Long Tube header issues
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Virginia
Long Tube header issues
I am having a problem finding a set of long tube headers that will work on my 1990 F-150. The truck was originally equipped with long tube headers before I started tearing into rebuilding it. I have tried 2 sets, one from Hedman and another from Flowtech. The Hedman's had a problem with front driveshaft clearance. The Flowtech's I had a problem with clearing the transmission shift linkage.
The only things that have changed from the way it was is I have done a straight axle swap in the front and did an 8" lift. Originally the truck had the TTB axle and maybe a 2" lift at best. (Not really sure)
The original motor was a 302 and I have replaced it with a 302 HO from a Mustang. But the size of the engines should be the same.
Does anyone have any advice on this issue?
The only things that have changed from the way it was is I have done a straight axle swap in the front and did an 8" lift. Originally the truck had the TTB axle and maybe a 2" lift at best. (Not really sure)
The original motor was a 302 and I have replaced it with a 302 HO from a Mustang. But the size of the engines should be the same.
Does anyone have any advice on this issue?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Unless you can create a custom set I suspect you're gonna have to use shorties, all of the headers designed for these trucks are designed around the TTB and your won't find any made for trucks with a solid axle.. stock height or otherwise.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Virginia
Well I would agree with you except for one thing. The driveshaft follows the same path from the t-case for both the straight axle and the TTB. If anyone has any pics from underneath that shows the headers and front driveshaft position that would help too.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
No it doesn't, the pumpkin is a little closer to center on the solid axle. I have Flowtech longtubes on my TTB F150 right now.. no driveshaft clearance problems.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: VA
As Paul says, shorties are the easy way out. Don't give up on long tubes yet though. I'd bet there's something out there that will work. Hopefully someone with experience with a project like yours will chime in and be able to answer some questions.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Virginia
Conanski, you said you are running Flowtech headers on your truck. I tried those but had a problem with them clearing the shift linkage on the transmission. Is yours auto or 5 speed?
BigBlockF350, I'm hoping you are right! I'm gonna call Bronco Graveyard tomorrow and see if they can help me. I've tried Hedman and Flowtech's so far. Still got 3 brands left to try. I just hate buying them and then not working and then trying to return them.
Another thought. What if I tried 351 headers? Or, what if I tried headers for an older truck that had the straight axle?
BigBlockF350, I'm hoping you are right! I'm gonna call Bronco Graveyard tomorrow and see if they can help me. I've tried Hedman and Flowtech's so far. Still got 3 brands left to try. I just hate buying them and then not working and then trying to return them.
Another thought. What if I tried 351 headers? Or, what if I tried headers for an older truck that had the straight axle?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: VA
That may be the ticket right there. Definitely check into it.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
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From: Central Wisconsin
A few years ago I put together a 95 F150 with a D60 front and Sterling 10.25 rear with a 460 in it. Same issues where several sets wouldn't clear shift linkage or driveshaft. We ended up cutting the 2 sets of headers we had up and fixing angles that way to get it to clear. I have no idea what the headers for the old trucks look like, but if I had to guess, you're going to run into more clearance issues that way. If they fit like the ones meant for these trucks, they wouldn't make two different header models for the trucks.
On another note, shorty headers will probably be sufficient enough. I have a mechanical clutch in my truck and couldn't get past the linkage with my long-tubes, so I'm stuck with shorty's for now too.
On another note, shorty headers will probably be sufficient enough. I have a mechanical clutch in my truck and couldn't get past the linkage with my long-tubes, so I'm stuck with shorty's for now too.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 281
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From: Virginia
After doing some more research on the issue last night, I came across this very issue in a forum on FullSizeBronco.com. Apparently Conanski is correct. The only way to get a set of long tubes to work is to customize a set to fit. And since my fab skills suck, guess I'm going with shorties. 
Oh well. Thanks to all who replied!
Oh well. