You'll have to excuse my ignorance here but do the front frame rails unbolt at the firewall? I was under the impression the frame is all one piece...

 

Still learning my way around these parts manuals. They're rather confusing. I don't know how you Ford Parts guys did it, you're wizards!


Anyways, I have and '84 so I guess I am looking for a donor engine/trans from at least and '84. What year can I go up to without having to change things like crazy?

 

No

And the 250/350 frame is heavier gauge.
The engine cradle crossmember is welded in place.

'83-'87 are all compatible.

 

The frame is one piece. Find a beat up donor, unbolt the front clip, cab and the bed and bolt yours on the f250/350 frame. You are done.

Not sure what you are trying to achieve, you never said. A heavier work truck or a street driven hot rod with no plans for hauling.

 

A frame swap is not necessary unless you absolutely have to be able to use the factory oil filter adaptor. I would use the factory mounts and stands over aftermarket ones though.

 

I suppose what I'm really after is just being able to say I have a big block in the truck. The 302 just feels so weak. I'm not sure if the motor is just whooped or if that's just how they are.

Will I be towing? Most of the time, no, but I may occasionally. I'd really like to avoid a frame swap. I could really be opening a can of worms. If the only thing a frame swap would achieve is not need a remote oil filter setup, then I'd prefer to just use remote oil filter.

Am I biting off more than I can chew here? I have no question I can handle the swap, I just don't want to spend months doing it either.

 

Get a 351H.O., build a 408 if you want...


Everything will bolt right in.
No swapping gearboxes, frame perches or any of the rest.

 

That sounds like a better idea. Does it have to be any specific 351. I know there is a 351M or 351W. Would all of my accessories (P/S, alt, AC and their associated brackets bolt right up too)?

And the engine mates to the trans no problem? What about flywheel and clutch?

 

H.O. is a four barrel Windsor.
You don't want a 335/M. That's nothing like yours.

You need a flywheel that is balanced for a 351, but that could likely come with a junkyard engine.
A stroker crank and good flowing set of heads from an Exploder can net you some healthy numbers.

AFAIK most all of the front dress will fit right on, the engine will drop right into the cradle too.

Others here know more about these engines than I do, so I defer to their judgment.

 

Good stuff to know. This sounds more in the realm of what I can easily do. 460 would be sweet but I'd be ok with a 351. Are the exploder heads those GT40's I've heard about?

 

Yes, I'm talking about later model explorer heads.

There are plenty of hop up threads down in the performance & engine building section.

 

Agreed 200%