F-150 Frame Vs. F-250 Frame

[rockwell]

This question is a matter of being worth my time or not. I own a 91' F-150 that i'm collecting parts for a 3 link 1 ton strait axle build. I recently found a 92' 2wd F-250 for fairly cheap i was thinking about buying. My thoughts were to swap my 91' cab over to the F-250 chassis (i just redid the Interior) and just build off the F-250 frame. But is the extra strength of a 3/4 ton frame really worth all that work? If i keep the F-150 frame instead, i'll be boxing out sections to add some rigidity. Your thoughts on if it's worth it or not....

[Redwagon]

I dont think there is any difference.

[TheBeardedOne]

I always thought the weight ratings went off of the spring and rear axle weight capabilities, and thought the frames were the same.

[Dustball]

No difference other than engine crossmembers depending on what engine was in each truck.

[rockwell]

Sweet! Well thanks for the input! For some reason i always assumed that 3/4 and 1 ton frames were thicker. Saves me a lot of grief!

[78-79FordMan]

1 ton frame will be thicker.

[Vannnce]

Originally Posted by 78-79FordMan

1 ton frame will be thicker.

Is that the only difference between a 2wd f250 and a 2wd f350?
The both have ttb and a sterling rear so ive been curious as to what would be different

hijack over..

[gr8whitebronco]

On my centurion, which is a f250 in front and a bronco in rear, the bronco frame fits inside the f250 frame and is welded together behind the front hanger of the rear leaf spring, I don't know if broncos and f-150s frames are different. but I would imagine 150s would be a lighter frame than a 350???????

[78-79FordMan]

Originally Posted by Vannnce

Is that the only difference between a 2wd f250 and a 2wd f350?
The both have ttb and a sterling rear so ive been curious as to what would be different

hijack over..

a cab and chassis for them years would be the same . but a dually one on with the bed with fenders will have a wider rear frame width

and i still think the f250 is a heavy or thicker frame than the f150 . but did really look that close at the one i had briefly. but i still have the f250's and 350's from that model of trucks

[/==0=\]

F-250 is thicker... unless you have a lightning or F-150 with the snowplow prep package, in which case they are the same thickness.

[oldhawkins]

Originally Posted by 78-79FordMan

1 ton frame will be thicker.

The frames are identical.No difference in thickness. The only difference between a f150/f250/f350 is the different spring ratio springs in the rear and coil/leafs in the front. I have a 91 f350 that im ripping the axles and suspension out of and the frame is identical in every way to my 81 f100 2 wheel drive. In fact i could literally bolt the suspension and axles onto my 81 and convert it to 4x4.Even the steering box is identical and in the same position. Broncos share the same front section but at the mid frame crossmember have a higher arch to the back then the pick ups and use body mounts out side the frame instead of on the cross member.

[Booba5185]

We had this discussion over on www.f150online.com awhile ago and the overall agreement was that there was no difference when it comes to the frame.

[/==0=\]

Originally Posted by oldhawkins

The frames are identical.No difference in thickness. The only difference between a f150/f250/f350 is the different spring ratio springs in the rear and coil/leafs in the front. I have a 91 f350 that im ripping the axles and suspension out of and the frame is identical in every way to my 81 f100 2 wheel drive. In fact i could literally bolt the suspension and axles onto my 81 and convert it to 4x4.Even the steering box is identical and in the same position. Broncos share the same front section but at the mid frame crossmember have a higher arch to the back then the pick ups and use body mounts out side the frame instead of on the cross member.

Mic it. According to I-Car all Broncos and standard F-150s have an 1/8" thick frame, all Lightnings, Snow Plow prep package F-150s, all 250s, and all 350s ex cab and chassis have a 5/32" frame. Aside from the thicknesses, there are also several different strengths ranging from 3.09 section modulus to 7.85 section modulus.

Edit: I-Car is the industry standard for body and frame repair, in case anyone was unaware. They literally write the book on this stuff lol and section modulus is a unit of measuring strength.

[Booba5185]

I found this here: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/53...ml#post4024966

[rockwell]

Okay, sounds like for the most part the frames are identical. Now, seeing as i'm not towing some monstrosity triple axle tow hauler when i'm done with it, i won't need the heavier plow package. So do you think the F-150 frame is stout enough to hold up to years of abuse once strait axled?

[oldhawkins]

Originally Posted by rockwell

Okay, sounds like for the most part the frames are identical. Now, seeing as i'm not towing some monstrosity triple axle tow hauler when i'm done with it, i won't need the heavier plow package. So do you think the F-150 frame is stout enough to hold up to years of abuse once strait axled?

I dont see why not. Sas's are common these days. check out the sas section of FSB.

[miesk5]

yo, I go with Red and the guys and Ford;
from;
Section 02-01: Frame 1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-Super Duty Chassis Cab and Bronco Workshop Manual
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CAUTION: Do not drill holes in the frame flanges. This will reduce the strength of frame (5005).
If a hole must be drilled in the frame, make sure that it meets all of the following requirements:
The hole is located in the upper half of the frame.
The edge of the drilled hole and the edge of the nearest hole are at least 25mm (1 inch) apart.
The edge of the drilled hole is at least 25mm (1 inch) from the edge of the flange.
The drilled hole is not adjacent to any other existing brackets or components of frame.
Welding Precautions
CAUTION: Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) before using any electric welding equipment.
All welding on frame must be done with electric welding equipment, and the heat should be kept in a small area to prevent change in hardness of the metal. Do not use gas welding equipment. A double reinforcement must be added to frames where heat or weld is applied to the area to be repaired. The welds are to run lengthwise along the reinforcement when a reinforcement is to be welded to the frame side rail.

