New name old user,
Does anyone know if theres a detailed thread on putting a 302 or 351 in a 53-56 F100. I'm looking a getting a head start before I dive into this thing full throttle.
Thanks
DT
1955 F100

 

Looking for the same on my '51 so i'll give ya a BUMP

 

Are you running the stock leaf springs with straight axle? If so, there are several manufacturers that make crossmembers of various kinds to do just that. I am putting a Mustang II in my 56 and will have to fab mounts to accommodate the crossmember and install my 289 and C-4 back in the truck.

I have started a thread to document the install if you are interested.

 

I would very much like to see that. I see you're from Moore, I just moved back up here from Bartlesville and Broken Arrow, a little jealous of your weather right now.

 

Every install ends up different even when putting the same engine in the same truck. Transmission choice, suspension choice, brake pedal/master cylinder location, and many other things figure in to exactly where the sweet spot is for your particular truck. As far as a small block Ford goes, they are a narrow engine but not exactly a short one. You want to set it back as close to the firewall as possible - especially if you intend to run a mechanical fan. Just make sure you leave yourself enough clearance to remove the engine or transmission later if necessary. Side-to-side isn't that critical. Many installations (factory ones included) cheat the engine an inch or two over to the right side for steering clearance, pinion alignment, and to compensate for driver weight. The key is to make SURE that the engine/transmission sit square in the chassis and run exactly parallel to the frame rails. The powertrain also needs to sit with about a 3 to 5 degree tilt to the rear. If the axle you plan to run is already installed, the easiest way to do it is to check the pinion angle with an angle finder and set the powertain angle to match it. For example, if you find that the pinion angle is 5 degrees up, then you'll want to set up the powertrain so that the transmission output shaft is 5 degrees down. Here's some good reading on the subject:

http://jniolon.clubfte.com/driveline...nephasing.html