Shouldn't be hard to find an automatic with a blown transmission, anything over 40,000 miles it's probably bad.

 

Drove Rusty today. We had a couple of inches of snow overnight, brought in by strong winds and rapidly-dropping temps. So I decided to take Rusty and play w/the 4wd. Turned out fun. Took a lot of throttle to break it loose on packed snow at 30, and it handled the snow well. I put it back in 2wd at a traffic light as I going onto dry pavement, but that was a bit premature as it just spun. Dropped it back into 4Hi and away we went.

However, I think there may be a problem. Can't figure out what, but it was cold in that cab.

 

Looks like you got a leak somewhere.

 

Really? Yep, the glass "run" is basically gone and that side was on the north side. You guys aren't checking the wind at the border like you are supposed to, so howled through here last night.

 

I planned to have my 85 4x4 for the snow.. Too bad the carburetor had other ideas. I'm just a few steps away from completing the carburetor / distributor conversion but never seem to have time to get it done! (probably should get off the internet and into the shop..)

We had about 2 inches of snow last night, strong winds and COLD. It is supposed to get down to about -5 tonight with wind chill of -21. Not as cold as some parts of the country, but a bit chilly for southern Kansas. Of course, I work tonight. My plan is to not get out of the car. (mine doesn't have any leaks..)

Off to the shop!

 

One of my coworkers at Advance has a 1978 F150 with a 351M. He told me that a customer came in yesterday and basically offered him a rebuilt 351M from a 78 Bronco for $400. Customer said he rebuilt it for his daughter's Bronco, and built a 460 for his truck. But when she heard the 460, she told him she wanted a 460, so now he's building one for her Bronco, and trying to off the 351M.

My coworker told him he didn't personally need it, but that I was looking for a 351M/400 for my truck and that I'd definitely be interested. The customer left his info with my coworker, and told him to have me call so we can talk it over. So my coworker is gonna bring the paper in Tuesday so that I can give him a call and talk specifics.

I don't want to get my hopes up because I know nothing about what was done to the motor, but it was a recent rebuild with less than 2K miles. So we'll have to see where this goes.

 

Ask him if he has the paperwork to go with the rebuild.

And, what does "rebuilt" mean. And, most importantly, WHO DID THE WORK? Be leery if it was all done by a backyard mechanic... VERY leery....

 

Shaun - It would be a huge help to hear it run. Let it warm up and check the oil pressure since the M's are bad about low pressure. Find out how far it was bored and what pistons were used as that can help or hurt compression. What cam? What intake and carb?

But, if he's asking $400 he might take less, and that might be a steal for a well done M. I can't build an engine for less than $1000 and I have a friend who runs a machine shop.

 

Just the machine work on the lower end can be a grand. Hopefully the guy is competent and offering a good deal. Worst case scenario you could tear it down and inspect it.

 

I took my truck out yesterday and drove around a bit to get it some exercise, and gas it up. I just wanted to make sure everything was in working order, just in case we needed it.

 

When I rebuilt my 460 there was no way I was going to attempt it by myself. I had the help of a seasoned (i.e. over 20 years experience) race car engine builder. He was very helpful and made sure the work I did was meticulous and clearances were correct. Not only that but he knew of an awesome machinist that did the block and head work.

So, while he could have rebuilt the engine on his own, if he has the credentials to back it up it could be a great find.

 

Considering I generally rebuild my own engines (that way I know it's put together the way I want it) The only paperwork I usually have is for the machine work and parts. When I do a 460, I may not even have much of that, the guy I have been helping with the 454 Chevy has everything except a balancer and block decking equipment.

I do keep very good records on what goes into one I build.

 

Yep, I'm in the same boat usually. However, on the 400 I'm going to build I will have receipts for the machine work and the rotating assembly. So, I don't think it is a bad deal if the guy built the M himself. His daughter liked the 460 he built, so he's done more than one engine. Ask what he does, how he does it, what parts he uses, etc.

 

Yeah, I know. I keep looking, but so far they are all way overpriced.

I am trying to take my time and find just the right donor. The more stuff that can be sourced from a donor, the cheaper the overall build cost.

I find several auto equipped trucks for sale, many with claims of something "simple" wrong inside the trans, but still asking full retail price.....

 

Something "simple" on the RE (RWD Electronic) MOPAR transmissions, is usually the OD unit. It can be replaces without pulling the transmission as Chrysler's engineers decided to stick it on the back like and old BW T85 unit. The torque of the Cummins X the converter X 2.45:1 low = broken sprag on the input side = no forward gears except in 1 & 2. Other common failure is a broken snap ring that holds the direct (OD unit) clutch in place = no reverse and no engine braking on deceleration in 1,2 or 3.