Excellent! Thanks Gary Tried to rep you, but I need to spread some love.

 

Gary, I am finally getting back around to trying to finish my build. i was reading back over all of the posts and did not notice what year of a truck you pulled the 351W starter out of? I have done some research but keep ending up with the same amount of throw of the starters. getting this starter right is the last thing i have left to get the 400 fired up with the ZF5 behind it. Any assistance with what starter part number truck year ect. would be greatly appreciated.

 

While you can use a 351W starter, as I did, it isn't quite right and you really should move the ring gear forward. But, the better starter to use is one for a 460. The M/400 flywheel is the same diameter and has the same # of teeth, so is the same to the starter as a 460's flywheel. And, if you've used a spacer then it is in the same position as a 460's flywheel. Further, the starter actually bolts to the transmission, not the engine. So, a 460's starter will bolt in, and is what I'm going to use when I put it back together. More specifically, I'll use a Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction starter for a 460, as they are smaller, require less current, and are lighter.

As for the 351W auto transmission starter, if you chose to go that way, it shouldn't matter what year as they all had the same throw. However, in about 1990 Ford went to a PMGR starter on that combo, and that is actually the better starter.

 

Gary,
Thank you for the detailed thread! I am currently in the planning stages of my ZF swap. I have a 79 Bronco with a 351M. Currently the cab is off the frame which makes this swap even easier. I picked up a ZF5 S-42 out of a 90 F-350. I have a couple quick questions I was hoping you could answer?

Looking at your thread and your Gary's Garagemahal page you mention the support brackets for the cross member and the fact you didn't have them. I understand you used the stock cross member, but if you had the brackets would you still need to drill the new holes or do those brackets work to offset the position of the cross member if installed in the original holes?

You may have mentioned this earlier but did you have drive shaft length issues?

Lastly, I am trying to get the flywheel squared away with American Powertrain but the rep I am speaking to doesn't quite understand what I am asking for. Did you drill your own flywheel for the 460 pressure plate? Again sorry if you previously mentioned this.

Thanks for your insight!

Josh

 

Josh, you may want to ask that question over on Gary's Garagemahal as he does not get over here now that he has his site up and running.
???Gary's Garagemahal - Bullnose Forum
It may take a little bit for an answer over there but he or someone else will answer.
Dave ----

 

Fuzzface2, thanks for the input. I'll post on the website as well.

Josh