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88 MJ frame Swap


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Hello, 

 

I have a 96 F250 extra cab frame and box for a trailer, but has all axles and tires, so have the idea of swapping my 88 Comanche to this frame as mine is torn up front, and not 4wd. I'd this possible, has anyone done this? The Dana 60 already there is a plus, but wondering if there is more than body mounts, and engine mounts, and transmission to make it work? Driveline aren't an issue, as have a friend at a shop that can make them custom for me. Tried to sell the "trailer" but pulled my ad as I had this thought. 

 

Thank you in advance, 

Brandon

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Problem with that is you’d have more work than it is worth to do. Not to mention the MJs frame construction is not the traditional body on frame like you think. It’s a uniframe design. Meaning the bed is on a frame but the cab forward is unibody like it’s XJ sibling. 

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No just don't...

 

It "can" be done but really shouldn't.  As mentioned the MJ is a unibody so you can't just put the body on a different frame.  It's way more work than you are thinking and would take the most expert level of fabrication skill to do it right.  You'd have to do major alterations to the structural integrity of the body and would more than likely weaken it to the point of dangerous.  

 

You could build a cage on the F250 frame and cut the MJ apart and weld it's panels to the cage but this would also be a ton of work.  

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On 2/5/2021 at 10:35 PM, Pete M said:

there's always the option of mounting the MJ frame precariously on top of the big truck frame.  not really recommended though.

 

 

 

54432790_301136803860559_8201374071871504384_n.jpg

this makes me want to build a full on comanche monster truck like the original bigfoot

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On 2/7/2021 at 7:11 AM, Manche757 said:

I like your idea of a frame swap, but preserve the awesome exterior.  Power train, modern electronics and all. Why such a big 250 for the smaller truck, MJ? 

It's just what I have laying around, but with a junkyard nextdoor, could get something smaller, but after reading these comments, probably not a good idea.

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as I always say, just because it's a good deal, doesn't automatically make it a good idea. :L: 

 

but keep thinking on it.  I'm sure you can come up with something more workable. :D   but yeah, usually people keep the MJ and swap the drivetrain into it.  

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On 2/5/2021 at 7:18 PM, Bjs1481 said:

 

mine is torn up front

 

What does this mean?

 

60 front and Sterling rear is a great axle setup, if a little wide. Probably overkill until you go to 37 inch tires or bigger. What do you want to do with the truck?

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Ford 1996 F250 did not come with a D60 from the factory. Only F350 did. F250 came with the TTB D50. Not saying you don't have a D60. If you do it was swapped in. Or maybe your frame is from a F350. F350 D60 axle is very sought after plus it is a high pinion.

I have a 1996 F250 Powerstroke extra cab short bed that I swapped in a D60 from a F350 I bought from a junk yard. I can tell you they new what they had and charged me a pretty penny. Worth it for a high pinon solid axle D60. If you do have a D60 good for you.

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