Ford F150 Interchangeable Parts by Year and Model

Sometimes finding spare parts to effect a repair to your truck can be tricky. They may be hard to get or people are charging an arm and a leg for the part. It would be nice if car parts were like medicines and there were generic versions that did the same job but for less money.

Sadly this is not the case as different car manufacturers have their own designs and you generally can’t crossover parts from a different company's vehicles. You can however sometimes use a part from a different model year of your vehicle and that can work.

In this post we will dig into which parts for your Ford F150 you might be able to salvage from an older model year if you needed to.

Ford F150 Interchangeable Parts and Years

You know there are many good reasons that truck lovers buy the Ford F150, not least of which is the interchangeable nature of some of its key components. Generally speaking engine control modules (ECM), transmissions and other major parts can be swapped out in similar model year trucks.

In the below table we touch upon the main parts that can be switched around between Ford F150s to help you find a new source for spare parts. The compatible years will be mentioned as will more specific guidelines for parts that are interchangeable.

F150 Interchangeable Parts Compatible Years and Models
Engine Control Module (ECM) Models from 1980 - 2000
Engine Models from the same generation can generally swap engines
Transmission System Models must have same transmission code, engine type and physical dimensions
Doors Models through 1980 – 1996 have interchangeable doors
Cargo Box Models through 1987 – 1991 are interchangeable with 1992 – 1996 vehicles
Wheels Models between 1980 – 1997 can switch wheels and models 2015 – present can switch wheels
Hood and Grille The hoods and grilles between 2004 – 2008 are interchangeable
Bumper and Cover Interchangeable between 1997 – 2005 model years
Running Boards Interchangeable in model years 2007 -2016
Seats Seats are compatible between 1997 - 2003
Inner Fender Wells Interchangeable with F-series trucks between 1962 – 1977
Cabs Truck cabs between 1980 – 1996 are interchangeable

This table of potential interchangeable parts may have other dependent requirements so it is always wise to investigate the compatibility of the specific part before buying it.

We will now take a closer look at some of the more essential parts that may be interchangeable.

Engine Control Module (ECM)

The ECM is essentially the truck's computer and its job is to control the transmission, engine performance and a host of other functions. This is programmed by the manufacturers but in the right models they can be switched out if needed.

As the table suggests Ford F150 models from 1980 through to 2000 essentially used the same system with regards to the ECM. This means it is not hard to switch a unit from an earlier or later year into your truck if the original one no longer functions.

The switch is simple as it requires the connection of a few electrical connectors and then a reprogramming process. This will allow the newer ECM to match up with the specific truck

It is suggested however that you do not try to change a pre 1999 ECM into a post 2000 model Ford F150. It may technically work but certain safety features were introduced in 2000 models which an earlier ECM would not support.

Ford F150 Engines

The Ford F150 has been part of Ford's F-Series range since the mid 1970s. As the years have gone by, engines have become more complex and powerful. Each time a major engine change took place a new generation of F150 was born.

This means that to be able to change an engine from one Ford F150 to a different model year they should at the very least fall into the same generation. This is important because any differences between model years are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things.

As some model years offer engine options you may have to make sure the replacement matches the former engine type. You should also be aware of any changes you may need to make to the engine based on minor differences between model years.

It is for example not uncommon to need to modify sensor wiring to ensure a smooth transition to the new engine.

The Transmission System

Generally speaking if the model year Ford F150s share the same transmission code, engine type and physical dimensions then a straight swap of transmission should be possible. You may need to perform some reprogramming of electronic modules and rewire some sensors but otherwise a transmission from another compatible model year should work just fine.

Truck Doors

Wear and tear happens as do accidents so a truck door needing replacement is a real possibility especially in older models. Thankfully between 1980 – 1996 the design of the doors barely changed. There were minor changes such as windows, mirror mounts and handles but largely they were the same shape and had the same fittings.

This means that in the 1980 – 1996 model years had interchangeable truck doors so replacing them with a better undamaged door should not be too difficult. In fact many F-Series trucks during these years had similar doors so it doesn’t even have to be a Ford F150 door.

Cargo Boxes

What’s a Ford F150 without a lockable cargo box for your tools and other essential items. There is some level of interchangeable options with trucks made between 1987 to 1991 and those made between 1992 – 1996.

These cargo boxes were roughly the same size and all featured the older rounded designs. In models after 2004 there was a switch to sharper edges which means older cargo boxes would look wholly out of place.

There are two types of box, the long and short versions in terms of size. Additionally there were three styles: fender side, fleet side and dually. It is always wise to make sure the dimensions match your former cargo box before pulling the trigger on a replacement.

Ford F150 Wheels

Generally speaking wheels do not usually cause too much issue when it comes to being interchangeable. I consider them not really as part of the truck but you do need to make sure you have the right ones. Wheels that are too big might not fit and ones that are too small might not take the strain of the truck.

As the years have progressed wheels have changed so there are two groups of Ford F150 model years that can interchange their wheels. Model years 1980 – 1997 have essentially the same wheels so would be interchangeable. This is also the case for model years 2015 to present.

Your specific year truck will have dimensions when it comes to acceptable wheels so make sure your replacements fall into this range.

Conclusion

There is no shortage of interchangeable parts when it comes to Ford F150 trucks. Depending on the model years you can swap engines, transmissions, ECMs and various other parts out. On a smaller level a specific engine part may not transfer so the whole engine might be the only option.

Always make sure you research the specific part you need to replace and find out which model years have a part that may be compatible. There are always exceptions to the rules so you do not want to end up with a part that simply doesn’t work in your truck.

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