crown vic swap under my uni ?????

62bandit · Post by **62bandit** » March 11, 2010, 11:43 am

I have an opportunity to get a complete rolling chassis from a 2000 crown vic for a very cheap price. Anyone know what all modifications will need to be done to sit my 62 uni on it. I have heard different people saying the chassis and the 62 would not line up correctly unless allot of fab work is done. i know that you guy know what yall are talking about so lets hear your thoughts on this swap....

Gritsngumbo · Post by **Gritsngumbo** » March 11, 2010, 1:09 pm

I don't have time to research it now, but I'm thinking the CV you want is the 2001 or later w/the aluminum cross member. I believe the 2000 still has the old style front suspension. If I am wrong, I apologize.

62bandit · Post by **62bandit** » March 11, 2010, 1:56 pm

Gritsngumbo thanks for the reply, I think the 2001 and later does have the bolt in suspension that will work, but i'm talking about putting the whole rolling chassis from the crown vic under the truck. i'm concerned that the wheel placement of the crown vic (2000) wont line up with the fender openings on the uni. but i dont have a clue on this. I just want to know before i spend the money on it.

Gritsngumbo · Post by **Gritsngumbo** » March 11, 2010, 2:10 pm

Sorry, I misunderstood your question. I'm sure a frame swap can be done (almost anything can be done with enough time and money) but I'm not sure that is the best way to go.

As I understand it, you're looking at a massive job and could open yourself up to licensing and registration problems depending on where you live currently and/or if you move or decide to sell the vehicle.

Not sure what the advantage to a frame swap vs swapping in either a Dakota-style IFS or a CV IFS into your current frame would be, unless it's just cost and you have gobs of time and talent to do the frame swap.

Just my 2 cents worth.

62bandit · Post by **62bandit** » March 11, 2010, 2:56 pm

hmm decisions, decisions! The local salvage yard here in Dallas wants $550 and up for just the bolt in (aluminum front suspension off a crown vic. I can get the 2000 crown vic complete rolling chassis for $ 300 from a guy off Craigslist. But in saving money am i looking at making more work for myself.

Gritsngumbo · Post by **Gritsngumbo** » March 11, 2010, 3:24 pm

That would be your decision and I'm sure more folks will chime in later with their opinions and advice.
But, for discussion purposes, think about it. Why does the Aluminum IFS cost more than the complete older frame? Could it be: Popularity? Ease of install?
Don't kid yourself, even with the aluminum CV IFS, it's going to take some work and there will still be some "fabricating" involved.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not an advocate of either install. If I were to go in the IFS direction, I would buy a Dakota-style cross-member from Industrial Chassis ($600 or so) and then grab the additional parts out of the junk yard or pick-a-part to complete.
Note: You may want to ask the question again in the Truck Talk section. You may get more responses than under "Projects and Builds".

61 Merc · Post by **61 Merc** » March 11, 2010, 3:50 pm

There is another thread on here about the CV frame swap that is taking place, here is some information on the conversion. http://fordtruk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11187

I am not sure about using the newer CV for a doner either, I have heard the frame is weaker than before. Also there is a recommendation about frames and where the steering box is located. I will see if I can find the link and post it.

Here is one link. http://fordtruk.com/forums/viewtopic.ph ... =crown+vic

By the way, welcome to the club.

Dean

61ford · Post by **61ford** » March 11, 2010, 4:52 pm

check the wheelbase but they should be the same if your uni is a short youll want 114 inch wheelbase i know my 88 cv is exactly 114 and i think the wheelbase is the same from 80-current.the frame swap isnt that bad youll have to notch or raise your bedfloor.i have my rear mounts made and pics up.far as the front i took the factory frame mounts from the 61 frame turned them sideways and am going to weld it to a half inch plate to make it fit flush on the factory crown vic mount and weld that half inch plate to the frame.then im taking some left over bed standards from a flatbed and welding it to the top of the 61 mount and welding it to the frame.that probably doesnt make alot of since me saying it but when you see the pics it will.only other mod is youll either need to knoch the frame or cut out the step wheel inside the cab bc it hits the frame.

62bandit · Post by **62bandit** » March 12, 2010, 10:06 am

61ford , thanks for the reply,. I remember seeing your thread before but i couldn't find it. So thanks for resending the link. I need to ask a stupid ? though. What would be the proper way to measure the wheelbase to insure i'm getting a 114 " wheelbase off the crown vic.
Also just found out that the 2000 vic was sold but he has a 95 still available, not sure if there is going to be a difference or not.

Thanks for the help!

61ford · Post by **61ford** » March 12, 2010, 2:10 pm

to measure wheelbase go from center of wheel to center of wheel.im almost 100% certain there all the same go to crownvic.net and they can vertify.also engine choices may determine which you want 302 was used up thru 91 and 92 on was 4.6 if youre needing a engine

61 Merc · Post by **61 Merc** » March 12, 2010, 10:10 pm

If I am not mistaken, the wheel base for the Crown Vic is 115 ", but it centers the front wheel better in the wheel well.

Dean