Ford f150 is a full-size pickup truck introduced in 1975 as a part of the F series and many people interchange its parts.
Having excellent design features at an affordable price, easy maintenance, and abundant availability of spare parts, it is the first choice for truck owners.
What Year Ford F150 Parts are Interchangeable? Parts of Ford F150 like engine, ECM, and transmission are interchangeable and compatible in adjacent models that have identical specifications. Other features like truck beds, lights, and bodies are flexible in choosing and can be replaced with a wide range of Ford F150 models and third-party manufacturers.
Mechanical parts of most of the models are interchangeable by switching few components and doing modifications.
What Year Ford F150 Parts are Interchangeable?
Earlier models of Ford F150 were more of mechanical parts that were easy to repair and replace.
However, with the development of sophisticated engines controlled by ECM and other components, the models become specific regarding replacing parts.
The reason can be the involvement of wiring modifications to ensure the proper functioning of the truck.
Here is a brief guide regarding essential points to check while looking for compatible parts with your model.
Ford F150 Engine
The engine is the vital part of the Ford F150 that you need to replace if it has frequent problems or excessive oil and fuel consumption.
Ford introduced various engines in different sizes and power ratings. They can vary from compact 2.7-liter V6 to larger 5.0-liter V8 engines.
To check the compatibility of the Ford F150 variant you want to replace, you should check for its Vehicle identification number (VIN) and decode it to know the exact engine type.
Adjacent year models of the same generation have the same type of engines, and you can interchange them.
However, they can have variations in sensors installed and other individual components to improve the performance.
Moreover, you will need to update the ECM module according to the new engine and alter its wiring connections.
Two important features to know regarding engine compatibility are single overhead camshaft (SOHC) or dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) designs and performance improved (PI) or non-performance improved (NPI) engine motors.
You can check that from the alphabet in the VIN of the trucks. In addition, both engines should have the same number of cylinders, camshaft design, and motor type.
Examples of 2 compatible engines are 4.6-liter V8 with 5.4-liter Triton. Although the 5.4-liter has a taller deck, other fittings are similar.
The rest of the work you have to do is reprogram the ECM module according to the new engine parameters.
If you have a 2000 Ford F150 XLT with the 4.6-liter V8 engine, you can replace it with a 4.6 or 5.4-liter engine from any model by switching a few things like exhaust and intake manifolds and sensor wiring modification.
Transmission system
You can identify the transmission system by looking at a code engraved on its body.
Few common examples are 4R70W, 4R75E, and 6R80 transmissions available in F150 models after 2003.
You can replace them in any variant having the same code. Other things to ensure are measuring the length, size, and location of bolts to ensure a proper fitting.
Most of the latest Ford F150s after 2017 have a 10-speed transmission (10R80) compared to earlier models with 6-speed transmission (6R80).
Moreover, a transmission control module (TCM) optimizes the performance of each type according to the engine installed in the truck.
Therefore, while swapping it in a vehicle with a different engine type, you also have to change sensor wiring and reprogramming the electronic modules.
Therefore, recommended practice is to interchange the transmission between the models with the same transmission code, its physical dimensions, and engine type.
ECM/PCM
Engine control module (ECM) or Powertrain control module (PCM) is the computer that controls all its functions, including engine performance, transmission, emission, and other auxiliary parts.
It usually comes pre-programmed from the manufacturer when you purchase a new vehicle. So, for example, swapping the ECM on two identical models is a simple plug-and-play task of few electrical connectors.
However, it will not work correctly until you reprogram it according to the vehicle information.
After physical installation, there are particular tuning and diagnostic tools to access and program the PCM.
It is a tricky job and can create problems if your truck has an anti-theft system and can start with PATS keys only. You will have to feed the keys data in the new module to work correctly.
I recommend not to interchange the PCM in models after 2000 because of increased control and safety features.
If you need to replace, purchase a new one from a manufacturer or third-party supplier with good programming experience and tools.
However, You can switch ECM in earlier models from the 90s or 80s because of less instrumentation and safety features.
