Frame swap questions?

[Cipher43]

Hello all. So I have a 1969 2 wheel drive f100 LWB truck and have been having some major rebuild thoughts for my truck lately. I would love to make this thing a 4x4 and also a short bed. So my question is what years of frames will fit the easiest under the ride? If i have to shorten it from LWB that's fine by me but would like to limit it to that.

[GIJoe4500]

Easiest swap would be a 67-72. 73-79 dentside frames also wouldn't be all that bad, but you'd have to redrill your bed due to a different frame width. If you use a dent-side frame, you'd also need to move your rear axle forward ~3". But that isn't all that hard to do. I am currently working on a similar swap myself, but I am intentionally going from a LWB to a SWB. I'm swapping a 69 body onto a 79 frame. Everything but the bed is a direct swap.

[Cipher43]

if thats all it takes for the 73-79 it wouldnt be that bad. Thanks for the info and if you do the swap please take lots of pics and have a thread of it cause that would help alot.
Thanks again.

[GIJoe4500]

if thats all it takes for the 73-79 it wouldnt be that bad. Thanks for the info and if you do the swap please take lots of pics and have a thread of it cause that would help alot.
Thanks again.

http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopi ... 22&t=69575

[basketcase0302]

Here ya' go.

http://www.fordification.com/tech/chass ... arison.htm

[Cipher43]

Thanks for the link basketcase! I just read through that and it made me think of another question for you all. I see one of the biggest problems with this frame swap is that the wheel base is 2 inches longer. I already am planning on cutting the truck down to a short bed so would I be able to just cut an extra 2 inches out of the frame infront of the axle instead of moving the spring? It seems to me that should work but want to check with you guys first.

[GIJoe4500]

Yes. You can simple cut 2 extra inches out of the frame.

[Cipher43]

So I have another question for you all. I am wanting to keep this a F100 1/2 ton 5 bolt. Looking through this http://www.fordification.com/tech/transfercase.htm It says that F100 trucks 73-79 have married transfer cases. What is the best way to get around this if I have to get a 73-79 frame? Another question I have had is my transmission is a T18 and I would like to keep it if I can unless I have to go with something else that is.

[Doug Comer]

You want to keep the transmission and transfer case divorced? It might lead to rear drive shaft complications from it being too short. I'm definitely not a drive shaft expert, just remember this being brought up before. If you do keep it divorced you will need to figure out the shifter for the transfer case also.
Doug

[Cipher43]

I should have said I would be ok with it being divorced or married but just want it to be a good setup. The more I think about it I may go with a 250 4x4 frame if I find one or a 100 frame so I am gonna see what I can find first then ask questions later.

[Cipher43]

Well guys I found a frame and will be getting it hauled home when it get alittle warmer. Its currently under a 68 f100 and thankfully has the tranny/transfercase stuff that i need with it. The only issue I see with it is the front end had been pulled out from under it and left there so I will probably need to replace a few suspension parts. I will post a pic of it when I get it pulled home.

[Cipher43]

So I have another question for you all. I'm still not sure on the frame I want to use. I know where a 68 f100 is but like I said before the front end is out from under it. The same guy has a 77 F250 with a 400 with auto trans in it. Now my concern on the F250 is transmission and transfer case because I want to keep my 360 with a 4 speed behind it. Mine currently has a T18 so I am guessing I will need a NP435 and can get one out of the 68 talked about above but will it work with the 77 transfer case?

[averagef250]

So I have another question for you all. I'm still not sure on the frame I want to use. I know where a 68 f100 is but like I said before the front end is out from under it. The same guy has a 77 F250 with a 400 with auto trans in it. Now my concern on the F250 is transmission and transfer case because I want to keep my 360 with a 4 speed behind it. Mine currently has a T18 so I am guessing I will need a NP435 and can get one out of the 68 talked about above but will it work with the 77 transfer case?

It really comes down to what you want. The F-100 4x4's are very lightweight in comparison to the F-250 4x4, there is pretty significant frame difference. If you're going to tow and work the truck the F-250 is the way to fly. If you're fine with the F-100 chassis then it'll be a good route for you. I'm sure it'll ride better empty.

[Cipher43]

I am leaning towards the 250 cause this will be my only truck for hauling anything in. Will I have problems getting a NP435 hooked up to the transfer of the 77? I need to go and double check and see if its a married or divorced and let you know later today

[Cipher43]

Well I went out and looked and found out it is a divorced transfer case but...... Now I have another option. I know of a 73-77 f100 4X4 that I may be using too.