I'll be moving to Arizona later this year and am looking at picking up a 1972-1978 Ranchero. I'd like to replace the engine with a 6.9 or better still a 7.3 Power stroke. The 351M to 460's all had C-6's behind them so the frame mounts and crossmember are there for the 6.9's C-6. I'll box the frame from the front to the firewall and make new mounts for the 6.9. As for the C-6 I'll run a gear-vender O/D to get good mileage. I want to run it on homemade bio-diesel. I'd like to run the 7.3 Power Stroke(for max mileage) if the bellhousing pattern is the same as the 6.9,but I don't know if anyone makes a wiring kit to drop the power stoke into an older Pickup or if the factory wiring harness can be used(with mods).

 

The one time I saw a 460 wedged into a Ranchero, I remember thinking "man, those shock towers are close" - before you go too far, make sure you check if it'll actually fit.

A Ranchero is basically a station-wagon with an open bed on the back.

 

This isn't my first engine swap and if the 6.9/7.3 is too wide for the Ranchero then I'll go to plan B which is a F-150 Short-bed. I already know that the 6.9 will fit using the F-250 frame mounts and the coil springs from the F-250 will fit the F-150. I was just looking at the Ranchero as it is already low and it looks so good(1972 model!). If I go the F-150 route I'll have to lower the truck to get it were I want it. More than likely that will mean Air bags .

 

The 72-78 Ranchero wont have shock towers. Those models are full frame, full size vehicles. The chassis is the same under the LTD, Torino, 77-79 Thunderbirds ect. It is a full box, full perimeter frame. I have a big block in a 79 Thunderbird, and there is plenty of room. Now a Powerstroke, that is still gonna take a lot more room.

Steve S.
To many to list

 

Take a good look at Ford truck diesel radiators before going too far planning that swap into a Ranchero. I think you may do better with a smaller diesel like the Brazilian one from a cab-over, or an old Mercedes

On edit - just realized the date of the OP - bet he's moved on by now. Slow moving forum!
Good luck,
- Jeff