I need to replace my headers that have more rust holes than Swiss cheese. She is a 78 F250 4x4 with hopped up 400 and a C4. I believe that it has a Dana 60 up front, is it?





The existing exhaust is set up to not go out the fenders and is routed on the inside of each frame member. It never drops below the frame and I like that, nothing to snag on.





So, what headers should I order that will fit? I really want ceramic ones so I never have to replace them again. When I looked on Summit it seamed all of the ceramic ones would not fit. Also, what mufflers would go best with this. It had, they rusted off, glass packs and I don't want anything that loud anymore.

I know someone out there has figured this out, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Craig

 

I'm not sure about headers as I've never had a 400. But an easy way to tell the d44 from d60 is to check the cover bolts. 1/2"=d44 9/16"=d60.

Hooboy that is a rusty one! Look like it's getting started on the road to recovery. Best of luck.

 

Check out L&L, they've got a ton of stuff. I put their shorties on my 460 and they were awesome!

 

Looks like you have the D60 up front along with the heavy duty front springs. I wonder if that would be a snowfighter F250. I do see that for most headers it states "will not fit Dana 60", but I'm not sure why that would be. I'd also check out L&L and see what they can do.

 

I don't know if it is a snowfighter, but they are not the stock springs. It has a 4" suspension lift.

I would hope that a affordable header is out there since it has headers now, I just don't know which ones they are.

 

I can see the kingpin in the second pic so yea it looks like a D60. Ever change your starter? With fenderwell exit headers you can get to it 100& easier and you get all the heat away from it.

And the the trans cooler lines and help the collector to front D/S clearance.

With fenderwell exit you can still tuck the exhaust sys up close to the body and have it not below the frame. But with the trenches you will dig with those left over front u-bolts ends you will be fine. lol

That's a joke, FYI, cut them snag sticks off! Ceramic L&L fenderwell exit and be done.

 

I checked out L and L, they don't have anything listed for the 400. Also, I can't afford that price.

I am finding it hard to believe that there are no ceramic headers out there that will fit with a Dana 60, but stranger things have happened. Does anyone know of a non ceramic header that will fit?

Also, any muffler recommendations?
Thanks

 

Try Hedman....

Source: 2008-09 Heddman Hedders Catalog
Tel: 562.921.0404
Fax: 562.921.7515
Email: sales@hedman.com

Applicability: 4WD 1/2 & 3/4 ton pickup, F-150, F-250, F-350 (Light Duty Only)

...........................
Years: 65-76
Engines: 352-390

Headers:
Painted - PN 89120
HTC Coated - PN 89126
Elite or Stainless - PN 89830

Applications:
A/C - Yes
P/S - Yes

Transmissions:
Automatic Column Shift - Yes
Automatic Floor Shift - Yes
Standard Column Shift - Yes
Standard Floor Shift - Yes

Footnotes: 4, 6, 138, 166 (3/4 - 1 ton only)

4 = Includes parts necessary to retain emission devices (50-state)
6 = Modify stock exhaust to retain catalytic converter
138 = Will not fit Camper Special or vehicles with front sway bar
166 = Will not fit multi-shock absorbers, factory or aftermarket installations.

Emissions: C, G

C= For vehicles 1964 through 1974 without A.I.R. systems, considered as O.E.M. replacement parts when existing emission controls are not removed from vehicle.

G= 1975-1976 only, 50-state legal for these years only.

.....

Years: 77-79
Engines: 351-400M

Headers:
Painted - PN 89360
HTC Coated - PN 89366
Elite or Stainless - PN 89868

Applications:
A/C - Yes
P/S - Yes

Transmissions:
Automatic Column Shift - Yes
Automatic Floor Shift - Yes
Standard Column Shift - Yes
Standard Floor Shift - Yes

Footnotes: 6, 41, 45
6 = See above
41 = Fenderwell exit
45 = Not legal for sale or use in California on pollution controlled vehicles.

Emissions: B, D

B= Not applicable or intended for street or highway use. Legal only for racing vehicles whichmay never be used upon a highway.

D= Not legal for sale or use in California.
..........

Years: 77.5-79
Engines: 351-400M

Headers:
Painted - PN 89210
HTC Coated - PN 89216
Elite or Stainless - PN 89218

Applications:
A/C - Yes
P/S - Yes

Transmissions:
Automatic Column Shift - Yes
Automatic Floor Shift - Yes
Standard Column Shift - No
Standard Floor Shift - Yes

Footnotes: 4, 6, 44, 166

4 = See above
6 = See above
44 = Will not fit Dana 60 front differential
166 = See above

Emissions: L

L= 1977-1979 only, 50-state legal for these years

 

I have been doing some more searching and maybe found something. Some headers say that they will work but only for "Will fit "LOW BOY" F-250's only. Manufactured after 2/1/77." So what is a LOW BOY? Will this work for me? How would I find out if it would.

Also, some of the notes on the Dana 60, say that they will not clear the differential. Headman. Since I have a 4" lift, not body, would this not be an issue?

Thanks!

 

Check out the thread "These headers are God awful close", it's not a 400 but I bet this is why they say it wont clearance the D60. It looks like his will clear..barely.. but it may not with the 400.

 

Update:

I talked to Flowtech and they, and Hooker, have headers that will fit without doing a fenderwell exit. It is flowtech # 32520FLT. They will not work on a highboy but was told they will be fine for me. An order will be going out shortly.

So what muffler should I use?

 

Glad to hear they helped you out.

Mufflers? Oy... Do a search cuz there's hours and hours of opinions and input. I'll play it safe and only recommend that be equipped with true dual exhaust using at least 2.5-inch tubing.

Thinking of an H-pipe or X-pipe? According to alot of what I have read, the H-pipe is worth a few more HP than an X-pipe.

 

I will either have an H pipe put in or just leave them separated. It depends on if there is room and cost. This is already spending money I don't have.

 

I just went through the same issue with my 78 f250. I bought the ceramic Hedman Elite Hedders...The tech said that they would not fit with the dana 60 unless I had a lift. Well, I have the high boy springs up front, so I bought the headers. They don't fit!!! They still hit the dana 60. The front tube sweeps way out twards the axle. So, I called up summit and talked to them about headers...the tech talked me into the Hooker Competition Headers, part #6902hkr for $189.00. They fit perfectly!!! And not to bad to install either. I just wish that they were alumanized or ceramic. As far as exhaust...I bought a whole kit from summit (part #16561hkr) for $169.00. The kit is all mandrel bent and great quality. I also bought an H-pipe kit from summit for like 30 bucks. As far as mufflers...I went with the 40 series flow masters (I love the way these sound in our older trucks). Hope this helps.

 

Forty series Flows sound good on everything. YouTube - She is alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


In my opinion.