2wd Frame Differences - something ive always wondered

[mad2smile]

theres something ive always wondered. what are the differences between the 2wd frames? are the primary differences between the 100, 150, 250 and 350 trucks the suspension? or do the frames actually differ?

the reason i ask is that in a couple of years, my 2wd F-150 will undergo a complete frame-off restoration. my truck will still serve as a work truck after the restoration, though itll probably be more of a tow rig and less of a hauling truck. i know a 1/2 ton frame would still do what i need, but im an overkill kind of guy. i figure that if im gonna take everything apart, i might as well beef everything up as much as possible.

[FORDification]

Yes, the main difference is the suspension, but the F250 frame is slightly thicker steel than the F100 version. The F100 frame is .171" thick (app. 7-gauge steel) whereas the F250 frame is .200" thick (app. 5-gauge steel), as measured with a micrometer. These are my own measurements. I haven't actually measured an F350 frame, but understand that they'll be thicker than an F250's.

The rear springs on the F250 have a larger eyelet, so the hole in the frame bracket is larger. If you decide to put an F100/F150 suspension on an F250 frame, you'll going to have to either use the F250 springs or the F100/150 mounting brackets with the matching springs.

[mad2smile]

i need to take some measurements, but ive been mulling over the idea of putting the 2009 F-150 leaf springs on my truck. theyre alot longer, and theyre 3" wide. or i could just use the F-350 leafs if i use a 1ton frame.

[fordman]

you can put on any springs you want on any frame you want. the secret is to use the spring mounts that come with the springs.