8", 8.8 or 9" Differential Swap in a 63 Econoline ?
Looking for some intel on swapping out the weak 6 banger diff on my 63 Econoline. I'll be dropping a 270-285HP 289 in it soon and the OG diff has to go.
I was told a 69-70 Mustang diff will bolt in. Spring perch width and drum width would keep the tires in line like the OG diff. 69-70 Mustang diffs are scarce though.
Anybody done this swap and if so what other model diffs are a bolt in ?
I'd like to swap out the front drums for a disc set as well, using stock components to keep the cost down.
I met a dude years ago that had a 63 Econoline with a rowdy .060 over 289, solid cam, etc. It had a 9" under it and disc brakes up front. He told me he used all OEM parts and everything was a bolt-in deal, but would not elaborate on it. (?)
It was wicked. It rocked and would blaze the tires from a 20 mph roll.
Thanks in advance for whatever info anybody has to offer
Nothing but a stock 61-67 econoline 9 inch is a direct replacement for you. Also no OEM discs I know of are direct bolt on,they all need some mod or machining. D and D Brakes in Oregon makes a nice conversion kit thats all direct bolt on though and theres a few other possibilities too.
Hey Econo, thanks for the info.. I found a few around but they were in horrible condition from being left out in the elements for decades, not cool . Of the 4 I found none had a 8" or 9" diff. The little 6 banger diff is sturdy, but not enough for a 280-290HP V8.
What's the scoop on a 289 swap. motor mounts, cross member, etc. Also, is there a link to a wiring schematic break down to covert from gen-to-alt ?
Wiring diagrams,engine swap info,rear end info and tons more is available at oldeconolines@yahoogroups.com Its been covered there many many timnes over. I ve got 9 inch rear ends if you need one and also can set you up with a v8 crossmember for the swap.
why do you want to do a V8 swap?? You can build your stock inline six to have up to 300HP and still get over 20mpg . A lot less mods to do that way although you would still need a good 9".
I thought about a beefed up 6 banger but the true cost for that type of build would be more than the 289 swap. Primarily, because I have a donor 67 Ford Custom I bought for $250 to part out.
I built a 250-6 for a buddy of mine in 1979. We put it in a 66 Econoline. It was bored .40, stroker crank (Scat), solid lifter comp cam, holley 500 cfm 2-BBL, custom intake (welded individual runners), etc. It would spin the right tires from a 3rd gear roll. No HP/TQ numbers on the motor but it was really strong.
It was more $$ than he thought. I might not even do the swap if I find a fresh 6 to put in it. I have 7 classic projects right now and the Falcon Econoline runs right now.
I thought about a beefed up 6 banger but the true cost for that type of build would be more than the 289 swap. Primarily, because I have a donor 67 Ford Custom I bought for $250 to part out.
I built a 250-6 for a buddy of mine in 1979. We put it in a 66 Econoline. It was bored .40, stroker crank (Scat), solid lifter comp cam, holley 500 cfm 2-BBL, custom intake (welded individual runners), etc. It would spin the right tires from a 3rd gear roll. No HP/TQ numbers on the motor but it was really strong.
It was more $$ than he thought. I might not even do the swap if I find a fresh 6 to put in it. I have 7 classic projects right now and the Falcon Econoline runs right now.
Falconstein
I swapped a stock 170CI for a 200CI. Built the 200 using Clifford Performance parts for $1400.00. Now have a 200HP motor that gets 26MPG so the savings was not only in the motor but in the amount of gas too.Big difference from 4mpg to 26mpg especially at the cost of gas today. My 66 Econo with the 347 stroker was a wheelstander but could not be driven everyday especially when the temps. got over 100 degrees here and I had a larger custom aluminum radiator in it ($700.00) and a 3200 cfm electric fan. A $12,000.00 motor.
This forum is owned and operated by Internet Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation. It is not authorized or endorsed by the Ford Motor Company and is not affiliated with the Ford Motor Company or its related companies in any way. FordŽ is a registered trademark of the Ford Motor Company.
and would blaze 
the tires from a 20 mph roll.
. Of the 4 I found none had a 8" or 9" diff. The little 6 banger diff is sturdy, but not enough for a 280-290HP V8.
