f100 question

[chimp koose]

I have a 65 merc 1/2 ton and I was hoping someone could tell me if the front end  from my 82 f150 would swap in easily . I'm talking the twin I beam set up with radius rods from the 82 going into the 65 . Am I dreaming or will this be a relatively simple swap ?

[enjenjo]

One word answer, No. 65 to 79 used forged beams which will interchange as assemblies. 80 and up use stamped beams which will not interchange.

Could you put the 82 beams on the 65? Probably with some modification, but I am not sure it would be worth it.

[chimp koose]

Thanks for the answer . I had scrapped an 84 f150 earlier this year and didn't even consider the front end for my 65 , now I am scrapping an 82 and wanted to make sure I didn't scrap a useable front end .

[Harry]

Have you looked into a Crown Victoria front end for your truck?

[chimp koose]

Crown Vic is a big job and requires different wheels etc . I am just looking to update my front end as I have a suspicion that one spindle is getting worn  and if I replace it I might as well go to disc brakes at the same time . I have plans to put an 84 5.8HO and auto in the truck from a truck I scrapped last winter . This truck was  a d/d  for years and I would like to use it regularly again . One of my buddies is bugging me to make it into a short box  . That would be neat but probably more work than I want . I still have a model T to focus on !!!

[junkyardjeff]

I put a 76 suspension in my 66 to get disc brakes and it bolted right in.

[chimp koose]

Ya , anything from 79 and down will bolt in I am told .