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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 11:22 PM
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donor advice 4x4 delete?

I am looking for a donor vehicle for a drivetrain for my model a project. My question is; can I buy a 4x4 truck and eliminate the transfer case and drive the rear wheels only, or is the transmission going to be different in a 4x4 truck. I found a cheap 78 f150 with a 351, manual trans, and 4x4. I'd love to be able to use as many parts from the donor vehicle as possible for my "rat rod" project; engine, trans, rear end, steering, etc. Is a 4x4 a bad idea? should I keep looking? I definitely want a manual trans, are there specific models I should look for or avoid?
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Old Jan 31, 2011 | 12:44 AM
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4x4 trans will have a different tailshaft housing that allows it to bolt to the TC. Not going to work without the TC.

A '78 351 is going to be the 351m. You'll get the "rat", but no "rod" out of that motor.

As for what model to get, trans wise, what are you trying to do? Street only? Fast? What vehicle, engine etc are you thinking of?
 
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Old Jan 31, 2011 | 09:09 AM
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That's the kind of advice I was looking for, and the reason I love this forum. Thanks. My hot rod project is on a super tight budget (hence the rat), so I would like to find a whole vehicle for $1000 or less from which I can scavenge as many parts as possible. I want a manual trans, and preferably a carbureted V8. Gotta be a Ford. I don't really need it to run 11's at the track, I will mostly be cruising it. I was thinking trucks, because there seem to be one wrecked mustang for every 100 pristine trucks in that price range. I'm totally open to suggestions.
Thanks
 
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Old Jan 31, 2011 | 05:11 PM
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An F100 with a 302 and 3 speed. I'm thinking '70-'71 +/-.

See anything like that out there that isn't just rust held up by dust?
 
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Old Jan 31, 2011 | 09:17 PM
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I've seen a few trucks with a 302. Did Ford make a lot of changes to the 302 over the years? It was around until 96ish, right? Are there big differences between truck motors and mustang motors? Are the higher performing parts all interchangeable?
 
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Old Jan 31, 2011 | 10:40 PM
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It was around until until '97 in the F150, 2001 in the Explorer (??) according to this, which is many times inaccurate:

Ford Windsor engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

But regardless, it was around a long time and had a lot of aftermarket support.


Changes over the years would be heads, cams, the change to serpentine belts, change to EFI, and the change to roller cams.

Truck and Mustang motors differ in many ways--CR, cam, heads. Always lower HP, and lower rpm for Torque and HP peaks.

Hi po parts are many time interchangeable.

Conanski usually lurks around the SBF forum and has given the rundown on the 302 and 351w many times. Go to that forum and look at his posts, or just look up his posts directly. Cam & head choices, dates for roller blocks etc is all there. Sorry I can't give you the specifics myself.
 
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Old Feb 1, 2011 | 02:45 PM
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$1000 will get you a pretty decent truck. I paid $400 for my 94 4x4. $100 for a 78 f 150. they are out here, no need to build a rat rod, just buy, and drive.
 
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