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1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 10:22 AM
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thatK30guy
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engine tower interchange

I want to swap a 460 into my '75 Highboy which has the 360.

I originally intended to search for the '77 HB towers since they ran 351M/400's.

I don't like the design L&L Products fabricates since the hole for the mount studs appears to be too big and I'd rather keep the factory Ford towers since they appear stronger than the L&L mounts.

Recently someone told me the '77.5-'79 F250 towers will interchange onto the Highboy frames. Does anyone know if this is a fact? No other modifications will be necessary and it will be a simple bolt on deal? If so, I've been wasting my time looking for the '77 year only with no luck.

Suggestions?
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 10:35 AM
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4WD's do not use "towers" (aka stands, perches) because there is no engine crossmember to bolt them to.

4WD engine supports bolt to the inner frame rails.

There are no factory 460 4WD engine supports that will work, because the 460 was not available with 4WD until 1983....ditto w/a manual trans.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 12:13 PM
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Yes, '77.5-'79 engine towers will bolt right on a High Boy frame and work for the big block swap. Early '77 High Boys had 351M's and they are the same towers as 77.5-79. I've used either, makes no difference. IMO Trans Dapt makes the best motor mounts for the switch.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 03:30 PM
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thatK30guy
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Originally Posted by mark a.
Yes, '77.5-'79 engine towers will bolt right on a High Boy frame and work for the big block swap. Early '77 High Boys had 351M's and they are the same towers as 77.5-79. I've used either, makes no difference. IMO Trans Dapt makes the best motor mounts for the switch.
Thats what I like to hear. Makes the search for the towers a little easier now. Thanks again!
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by mark a.
Yes, '77.5-'79 engine towers will bolt right on a High Boy frame and work for the big block swap. Early '77 High Boys had 351M's and they are the same towers as 77.5-79.
What is different before 77 1/2 ?

I have a set of towers / mounts / bolts / exhaust manifolds from a 1975 2wd F250 w/ 460 that I want to sell . I assumed they would fit all 73 - 79 2wd models . I dont want to tell someone they will fit on their motor swap project when it will not work for them - Ken .
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 06:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken(Ark)
What is different before 77 1/2 ?

I have a set of towers / mounts / bolts / exhaust manifolds from a 1975 2wd F250 w/ 460 that I want to sell . I assumed they would fit all 73 - 79 2wd models . I dont want to tell someone they will fit on their motor swap project when it will not work for them - Ken .
Ken,

The OP was wondering about bracketry for 4wd trucks. I think the 2wd frames stayed the same through the dentside era.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 06:33 PM
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From: Ellsworth, KS 67439
Originally Posted by Ken(Ark)
What is different before 77 1/2 ?

I have a set of towers / mounts / bolts / exhaust manifolds from a 1975 2wd F250 w/ 460 that I want to sell . I assumed they would fit all 73 - 79 2wd models . I dont want to tell someone they will fit on their motor swap project when it will not work for them - Ken .
Yep, Highboy is the 4x4 of the F250's. Towers and crossmembers are totally different than the 2wd counterparts.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by thatK30guy
Yep, Highboy is the 4x4 of the F250's. Towers and crossmembers are totally different than the 2wd counterparts.
I have been around Fords all my life . My dad had a salvage yard full of Mustangs in the early 80's , boy was that fun .

I have very little knowledge on Fords 4x4 though.

I have heard a few of my co workers talk about getting a "High Boy" for a project .

Is there a difference between a 4X4 and a High Boy ?

I could do a web search but I am sure you guys are not tired of talking about the subject , Grin - TIA - Ken .
 
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