Hey guys, I've been looking around for some info on Ford trucks, as I'm not really familiar with them and this seems like a great place for some great info! My buddy has a 96 F250 that currently has a 351C and a C6 trans. The truck has a 6" lift, currently has 35's but he's going to be getting 38" BFG's in the future. Turning it into a full time mud bogger. Right now we're going to get a used 460 big block out of a 78 to rebuild and throw in the 351's place. As of right now we're planning on going with a carbureted setup with a cam/intake/headers that'll give it good power and torque. I've never worked on any Ford engines (or any big block for that matter), and have never done anything carbureted, so it'll definitely be a learning experience. What are some things I should look out for/take into consideration when doing the rebuild/swap? I'm sure I'll be posting a lot with questions as I go, so thanks in advance!

 

I can't be much help with the swap, but I can tell you there's no way a '96 has a 351c factory. It would be the 351w (5.8L), and I thought the C6 was phased out by then, but I won't swear to it. I can tell you that you'll need a different tranny for the 460 though. I won't get into the EFI vs. carb debate, but I'd look into a built-up EFI 460. The early fuel-injection is easy to work with, but it does have it's limits without a custom tune or a mass-air conversion.

 

I tried telling him that it was a 351W but he swore that is was a 351C. Either way, its getting replaced, went out to look at the 460 today, it was still in the truck so we could hear it run. Started right up and ran smooth, so my buddy paid for it, the guy is taking it out today and we're getting it tomorrow. It's a 78 which is already carbureted and he's giving it to us with all the ignition components and everything. He's also including the trans too for a total of $400. Couldn't pass it up even if I have to rebuild the trans, and we're rebuilding the engine too (502 stroker).

As for the trans, how do I tell which one's in it? Like i said, I've never worked on Ford trucks before, any help anyone can give me is much appreciated.

 

Most people look at the pan, paying attention to pan shape and the bolt

pattern.

Automatic Transmission Identification Guide - FORDification.com

I say just swap the engine and transmission with all the electrical parts

from the other truck.

I am sure you will enjoy working on Fords from now on and become

a true FORD TRUCK ENTHUSIAST!

Welcome to FTE bud77.

 

being a 78 im going to say it is a c6 tranny

 

Alright thanks guys, I've done a lot of work on my own truck (97 Chevy K1500, rebuilt the trans and rebuilt the engine (383) plus a lot of other stuff). I'm just a truck enthusiast in general and I love workin on em!

Thanks for the link Khadma, looks like the trans we're getting is a C6. The main reason I'm rebuilding them before I put them in is because I have no idea how many miles are on them and the guy I bought it from didn't know either. I figured even if I have to rebuild them, $400 for both is a steal, so I'm going to rebuild them just to be on the safe side and avoid having to take them back out to do it again. Now the one we're getting is a 2wd model, is there a way to modify it to allow it to bolt up to the transfer case in my buddy's 4x4? Different tailhousing/output shaft?

I've heard that the 460 engine mounts will bolt in the same place as the 351's and will allow the 460 to bolt right in, can someone verify this? I'm sure I'll be posting more as the build/install progresses. Thanks!

 

LIf you want to swap a 2wd c6 to a 4x4 you either have to run a divorced transfer case or swap the output shaft to a 4x4 one and get the 4x4 tail housing for it (easier to just buy a junk 4x4 c6 and build it) but for your c6 I would run stock clutches and bands just get an r-code servo, e-code servo apply lever, stall converter, and a full manual valvebody with engine braking in first gear (this is important as it saves the sprag in the transmission). That is what I have done to my c6 and it handles a 600hp+ smallblock on nitrous (makes 600+ when it's on nitrous) also for your tires of its a dedicated mud bogger don't run Bfgs they arnt good for a dedicatedly bogger just go right to interco bogger tires maybe cut all of the little lugs off of them.

You should also try pirate4x4.com they have alot more knowledge about offroading and different suspension set ups, what works and what doesn't

You will also want to swap your d50ttb for a d60 out of a 87-92? F-350 they have king pins instead of balljoints bigger axle shafts and will take all the abuse you can throw at them + they are a bolt in swap for you since you already have a 250 that has leaf springs

 

OR go to the OFF-ROAD 4x4 forum here at FTE.

The users there are very familiar with FORD trucks and combinations that
work - or not.

 

yup. most of the guys there run the 460 C-6 combo in their mud pit trucks, and make impressive power and winning times.

 

Sounds awesome, thanks for all the suggestions guys! 1966Tbird, what length output shaft will I need for the 4x4 swap? I've seen 15 3/8" and 18 1/2", does it depend on what t-case?