Need help. Got a new part truck.

[bubbatrucklover]

Originally Posted by ErwinRommel

Both automatic.


It's just where the transfer case is, it's bolted on this plate which the plate is bolted to the frame. Plus. I don't feel like taking out the brake boothers and unhooking everything. That would be aggervating.

I know your talking things through and looking for guidance but I think no matter WHAT you think the probs of doing it "their way" is you will find it MUCH harder "your way".

Lonesome has already said that the ONLY way he does it now is parts swap NOT Body. Has to be a good reason and he has explained it.

I think you should use his 20/20 hindsight as your fore sight.

I think you'll be happier saying ,"Hey you were right" instead of "I wish I had listened"

[ErwinRommel]

So I should just transfer everything
-Motor
-Brake booster
-Transmission
-Transfer case
-Rear leaf springs
-Shocks (front and rear)
-Steering column and steering components


Just to let you know. I have no welder or drilling tools.

[FOURX4TRUX]

Originally Posted by ErwinRommel

How could I lift the cab and truck bed?

you have friends right? on more than one ocasion I have got a few friends to help me lift beds and cabs before. the bed aint bad at all, you need to make the cab as light as possible though.

[batty1214]

I too can see where they are coming from on the cab swaps........ It sometimes is easier to swap in the 4x4 stuff and convert the 2x4 over...... I just recently(last weekend) helped my buddy pull his 1976 ford f259 2 wheel drive cab, and set it on a 1979 f350 4x4 frame....... wiring harness in those trucks are the exact same on the one we did..... the cab floor the transmission hump unbolted, and we bolted in the 4x4 floor pan, didn't have to modify but one hole.... no cutting for shifters........ On that old a vehicle, the cab swap is still fairly easy..... the newer vehicles like the one that Lonesome is doing, I wouldn't even consider a cab swap...... But, Each method has its ups and downs, and your on the right track, as you wiegh both options...... figure in the labor, and the tools needed.... can you borrow or rent a welder or what you need to swap the front axle into the 2 wheel drive frame, do you trust your welds? what is your states law on frame modification(I ask, cause utah will not allow welding to be done on a frame, unless it is registered as a custom vehicle, or done by a "certified" shop......) thats why for me, the cab swap is a little easier, and after helping my friend do his, Im swapping my 78 f250 onto a 1979 f350 frame, that has a 428 in it....... so its, all in how much drive do you have to finish a project once you begin? and what tools do you have access to, and how much time are you going to spend? I have seen a dodge dakota with a chryler 300C front clip and rear bumper on it that looks like a factory fit......Its all in what you make work..... look at your resources, and take advice, and carefully consider it...... as you may have to sometime down the road have to say that these guys were right.....

[ErwinRommel]

We only have wrenchs. Lol. We don't have nothing special. We can't afford it. Well I can't nor can my brother.

I thought it would be easier with this model truck.
I don't know nothing about the laws.


All I have to do is unbolt the cab from the engine compartment and frame on my 4x4, hoist it up and lay it to the side. Do the same with the 2wd cab and bolt it back on to my 4wd frame and bolt it all up?

Most everyone I talk to in my town (friends) said the cab swap woud be easiest.

I know where Lonesome is coming from but I just thought this would be the easiest way since I don't have to remove nothing but the cab and bed.

[Towtruck]

The cab swap in this case might be easier. since the trucks didn't really change for a couple years it wouldn't make a difference anyway. i swapped the bed on my 95 and it took three people to lift it so it won't be that hard to do. after if you have any spare parts like a steering column or some body parts let me know.

[bubbatrucklover]

Originally Posted by ErwinRommel

So I should just transfer everything
-Motor
-Brake booster
-Transmission
-Transfer case
-Rear leaf springs
-Shocks (front and rear)
-Steering column and steering components


Just to let you know. I have no welder or drilling tools.

If I was faced with your situation( I was going to do a body swap on a WAY different HARDER application) I would see it to be much easier to have the 2 trucks side by side. Wrenching off and wrenching on each component one by one.

You take LOTS of pics to refer to(digital camera or throw aways) and have pieces of cardboard to stick bolts in to label or coffee cans.

It looks to me most of what you have is wrenchable. I'm sure if there is an occasional item that needs drilling or welded a machine shop can handle it.

Or you can pay one of the guys on a weekend if what you have is too big to take in.

"Most everyone I talk to in my town (friends) said the cab swap woud be easiest." If all else fails have them help you they must know how to make it easier.

[Lonesome7.3]

Ask your self about the skill level that you friends have. One thing that helped me ruin trucks when I was younger was listening to people who talked a good game but were dumber than I was. Even recently I listened to some one who does indeed have a great deal of knowledge but he was wrong about a few details. Those details have completely derailed my project. It is not that big of issue becuase I have the experiance to recover from it and still reach my end goal. In the end it is up to you and your skill level. If you are willing to learn and acknowledge that fact that you are not an expert the leassons come a lot eaiser. It took me a lot of years to figure that out.

[bubbatrucklover]

[quote=Lonesome7.3;116273]Ask your self about the skill level that you friends have. One thing that helped me ruin trucks when I was younger was listening to people who talked a good game but were dumber than I was. Even recently I listened to some one who does indeed have a great deal of knowledge but he was wrong about a few details. Those details have completely derailed my project. It is not that big of issue becuase I have the experiance to recover from it and still reach my end goal. In the end it is up to you and your skill level. If you are willing to learn and acknowledge that fact that you are not an expert the leassons come a lot eaiser. It took me a lot of years to figure that out.[quote]

WELL PUT!

[hotrodpc]

I can see both sides of this project, either the cab swap or the drivetrain swap. Something to consider too in your decision, whats the title situation like on this new body you bought? Is it good, currently registered etc? Do you have to make up back tags in your state.