Thread: Body Swap???

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Hello all,

I am getting ready to start a long term project, but am unsure on where to start. I will be getting a 2000 F150 flare side body and will be trying to mount it on an 80 F150 stepside shortbox. Would any one know if the frames are close to identical or will there be alot of modifications involved with it. I'm not worried about wiring and gauges That will be pretty simple. I already have modified and reinforced the frame and have set a 460 ci interceptor in it. Still looking for a nice positrac rear end for it, just has limited slip in it right now. I am wanting lower it with the new body when it gets to that point but just need figure out if I need to do it before or after the body mod. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

You're going to put a 2000 body on a 1980 Frame?? Why would you want to go back to the old style suspension?? The 2000 is a much better riding and handling unit than a 1980. Is there something I missed in your post???

Another thing to think about is if you register the truck as a 2000 and you have emissions testing you will have to pass as a 2000 not a 80 and if you register it as a 80 and are pulled over by the police and he is a motorhead you might be in trouble. I agree with dave about the suspension,the newer ones are easier and maybe cheaper to lower.

Well here is another idea....
Maybe putting a 97 flareside shortbox on leaving the 80 cab and clip on redesigning the front end look with a new cowl hood and different grill. Maybe putting a newer style bumper on and getting the lowering kit installed I'd like to see it about 6 inches or less off the ground I think I will have to go with air bags though.

to get 6 inches off the ground you definately wont need airbags, I have seen trucks of this era 3 inches from the ground with just lowering kits installed.