what was the first year that ford put a 460 into a 2wd truck? the reason i ask is a friend of mine has a truck just like mine, but in a lot worse shape, needs a new cab, and since he is in ca, he is thinking that if he replaces the cab with that of a 73 he can then have a 73 truck and bipass the emmissions.... so would this be feasible, as long as he had the tittle to the new truck cab? or can he just get the doors and cab and be ok?

 

1973 was the first year as an option in a light pickup. I don't know if Ford installed them in any truck before that. The doors are the important part for having the VIN and will be all that the inspection station will check as far as matching up the numbers. There are other places where the VIN is stamped like the frame and a partial VIN on the engine block. I don't think many people can say for sure if there truck has the same number on the door plate as the frame does, so I would be surprized if your friends truck is ever checked by anyone. Now if the truck didn't come equipped with a 460 I can't say what the law is on that in Ca and it may be illegal. Here in N.C. it is legal as long as it was an option for that type of vehicle. It may also be legal to install a newer engine that wasn't available for an older vehicle, but the vehicle will have to pass the emissions test associated to the vehicle like the engine came in.