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Howdy.
I usually hang out in the 73-79 truck section because that is what I've been working on for the last few years, but I love all Fords and especially ones that accept FEs. I grew up in a 427 powered boat, so I'm always wondering what I can stuff an FE into. I currently have a 67 Fairlane GTA Conv. that needs restoration and have an affection for most year Rancheros.
I have had a question and made some assumptions for about 20 years regarding interchangability of parts in 1966 and never seen any discussions on my specific questions.
Assumptions:
1966 Ranchero and 1967 Ranchero were the same except front sheet metal and grill.
I could put a 66 Fairlane grill on a 66 Ranchero to make it look like a Fairlane Ranchero along with putting an FE in it using factory parts.
I assumed the engine compartment and front chassis were the same in 1966 for the Falcon/Fairlane/Ranceros.
So with those assumptions, will an FE fit in all those vehicles with factory parts?
I also read somewhere while researching the front end is shared all the way until 71, so then could I put a 400 in a 66?
Is it against the rules in this forum to talk about Fairlanes or Falcons if the information can also pertain to Rancheros? If not, please continue reading. While I plan on owning a Ranchero some day right now I have my eye on a straight 66 Falcon for $400 that I would love to put a 428 in and bracket race with. Would 66 Fairlane fenders and grill bolt up to it too? I'm assuming it will, but I hope someone can verify all this for me.
the fairlane and rancher are the same, the falcon is different.
since the fairlane was available with a 390, you can also put a FE in a rancher.
the falcon is smaller, and needs work to fit a FE in it, but it has been done many times.
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Tom
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owner of almost too many fords.
'66 = Falcon based, 289/302. Not sure you can even get a 351w in there and have any room for headers or plug changes.
'67 = Fairlane, and came with the 390 FE. Thus, any FE will fit.
HOWEVER, we knew a fellow with one in the day. The day of 1967 to be exact. He complained that the front end would not stay aligned due to the extra "Road Hugging Weight" of the FE.
FE's are great motors, but I would go 351w based stroker in a '67 if I had the time and money to play with it.
A 400? Will probably fit in the '67 and up.
You can even talk about Chevies on this site, in General Automotive. This forum is Rancheros, and Fairlanes are always welcome here and in General Auto.
As for your 428/'66 combo, major surgery is required up front, and you'll have to do some additional chassis work if you hope to do anything but burn the tires off it.
The FE will not fit in the engine bay of the '66, thus the spring towers have to go or be modified. That link is one way.
Cutting the spring towers and welding flat plates into the opening you create is another. I've seen that in some magazine articles, but can't find anything on line.
'66 = Falcon based, 289/302. Not sure you can even get a 351w in there and have any room for headers or plug changes. 1965 was the last year for the Falcon based Ranchero. 1966 Falcon uses the same body as a 1966 Fairlane, but while the bumper, grille and exterior front end sheet metal is Falcon only...
The inner fender aprons are the same as (1966/70) Fairlane.
'67 = Fairlane, and came with the 390 FE. Thus, any FE will fit. The Ranchero is now a Fairlane, but the same engines used in 1967 and later Fairlanes will fit 1966 Falcon's.
The FE will not fit in the engine bay of the '66, thus the spring towers have to go or be modified. Nothing has to be modified to install an FE, cuz the front suspension is basically the same as: 1966/70 Falcon, 1966/71 Fairlane, 1967/73 Mustang/Cougar, 1975/80 Granada/Monarch.
A popular swap was to install disc brakes, upper/lower A arms, sway bar and etc from the Granada/Monarch's as all the parts bolt right on.
Fixed it for ya, since you are thinking of a 1964/65 Falcon that shares front end parts with 1965/66 Mustangs, but not with any year Fairlane.
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Bill // Retired Ford Parts Manager // SoCal Chapter member // Part Number Research: 1928/2001 FoMoCo vehicles.
So then it sounds like with some suspension work, just about any 4v FE should put me in the 12s. I want to go fast, but not so fast that I can't afford to safely race on a budget. Thanks for all the info!!!
So then it sounds like with some suspension work, just about any 4v FE should put me in the 12s. I want to go fast, but not so fast that I can't afford to safely race on a budget. Thanks for all the info!!!
My '66 Futura has exactly the same engine compartment as my '67 390 Cyclone GT. There is no chassis difference except for the wheelbase, which is the same as a Mustang (108"). Pad-to-pad spring widths for the Falcon rear housing will also be the same (44 3/8") as Fairlane, one inch wider than Mustang. Ranchero/Wagon housing perches are too narrow. Overall housing lengths are the same, so you can cut and reweld spring perches.
Putting a Fairlane grill into Falcon sheet metal isn't going to look right. Stick with the Falcon stuff. Taillight and parking lenses are now being reproduced.
Years ago, a friend built a 68 Falcon (minor changes from 66) with a tunnel rammed 351C 4 spd, and was surprised to learn the suspension parts interchanged with Fairlanes. He assumed it would use Mustang parts like the earlier, smaller Falcons. Strictly a street machine.
My first car was a 66 Falcon. Wish I had one now. Got great gas mileage with the 6 cyl and 3 on the tree! Acres of space around the engine, too.
My Cleveland fits in my 66 Ranchero just fine altho a couple of plugs are a tight fit. Other space concerns. Does anyone have the rated leg room, head room, hip room and shoulder room for this rig ??
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289/302. Not sure you can even get a 351w in there and have any room for headers or plug changes. 
