84 F150 Swaps?
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Maple Valley, WA
84 F150 Swaps?
Hey all, so I recently adopted the good ol' family 84 F150. 4.9? 8 cly Reg-cab 2wd. This truck NEVER left my mother stranded in the 16 years she had it, and off and on sat for months at a time. I started it up just today and she ran beautifully after sitting for 6 months without being ran. So I've decided I want to rebuilt it, OR do a swap, Just looking for ideas, suggestions, and tips. Tempted to convert to 4wd, we'll see in time though. Thanks!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
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From: Northeast, OK
You said 4.9, but the 4.9 is an in-line six. The small V8 (yes, I know there was a smaller V8 but I don't think it survived until '84) is a 302, and is better known as the 5.0L. There's nothing really wrong with that engine, but if you are rebuilding you might want to consider going with a 5.8, which is better known as a 351W. It has more torque due to its longer stroke and makes a better truck engine.
Having said that, while the rebuild for a 5.8 will cost essentially the same as for a 5.0 the overall cost will be more as you'll have to acquire the 5.8. And, it isn't quite as gas-friendly as the 5.0. So, if you don't use the truck as a truck then staying with the little engine may be the best. However, if you are going to use it as a truck then the bigger engine might be appreciated.
Having said that, while the rebuild for a 5.8 will cost essentially the same as for a 5.0 the overall cost will be more as you'll have to acquire the 5.8. And, it isn't quite as gas-friendly as the 5.0. So, if you don't use the truck as a truck then staying with the little engine may be the best. However, if you are going to use it as a truck then the bigger engine might be appreciated.
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