truck to look good after the project and close to a factory job. Thanks...

[Manny]

Curious about updates here what is going on with the project????

[Eric L]

watching this thread to see where it goes...

my plan for my '67 crew is to add the front half of a F-250 4x4 (1971 in this case) frame to my CC frame.. mate the two somewhere between the transfercase crossmember and the rear cab mounts. I even went out of my way and found a low pinion Dana 60 to make it look right. if a guy used a 78-79 lowboy 4x4, the power steering swap would be easier tho.

I have most of the big parts, just waiting to get caught up on other projects..

[70 ranger]

Either way it is lots of work but it can be done. The frame is 3" wider at the back but not eneuph to cut the cab corners up. I did it and am glad i did. I like the way the truck looks now and nobody has mentioned that it is not all stock. That is people that don't know our trucks inside and out though. The independent front axle is a give away! and so is the front drive shaft being so much shorter.