squarebody to late model frame?

[robzkool2]

has anyone swapped a squarebody cab & bed onto a 99-06 frame?i have a 87 swb 2wd.the dimensions for both trucks are close and its something i'm pretty sure i can do.but has anybody done it?there is always something to slowdown a build and i'd like to get as much input as i can before i start.i plan to use the rolling chassis,computer,engine & drivetrain along with the dash assembly.i found a '05 single cab swb that has been rolled over killing the body.squarebodies are kooler anyway.any help would be much appreciated.

[VileZambonie]

This isn't a popular retrofit as usually if one of those trucks are creamed beyond repair the frame is usually garb too. I'm sure with a welder and a tape measure you can make it happen though.

[Blazin]

When I had my 64 C 20 I always thought it would be cool to swap it onto a 4x4, 92 or newer single rear wheel one ton chassis.

[Fordeatinz71]

not trying to stir the stuff, but...why?

[zieg85]

When I had my 64 C 20 I always thought it would be cool to swap it onto a 4x4, 92 or newer single rear wheel one ton chassis.

Now you're talking,  maybe some custom work to make an extended cab shortbed with a big back window 64-66, that would be cool.  If I could find a good fairly clean rustfree start I would take my 85 a part.

[Dragon]

not trying to stir the stuff, but...why?

Later Model Low Mile Running Gear and Power Train, with a growing Aftermarket Support.....

[Fordeatinz71]

yea, i suppose...just hate seeing a 73-87 torn apart if there's nothing wrong with it...

[robzkool2]

normally i wouldn't gut out a vehicle,especially one with a good frame like mine.and my body iz unusually cancer-free too.last spring i rebuilt the front suspension -from the rag joint to the tires - and parts cost a little over a grand with free labor(mine).but the rest iz toast.i did some math and it would be alot cheaper for me to do the swap as opposed to a rebuild.my 305 iz on its last leg,the th350 iz showing metal in the screen,and my diff iz roaring like a lion.i can buy the late model for $1500 with 45k miles on the clock.i do autobody & frame repair for a living.i'm just wondering if anybody found any bumps in the road.

[zieg85]

The only bump in the road would be if the wheelbase is not the same, other than that sounds like you're up to the task.  Good luck, sounds like a fun project.  Just make sure the frame wasn't damaged in the donor truck.

[HAULIN IT]

Rob, As Vile mentioned, be careful with the wrecked ones. The new  frames are "Hydoformed" this design & the steel the frame is made out of makes them difficult to straighten. Quite often to get that new of a truck (& low miles) totaled, the frame being bent is how the truck got to the salvage auction. It is very common to have a dip &/or twist under the cab on a rolled over truck. Be careful, I see nothing wrong with the idea, just look over the donor carefully. Lorne

[Fordeatinz71]

i hear ya man.  i wish ya all the luck in the world with it if you undertake it.  i'd just measure on that frame and make sure it's arrow straight before you potentially "waste" $1,500. 

[Captkaos]

You can put all that stuff IN a 73-87...  You are looking at a lot of changes that isn't going to gain you much in my opinion...