1979 frame swap

[BrianLeoN]

Hi, I'm looking to do a frame swap. I have standard 1979 F150 cab from my 4x4 and am interested in just dropping it on a newer truck with complete running gear, etc.

What's the best way to go? I think I can use up to a 1996 fairly easy. Same 133 inch wheelbase.

The only new item I want in the cab is the new seats.

What steps do I need to take? My Dad is the auto guy I just want to look like I know a little something about the project.

 

[Mil1ion]

Well, you can use the bench seat from a truck all the way up to 1996 just mount the new seat frame on the older seat tracks.

 

[bucks77ford]

It will take some fabrication work on the mounting of the cab and core support, but can be done. It's not going to be a "bolt on deal". I'd start by taking measurements and see where things are going to fall in place and what needs to be fabricated. I've read many threads about this topic, but never really found one that hasn't fallen through for some reason. People bring up the topic and it starts discussion and then the threads die out. If you do start the swap, keep us posted. It would be nice to see someone do the swap and post pics and a write up on what they did.

 

[native-born-texan]

I put a 1961 cab and bed on a 79 4x4 frame, put in a 460 and c6 with the 61 divorced transfer case. I had to shorten the frame for the wheel base on the 61 bed, Iused the front cab mounts and leveled the cab and bed with wooden blocks and fabbed thebrackets for that but did not take pictures, how ever, I put my 75 4x4 on an 1985 frame and figured out a way toput the cab, front end and all the wiring on in one piece after I had put the running gear in the frame and I do have pictures of that but do not know how to send them here, Neither one of these were as hard as putting a Pontiac tri power in a 1950 Ford convertable, or a Dodge 440 in a 1948 Chevy pickup.
I am totally ignorant about Fords after 1986 but fairly good with every thing from there back and this ignorance covers all ford 6 cyl.