Frame Strength Identification
F-Series, F-Super Duty Chassis Cab and Bronco all use a 36,000 psi steel frame.
The F-Series and Bronco frames are made of all steel channel with replaceable steel crossmembers.

Frame Straightening
Misalignment of frame can be corrected by straightening the out-of-line parts or by replacing the crossmembers, braces, or brackets if they are badly damaged.
WARNING: DO NOT STRAIGHTEN FRONT FRAME RAIL CONVOLUTES.
Straightening should be attempted on frames that fail to meet specifications of the diagonal checking method or where damage is visually apparent.
However, to prevent internal stresses in the metal, frame straightening should be limited to parts that are not severely bent. If heat is needed to straighten a frame member, keep the temperature below 649°C (1200°F) (a dull red glow). Excessive heat may weaken the metal in the frame members and cause permanent damage.
Frame ReinforcingAfter a bent frame member has been straightened, inspect the member closely for cracks. If any cracks show, the frame member should be reinforced or replaced.

Reinforcements should be made from angle or flat stock of the same material and thickness as the frame member being reinforced, and should extend a minimum of 152.40mm (6 inches) to either side of the crack. Ideally, the reinforcement should be cut from the corresponding area of a similar frame.

Weld Attachment
To ensure a quality repair, adhere to the following procedure if it is necessary to weld reinforcements to the frame.
Wire brush the area around the crack to remove the paint, grease, mud, etc., and to expose the crack completely and ensure good weld adhesion.
To stop the crack from spreading, drill a 6.35mm (1/4-inch) hole at a point 12mm (0.50 inch) beyond the root of the crack.
Grind out the full length of the crack to the hole to form a V-shaped slot with the base of the V-slot contacting the reinforcement.
The base of the V-slot should have at least a 1.52mm (0.06-inch) opening to ensure weld penetration to the reinforcement when welding the crack. Drill clearance holes in the reinforcements to clear rivet heads and bolt heads or nuts where necessary.
In the event that repair is required on more than one frame surface (i.e., a flange crack that extends into the web), two pieces of flat stock (one for each surface) should be utilized and welded together where they join. The web reinforcement should be a minimum of 76.20mm (3.0 inches) high and have a 63.50mm (2.5-inch) radius at each of the two corners.
Completely clean the surface of frame under and around the reinforcements.
Clamp the reinforcements securely to the frame prior to welding.
Weld the reinforcement all around after welding the crack V-slot. The flange edge weld should be ground smooth after all pit holes have been filled by the weld.
If a damaged bolted-on frame bracket is to be replaced, the new bolts, washers, and nuts should be of the same specifications and bolt torques as the original parts.
In cases where it is necessary to remove rivets, replace them with Property Class 9.8 metric (Grade 8) nuts, bolts and washers of the next larger size (i.e., for 3/8-inch diameter rivets use 7/16-inch bolts, for 7/16-inch diameter rivets use 1/2-inch bolts). This requires line drilling of the holes to the same diameter as the new bolt (i.e., either 0.437 diameter or 0.500 diameter).

Frame Member Replacement
If a damaged frame member is to be replaced, new bolts, Property Class 9.8 metric (Grade 8) fasteners and rivets required for replacement of parts should be of the same specifications as the original bolts or rivets. In cases where it is necessary to substitute a bolt for a rivet, use the next larger size bolt.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS Description Lb-Ft
Bolt, Shock Bracket 88-89
Nut, Crossmember No. 1 139-141
Bolt, Crossmember No. 4 Reinforcement (F-150) 25-34
Nut, Crossmembers No. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 (Where Required) 44-70
Steering Shaft to Steering Gear 30-42
Bolt Steering Gear to Frame Rail 54-66
Nut Sector Shaft Arm to Steering Gear 170-228


Diagonal or X-Frame Checking Method
NOTE: An alternate method of checking frame alignment is to use a frame gauge.



Frame alignment can be checked without removing the body from the frame (5005) by using the diagonal or X-frame checking method.

This method should be used to identify misalignment prior to any attempt to straighten a frame.

Place the vehicle on a clean, level floor and set the parking brake.

Select at least four points along the left frame side rail (5015) and transfer these points to the floor with a plumb bob. If desired, paper can be taped on the floor along both sides of the vehicle below the frame. Mark the points on the floor as accurately as possible.

Locate the corresponding points along the right frame side rail (5016) and transfer these points to the floor in the same manner.

Move the vehicle away from the marks on the floor, and measure diagonally between all points on the floor. Both measurements should be equal within 6.35mm (1/4 inch).

Measure between corresponding points parallel to the frame side rails. These measurements should be within 3.18mm (1/8 inch) of each other.

The squareness of the frame side rail web to the floor at the spring hangers and at the steering gear mounting location should be within 1.59mm (1/16 inch). The squareness of the frame side rail web to the floor at all other points should be within 3.18mm (1/8 inch). The web and flange should be square at all other points within 3.18mm (1/8 inch).

Any point on one side rail should be within 3.18mm (1/8 inch) ahead, behind, above, or below the corresponding point on the opposite side rail. The frame side rail should not be bowed more than 3.18mm (1/8 inch) for each 2540mm (100 inches) of frame length. The overall width of the frame should not vary more than 3.18mm (1/8 inch).

An alternate method of checking frame alignment is to use Rotunda Laser Measuring System 073-00451 or equivalent.

[oldhawkins]

ok then... is that enough info? lmao .........

[miesk5]

Originally Posted by oldhawkins

ok then... is that enough info? lmao .........

yo, I'll delete it if you want...

[Booba5185]

There's no such thing as too much info, miesk5>the man if you ask me.