I've been shopping for a Classic truck for some time and have been hesitant to buy one with a 302. Is a 302 under powered for these trucks, should I be concerned? I should add this is just going to be a for fun weekend driver.

 

Will it be 4x4, then yes. But it won,t be any worse than the other options for those years. The 400 has a bit more torque not much difference in hp.

 

IMO the 302 is a good motor,
there will be others who may disagree with me on this , these old trucks have high milage on them and yes the motors get tired.
now one could simply swap in a larger motor, but then you will have to ask yourself do I want to? then there is the cost of changing motor mounts, bell housings, and beefing up the suspension.
I say go ahead and get it and rebuild the 302 bore it out to 30 or 40 over,
put new pistons, rings and go with a RV cam and upgrade to a 4 barrel carb and but on some headers, and run dual exhaust keep it tuned, and you can't go wrong
just my .02 cents to your question

 

No good to doo this is a 2x4

 

Thanks for your response dads1977, I will not be able to make modifications for some time. If I like the truck after the opportunity to give it a check over and the owner excepts my offer I will be a broke, happy classic Ford truck owner.

 

BeauFORD. back in 77 my best friend and I bought brand new trucks, his was a 302 auto, mine had the pitiful 351m with auto. His truck blew the doors off mine, all the time. Both were 2wd lwb. So I say go for the 302.

 

Thanks again good to doo that is reassuring. I have been looking at some youtube videos and i'm confident that if I'm able to close the deal I'll be happy.

 

A lot depends on what you want to do with the truck. Heavy long towing for example? Sustained high speeds? If the answer is no the 302 should be A OK.

If it does get tired someday there are plenty of 302's out there for potential replacement or rebuild cores. Also good parts support. Those are advantages.

 

Ya + you can drop a 351 Windsor in.

 

Mine did everything I ever asked it to do. It screamed on the highway at 65, but if you are doing a lot of highway driving, you can change gears or ad an OD tranny. Another good thing is there are aftermarket parts galore, junk yard parts still, bolt on tranny options, fuel delivery options the list goes on and on. The 302 was used up until 96, and honestly is a pretty good all around motor.

 

Pros:
Lightweight
Relatively efficient
Cheaper parts
Wide aftermarket support & plenty of performance options.

Cons:
Underpowered/not enough TQ for a working truck.
Terrible for towing.

 

. Thanks guys for your comments, I bought the truck today. The picture shows the previous owner I bought the truck from. 😁

 

I really need to get the topper,visor, and other doodads off the truck. Column shifter needs adjusted and the rear pumpkin is seeping fluid.

 

Sweet truck. Much more goodies than the one my son and I just bought but super clean looking!! Too bad you aren't closer as I may be interested in some of those doodads that you are wanting to remove...😉
Garry

 

That is one sweet truck you got there, glad it all worked out.