Frame Compatibility

[Guggenheim99]

02 Extended Cab 4x4. The rear frame on my truck is totally rusted out in multiple spots, and the front section is pretty rusty as well. The cab and bed are still in great condition. The entire drivetrain has no issues at all. A similar truck in good shape in my area is north of $9k, and the new truck market is unaffordable for me. So I think it's worth it to replace the frame. I found an 06 Fx4 Extended Cab 4x4 on marketplace that the guy is parting out not far from me. The frame looks clean from the pictures it's included in (I haven't gone to look at it in person yet) Before I message him and waste his time and potentially make a huge error, does anyone know if there are any differences between the frames? I looked online and the factory part number is different but only by like 2 digits. For that matter, are there many differences between 02 and 06 in general besides stuff like grilles, mirrors, interior? Cuz there may be more parts I could rob off it (rear axle if it's a 31 spline, leaf springs, wheels, other parts that are obsolete, etc) Thanks

 

[Roert42]

Those frames should be the same, same cab and both 4x4.

I think Moses the differences are going to be with the drilling of the front clip, and electrical.

Maybe some difference in the emissions.

Frame, suspension, and axle should be interchangeable.

 

[Brain75]

did the frame stay the same between 98-03 and 04-11, the sheetmetal, grill and lights changed with that generation change?... seems every other generation they monkeyed with the frame too.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Frames should be the same. Front headlight harness changed in 04. Frames were the same 98-11

 

[JoshT]

did the frame stay the same between 98-03 and 04-11, the sheetmetal, grill and lights changed with that generation change?... seems every other generation they monkeyed with the frame too.

It's enough the same to work. Engines changed a bit post 98, other than that it was mostly cosmetics and some electrical that changed.

There were some variations in the suspension components. Really post 02 on a 4x4 it was just the knuckle, torsion bar key, and the lift blocks. The first changed in 2003/4 to accompany an increased rotor diameter, and the latter two changed in 2008 (IIRC) for a lower ride height. Those '08+ are the ones you've probably heard about a pre key mod for, it's just installing the earlier keys to get a little lift.

Frame wise the body, bumpers, drivetrain, and suspension are all going to mount to it the same.

If I were in OPs position, I'd see about getting the front knuckles (or entire suspension) with the frame. Do the slight the brake upgrade while it was blown apart. You'd just have to remember that it has the larger brakes for future brake jobs or if you were to sell it.