Are Ford F150 Seats interchangeable?
Seats are more significant in their dimensions and less electrical connection involved in the models before introducing power-adjustable seats with massaging, heating, cooling, and ventilation functions.
Ford F150 from 97-2003 has bucket seats with electric connections available for power seats. Add seats on the existing brackets and check for power availability. Besides slight modifications, there is no hitch in swapping seats in earlier models.
However, models after 2009 have heat/cool seats with multiple adjustment positions. The latest models even have massaging and max recline seats.
Therefore to interchange them, you need to have a wiring diagram of the seats.
Their physical installation is not a problem, and you need to bolt them on existing brackets. According to the wiring diagram, electrical connections, motor installation, and other functions to work, make alterations in wiring harnesses.
What Ford F150 Body parts can interchange between various F150 models?
General body parts, including hood, headlights, grille, bumpers, mirrors, and doors, can vary in size and design according to their generation.
However, they are mostly the same for consecutive years until the manufacturer introduces some significant changes.
For example, the hood and grille are the same for models from 2004 to 2008. Likewise, the bumper and its cover have the same design for the 2004-05 year trucks.
Another example is the same bumper for the 1997-98 models and 1999 to 2004 models. Therefore, they have most of the body parts interchangeable.
Besides used parts from other models, there are a variety of options available from other manufacturers.
You can purchase the replacement from online stores according to the measurements and specifications of your pickup. Then, you can fit the bumpers by installing new brackets, fenders, and side doors by doing some fabrication work.
The headlight is one part that is abundantly available from third-party manufacturers. You don’t have to interchange them amongst F150 variants because they are economical, and better alternatives are available in the market.
Rear differential
Rear differential axles in 4-wheel drive have an essential role in off-road applications. Therefore, they are available in different sizes in F150 models according to the towing capacities and types of brakes.
Two prominent examples are 8.8-inch and 9.75-inch rear-end axles. Their size, differential type, gear ratio, and disc brakes can vary.
Therefore, while looking for a replacement, you should check for these options; otherwise, you will have to make modifications like brakes replacement and change of gears to match its ratio.
8.8-inch and 9.75-inch on most F150 have the same width and are available with disc brakes. Therefore, you can directly swap them after confirming their specifications and gear ratio without modifying them.
Suspension system
The suspension system has various components, including struts, torsion bars, and shocks.
Instead of swapping them with used ones from other vehicles, you can buy genuine parts by Ford available in the market.
Therefore, interchanging suspension systems between various Ford models is not a problem, and you can use them for any model.
What year Ford F150 Truck beds can interchange between its various models?
All Ford F150 truck beds are available in 5.5-ft, 6.5-ft, and 8-ft sizes. Therefore, they are interchangeable.
There can be differences in body lines, taillights, and tailgate but physical dimensions are the same.
As far as specific models are concerned, F150 from 1980-86 models have the same shape but different body lines. On the other hand, 1987-97 models have identical dimensions and also styling lines. Therefore, they are interchangeable without any noticeable difference.
1997-2004 models with 6.5-ft Styleside bed are also direct swap without any modifications.
Similarly, 2004-2008 have the same styling, and you can interchange it with the one having identical dimensions.
The latest models from 2017-2021 also have similar bed dimensions, and you can swap both without giving any strange look or need for any modification.
Infotainment System
Ford introduced a SYNC infotainment system besides basic AM/FM radio in trucks after 2009.
There are 4 generations of SYNC present in various models and trim levels. Therefore, you can upgrade or retrofit any model from 2009-afterward with the latest version.
However, different vehicles have their specific arrangement of audio systems according to the space available on the dashboard and inside the cabin.
2009-2012 Ford F150 has similar configurations, and you can swap the infotainment system between them. Likewise, 2013-14 models have the identical installation of stereo systems.
Additionally, Ford F150 after 2015 has swap kits available to upgrade their infotainment system to SYNC 3 and install a large display screen.
Moreover, reprogramming and tuning kits are also available to change PCM settings according to the new parts.
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