Body swapping

[LANCE65]

I have read that the 67-72 FORD truck bodies will be a bolt for bolt swap to 73-79 frames.Does this include the 4x4's also? I bought a 78-79 F250 4x4 and have an oportunity to buy a 1972 "Explorer" F250 2wd and want to put the body from the 72 to the 4x4. Will this work?Thanks
-Lance

[averagef250]

Not exactly bolt on, but it is doable. The 73-77 trucks have a 4" or so longer wheelbase issue that must be addressed by cutting down the frame or moving the rear axle forward and lopping off the rear of the frame. The 78-79 4x4's used a completely different frame that's several inches wider than the 65-77 F-250 4x4 rear frame. I don't know if you can mount a 67-72 bed on the 78-79 frame. The cab will bolt on once you drill the 4x4 rear cab mount holes. 2wd and 4x4 core supports are different, but the 2wd one will work, you just can't use a fan shroud.

Rather than dealing with the bed mounting issues you might consider just putting a nice flatbed on the truck.

There dozens of differences between 2wd and 4x4 that aren't so apparent at first glance.

[JDixon]

Been considering this swap as well. Mainly for the updated axles, power steering, and transfer case. Would I be better off swapping the drive train and fabbing the steering? Not too many of these trucks around here for some reason. Collecting the parts may be easier.

[ICEMAN6166]

Been considering this swap as well. Mainly for the updated axles, power steering, and transfer case. Would I be better off swapping the drive train and fabbing the steering? Not too many of these trucks around here for some reason. Collecting the parts may be easier.

the body swap is far easier to accomplish than attempting to add 4x4 to a 2wd frame.i have done many, and the time and effort involved is minimal compared to fabrication that must be done.
i personally think its better to buy a 67-72 4x4 and if you want the power steering and disc, swap in a later front axle.we run the manual steering, drum brake closed knuckle front ends and have for years neither me or my wife have any reason to add the power steering/power brakes.

[JDixon]

I have a 72 highboy. Sorry I wasn't clear about that.