I have a 1982 f150 xl with a 351w and I'm wanting to swap out the front axle and trans from a 1982 4x4 that originally came with a 302. Just wanted to see what any one knows about what issues I Mya run into when trying to marry my engine and the transmission from my donor truck. I know that the front axle should not a huge issue to switch over just worried about the rains bolting up. I let me know if anyone has had issues like this Thanks.

 

Moving a trans from a 302 to a 351W shouldn't be a problem. Flex plate (or flywheel) balance is different for different years of the different Windsor engines, so make sure you use the correct one for your engine.

Trans crossmember, driveshafts, transfer case shift linkage and floor cutouts / cover plates are other minor issues to address too that getting parts off the donor truck will help simplify.

And perhaps it can go without saying, but the gear ratios need to match between the front and rear axles, so if the donor truck doesn't match yours you might want to get the rear axle too.

 

It sounds like he is only going to use the trany & transfer case and front axle and if so he would not have to worry about flex plate/flywheel as he would use the one he has now.


If he has both trucks side by side he can then swap parts as needed.
As said rear gear MUST MATCH the front gear.
Dave ----

 

As long as both trucks have the same style trans (auto or manual). I just wanted to make sure he didn't (for example) use the 302 flex plate to go with his new auto when replacing the 2WD manual trans or something like that.

 

Good point
Dave ----

 

Thanks for the info guys

 

you'll also need to replace all the spring hangers as well, there was a width difference on mine.

 

Only if you want to use the 3 inch wide 4x4 rear springs. If you want to use your2wd 2.5 inch wide springs, you can leave everything back there as is.

I believe people run the 2.5 wide springs with no problems in a conversion.