Hi, i've searched everywhere for this, and found lots of different suggestions

460 to np435 with 400m bellhousing. Using 390 flywheel and starter. This is the older 3 hole starter sum1 said to use. I chewed up the 460 starter already. All the starters work fine for about 10 starts. Then they start slipping. The teeth of flywheel are showing wear only on the front half, (towards motor). So the starters arent engaging far enough. I believe this is the 184 tooth flywheel.

Someone mentioned using a "late model small block starter with the 3/4" offset"
i have no clue, but i i need to figure it out before the flywheel is toast!

Any help is greatly appreciated

 

the first one i did was a 390 flywheel and a 400 starter which is also a 460 starter...the last one i did was all 2 wheel drive 460 parts, bellhousing, flywheel, diaghram clutch and starter...

 

I have always used a 400 starter on my 460s since they are the same, however remember that the 400 starter is different for auto/ manual. I don't remember the ramifications but I think a 4 spd starter is longer than an auto starter, which would explain your issue 100%. Remember that a 460 never came ahead of a manual until 1983> so if you have a starter for a 460 truck <1983 then it is probably for an auto. Remember that you might have to mix and match parts, like put a starter from a 400/4spd in your truck.

 

Wow .great info.I called L&L and asked them about their kit,got the run down,then i asked what starter they would use.He said you could use a 400 starter,but a 460 starter is stronger,which makes me wonder,and he mentioned ford not putting it in front of a manual till 83,so is their fly wheel compatible with a 83 manual?confusing

 

When I switched mine over to 4 speed I called 2 parts stores and both said all the starters are the same 400-460 std or auto. Just to be completely sure I mocked it up, bolted the rear engine plate down to the block, bolted the starter to the plate, removed the starter cover so I could manualy push the fork to make the drive come out. Then I ran the starter drive out and saw with my own eyes the gears meshing perfectly. If you try mocking it up, one thing, while you push the starter arm down to get the drive to come out you have to be turning the crank at the same time because it won't just fly out, it should be tight and roll right in together. Good luck, I know a lot of people have trouble with this swap but I bought the right brand new 460 flywheel and that was the only piece I changed, everything swaped right in with no trouble. I've been saying for a while we need to start a sticky at the top on the subject because it's asked so many times with so many different experiences.

 

I've done lots of these conversions and have always used the 400 starter without problems other than the stater getting hot from the exhaust manifold had that happen twice so they were replaced with a mini starter gear reduction type

 

So i busted the ear off the 390 one! 460 one really is stronger! So i heard i may be able to shim the front (nose) of starter so the bendix comes out farther? Also lies!

Guy at starter/alternator shop confirmed, there really is just a short and long throw starter. 400 Did come with either depending on auto/man but 460/390 already long throw. So im S.O.L.

BUT my friends grandpa who is the Ford Guru, happens to have supposedly what i need, im obviously a little skepticle after all my exhaustive research turnd up nothing remotely close to this "conversion" he speaks of. But he is old school, so maybe its some "lost" technology?! Lol. I dont see how you can get more throw, since the nose itself will limit the bendix from going farther? But he specifically said, 'ya, i have one laying here, this is what we alwys use when putting 390 flywheel on 460."

Ill just be sure to get my hopes up, and hold my breath!

 

I used a manual 400 starter. I works just fine. Maybe try a different toothed starter. 9 or 10. Whatever one you haven't tried.

 

390 and 460 are both 9. And flywheel is 390. Also this "conversion" my friend has is 9. Ill let everyone know if it works, because its so frusttrating when people keep saying "just use the 390 one" or "use 460 one" OR "use 460 one with 390 bendix." When they're both 9 teeth!

Its like, do these people honestly know what they're talking about? if this is what EVERYONE has been doing, than EVERYONE is damn lucky, because they have been riding on 1/8th inch out of the 3/8" thick flywheel!

 

First time posting on here I know this thread is several years old im hoping you are still active on here im going through the exact same issue! Starter works great for first 10 cranks then startes grinding and binding already replaced the ring gear twice🙄 Im running the 390 flywheel with the 184 tooth ring gear, I've tried all the 400/460 starters. im about to pull my hair out over this deal. Hate to have to put a c6 behind it.

 

Holy crap I can't believe I'm still subscribed to this. I don't even have the truck anymore, i have a Mercedes powered Land Rover now 😅 but i hate seeing old threads unresolved.

Here's what my issue was. after wearing out the teeth on the starter I decided to buy a new one to at least have new teeth on that side, on the tag zip tied to the starter it had a warning, that of all manufacturers Ford/Mazda starters, instead of just not starting when they have low voltage, they will start, but as was the case for me, they don't have enough oomph to throw out and engage all the way. So of all the things, it was my brand new battery cooked, because my alternator regulator was kaput, and was charging 18v. New battery, alternator, and double checked all the grounds/ terminals and it was good to go! good luck i hope that helps

 

Thanks so much for the reply! I am having battery issues! I'll be really upset and happy at the same time if I put a new hot battery in there and it works just fine! Thanks again man! I will update this thread if this fixes my issues that way others will see that a low voltage issue will cause this problem!

 

1973/79 Ford Truck Parts Catalog lists ONE starter for 351M/400 with A/T & M/T

 

can anyone supply a picture of the 400 and 460 starters showing the differences i,m an aussie with a 400 and having hells own trouble getting a starter that works 460 manual is too offset and wont touch the flywheel
thanks in advance guys n girls

 

Might not have enough detail, but you can often find images, usually decent ones, on rockauto.com.