302 to 7.3idi swap

VandalS

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VandalS

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That configuration f250 was only made 96-97 or so.

The f150 frames are not that strong. They are known to fatigue and sever near the steering box.


Are the pre-1996 F150 frames different than a pre 1996 F250 frame? Other than cross member for the Dana 50 TTB?

I’m planning to pickup a 1994 F150 tomorrow and want to make sure before I pick it up.
 

u2slow

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Are the pre-1996 F150 frames different than a pre 1996 F250 frame? Other than cross member for the Dana 50 TTB?

I’m planning to pickup a 1994 F150 tomorrow and want to make sure before I pick it up.

Probably different. Leafs vs coils for one.

Check the rear frame rails. The 250 frame has wide enough webs (with holes) to mount a reciver hitch. The 150 frames I've seen so far do not.
 

VandalS

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Probably different. Leafs vs coils for one.

Check the rear frame rails. The 250 frame has wide enough webs (with holes) to mount a reciver hitch. The 150 frames I've seen so far do not.


Coils are fine. I’m planning a SAS with coils.

Are you saying a f250 tow hitch won’t bolt up to an F150?
 

franklin2

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Coils are fine. I’m planning a SAS with coils.

Are you saying a f250 tow hitch won’t bolt up to an F150?

Not sure what the problem is there. But between the f150 and f250/350, the fuel tanks are the same, the spare tire carrier assembly is the same. I thought the rear of the frames was mostly the same, except the f250/350 may be a little thicker material.

Like was already mentioned, on the front portion of the frame, there are radical differences between the f150 and the f250/350 frames.
 

franklin2

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Something is going on with the little bit later models, like 87-up. The earlier models I looked at, the hitch was the same f100 thru f350. But when you get to the later 80's and 90's, they are different hitches. So something must be different back there on those.
 

u2slow

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Whatever's going on... its less metal in the 92-96ish F150 frame. This same F150 (std cab longbed 4x4) I tried the hitch on is the same one that broke it's frame by the steering box. A 95 F350 pickup frame doesn't have any problem bolting on the hitch - the frame webs are wide enough and pre-drilled.
 

VandalS

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Whatever's going on... its less metal in the 92-96ish F150 frame. This same F150 (std cab longbed 4x4) I tried the hitch on is the same one that broke it's frame by the steering box. A 95 F350 pickup frame doesn't have any problem bolting on the hitch - the frame webs are wide enough and pre-drilled.


This is where I wish the internet could get things sorted out. I’ve read they are they to 96 except leaf spring ones have boxed front frames. But 350’s are thicker than both 250 and 150.

I may not be able to pull of the f150 swap if they are thinner.
 

u2slow

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I'm vouch for the 250HD and 350 pickup frame being the same. The light spec 250 with the 300 or 302 engine isn't as sturdy. 350 cab and chassis is a different animal.

I would be taking measurements so I got what I wanted the first time.
 

VandalS

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Well, I found an F250 with a 460 as my body and frame donor. So the 150 frame question will have to be solved another day.
 

franklin2

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Well, I found an F250 with a 460 as my body and frame donor. So the 150 frame question will have to be solved another day.
What year is the donor? You do know there is info on here on how to modify a 460 transmission to fit an idi diesel engine bellhousing?
 

VandalS

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What year is the donor? You do know there is info on here on how to modify a 460 transmission to fit an idi diesel engine bellhousing?


It’s a 1996 body and frame. Engine is probably a 1999 unless I find a screaming deal on something better. I may have found a 2005-06 6.0 donor, but waiting to hear back. It needs work, but so does the 99 (probably). But maybe I could part out the 99 to pay for the 2005.
 
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