New guy to this site! But I have been building and racing Fords for years. I'm looking to move back to Arizona and pickup a project to build for towing. I am leaning toward a 1972 to 1978 Ranchero if there is enough room between the shock-towers to drop a 6.9 or 7.3. If not plan B is a '80's F150 Short-Bed! I know from a guy on line that the F-250 frame mounts for the 6.9/7.3 will fit the F-150 frame and that the F-250 front springs will fit the F-150.
So what I need to know is what the width and length is of a 6.9/7.3 engine. I know it's over 200lbs more than a 460 but the F-250 springs will take care of that. I plan to run it on homemade bio-diesel

 

6.9/7.3 engine weighs around 1400 lbs.
and it should fit in a rancher, cause the 460 fits in a rancher. the diesel is about the same size as a 460.

 

thats a heavy IDI. Weighed my N/A 7.3 @ 960lbs.

 

X2 on 900 lbs. A cummins weighs in at 1100 and the IDI is lighter.

 

i was talking complete engine with liquids and all bolt ons on it.

 

Thanks Guys for the info. I would rather do a Ranchero as it's down low already and doesn't have to be lowered. I do know with the weight difference that I'll need custom front coils made to handle the extra weight and I'll also run aftermarket sway bars to help handling. Does anyone make headers for the 6.9/7.3 engine or does everyone just use the stock exhaust manifolds??

 

the only headers i know of are stans headers

Headers for Ford, Mustang, Pinto, Bronco, Cougar, Ranger, exhaust parts for home built do it yourself automotive headers.

 

Thanks for the info. I checked Stan's Headers out and he does have the header flang for the 6.9/7.3 so using that and a set of Ranchero headers you might be able to build a set. But are headers on a Diesel worth the money for a street driven Truck used for towing and around town??/

 

Headers will definitely help, but if your already umpteen hundred dollars into a project why not turbocharge it for a few hundred more?

 

Diesel ranchero... that sounds kinda cool. Headers and a cam would make a pretth tough NA but it will still suffer in hot weather and high altitude, turbo would be the better choice for not that much more.
A cummins weigh more than a 7.3? I have a hard time believing that one.