got a 1981 f350 2wd with a 351m 4 speed, and i have a built 460 that was pulled out of a 1985 4wd 4 speed, what all would i need for this swap? i know the bellhousings should be the same, and i have the 460 flywheel, i just need to get a new 460 clutch. other than that, engine mounts, what else would i need and how easy would this swap be. i still have the 1985 4wd 4 speed too.

 

The bellhousings are NOT the same. Only the bolt pattern is, which is fine for a C6.
460's didn't have a manual option until 1983.
And I dont think the 460 clutch is going to fit inside the shallower 351M mechanical release bell.
And in order to use the 460 tranny/bell you need a hydraulic clutch pedal assembly, which doesn't fit pre '83 cabs.
This is why L&L makes a dedicated swap clutch and flywheel.

Make sure you get the radiator and exhaust system from the donor as well.

 

I've captured several things here: Engine Swaps - ???Gary's Garagemahal. One is the engine stand issue, and another is the flywheel position issue.

And, picking up on Jim's discussion of the linkage, there's another reason you need to go hydraulic - lack of the inner Z-bar pivot for a 460, as shown here: Mechanical Clutch Linkage - ???Gary's Garagemahal. But, while the early cabs weren't drilled for the clutch master, they can be. However, they also should have the brace that is described in that link.

 

but wont a 1980 up 351m bellhousing work on a 460? i think i saw somewhere it fits. im just trying to not have to take the tranny out of the truck but looks like i'll have too, can i just bolt the 460 bellhousing i still have on the 351m tranny and call it good?

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...questions.html

 

The M bell has the same *bolt pattern* as the 460.
The 460 crank sticks out 1/2" farther and the 460 clutch is taller too
It WILL NOT fit inside the shallower 351M bellhousing.
The 460 bell is hydraulic, not mechanical. So no place for the pivot of the pre-'83 mechanical clutch Z-bar.
Yes the 460 bell will bolt to your existing 2wd gearbox.
ALL truck gearboxes with the "butterfly" pattern will bolt to ALL bellhousings with the "butterfly" pattern, but that doesn't mean the input shaft has the right 'stickout'
And you don't have the hydraulic clutch (pedal, master and slave) needed to use the 460 bell

This has all been known about for over 30 years since the 460 came back in 1983.
The solution is a $$$ L&L flywheel and clutch made for this swap.

 

390 is a zero balanced flywheel.

You need a '78 or earlier (internal balance) 460 for that.
And a rear sump oil pan with extended pickup.

ETA: That's also a '79 truck, the crossmembers are very different than '80-'86.

Save yourself a lot of headaches, time and risk of damage. Buy the swap mounts, clutch and flywheel.
Bolt it right in.
Use the larger 460 radiator, shroud, front dress and exhaust.
DSII plugs right in, as should the charging harness.

 

so i couldn't just put the 1985 460 and 4 speed in the truck without having to the change the clutch in the truck to hydraulic?

 

Bingo! After you drill all the rivets on the M/400 engine stands and get them off the frame, do the same on some 460 stands from somewhere, bolt them onto the 1980 frame you can bolt the 460 and its transmission in. But, you won't get the clutch linkage to hook up. The truck has a mechanical linkage and the tranny requires a hydraulic one. No go.

But, you can use the master cylinder from the truck the 460 came from, add a 1983-1986 clutch/brake pedal assembly, and be in business. However, unless you add the firewall brace you have a good chance of then having the firewall crack.

 

well that sounds like a pain in the ***. ill just find me a different truck lol

 

There are kits available, but they aren't cheap. Just making sure you know what you are getting into.

 

Gary,
According to my 2016 JBG catalog, swap mounts(p30) are $119/$160 for HD, and 460 swap flywheel & clutch kit (p32) is $599.

JBG usually has better pricing on L&L products than buying direct. (at least that's been my experience)

 

1979 460 with D1VE-A2B block casting number is internal balance.

1979 460 with D9TE-AB block casting number is external balance (has a weighted crank spacer).

Ford changed the 460 mid-year 1979. There are no before/from serial numbers or production dates because this was a "running" change.

The block casting number must be known to get the correct harmonic balancer and flywheel (flexplate).

This jazz applies to F150/350 & Econoline only. No 460's in Passenger Cars after 1978, no 460's in F100's after 1976.

 

Bill,
Yes, it was a running change during the '79 model year

But given the way *many* on this forum understand it, a D9TE block *is* the beginning of production for '79 my engines.
It is MUCH easier to say that '78 and earlier engines were internal, and those *designated* '79 and later are external.
(Although his complete 1985 donor engine will have the obvious counterweights on spacer and flywheel)

 

but any big block bellhousing c6 will bolt right up right? 351m/400/460, as long as i have the flexplate and torque converter?