Questions about 1949 Ford F1 to Ford Explorer Frame Swap

[Charles.perkins167]

Just recently purchased a 1997 Ford Explorer 4D 5.0, looking to use this frame/chasis/motor as a donor to put under the 1949 Ford F1 that I have, looking for advice on best way to go about the wiring/computer. Don't want to use the Explorer gauges, would like to use the gauges already in the F1, any advice on best way to go about this. Any and all advice appreciated.

 

[allmyEXes]

Here is something that a guy named Buddy has been working on
1956 F100 Explorer Chassis Swap

 

[Charles.perkins167]

Thanks I’ll check it out!

 

[Mbrooks420]

What gauges does it have? The oil pressure gauge in an Explorer is just a switch. Over a set nominal PSI it shows normal pressure. This can be pulled and swapped for a true sender.

The volt meter should be straight forward.

The gas gauge might take some trial and error, but might be able to be worked out with a potentiometer. After getting it dialed it, it’s resistance could be checked with an ohmmeter, and a traditional resistor used.

The speedometer can not likely be used as its most likely cable driven.

 

[allmyEXes]

I've recently put some thought in to this for my '54 "blue on black" project.
The sending unit for the early trucks drop in to the tank from the top. A hole could be made in the plastic Explorer tank to accommodate the early fuel sending unit.
If there was a way to use a "speedometer splitter" and run the VSS and an early speedometer cable, the the PCM would get its signal and the early truck speedometer would run.
speedometer cable dual splitter - Google Search:
Ditto on the temp and ammeter.

 

[Charles.perkins167]

I’m thinking about going with an aftermarket “OEM”style gauges. Something like dolphin gauges. My main concern being will I have to get the ECM reprogrammed to delete emissions and other things that I don’t want to use.

 

[allmyEXes]

Someone that does "custom tuning" can do that. I heard of a guy in southeast Tennessee that can do that. There may be someone on this forum that can too. What region of the U.S. are you?

 

[Charles.perkins167]

Central MS

 

[Mbrooks420]

The tune should be an easy deal. I’m not sure I’d ditch anything emissions related, aside from possibly the rear cats. None of the emissions gear will hurt any of the performance of the 5.0.

 

[Rick]

Welcome to the forum.

I hope you go ahead with this build and document it here. Sadly Buddy dropped off the site before his was compltely finished.

 

[Charles.perkins167]

Ok. Thanks for the input. Curious as to who I need to get to do the tune for me or is that something I could do?

The tune should be an easy deal. I’m not sure I’d ditch anything emissions related, aside from possibly the rear cats. None of the emissions gear will hurt any of the performance of the 5.0.

 

[Charles.perkins167]

Welcome to the forum.

I hope you go ahead with this build and document it here. Sadly Buddy dropped off the site before his was compltely finished.

I’ve already started demo of 97 explorer yesterday. I’ll post some pictures this afternoon of progress so far.

Welcome to the forum.

I hope you go ahead with this build and document it here. Sadly Buddy dropped off the site before his was compltely finished.

 

[Charles.perkins167]

So here is my donor! The work has begun. Found a problem tonight. I have a core plug popped out behind the motor mount on each side of block. Going to get some rubber core plugs and then test the system for damage.

 

[massacre]

Love the Keystones on the F
Such a cool project!
I take it you are not keeping the flattie?

 

[Mbrooks420]

How do the wheel bases compare?

 

[Charles.perkins167]

Love the Keystones on the F
Such a cool project!
I take it you are not keeping the flattie?

Thanks

 

[Charles.perkins167]

How do the wheel bases compare?

111.5” on Explorer and 114” on 49 f1

 

[massacre]

Would a Modular v8 be easier? I know a lot of guys use crown Vic/grand marquis/town car front clips on early F series swaps.
Not second-guessing you at all, just curious.
I like that you’re doing Something different

 

[allmyEXes]

Here is a link to pictures of a '56 f-100 on a complete running '99 AWD Explorer Chassis
1956 Ford F-100 Pickup, Rebuilt On '99 Explorer 4x4 Chassis

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’d really hope it’s at least a 5.0. If I was spending that kind of money on a build, I’d probably want it on an f150 frame. I hate torsion bars.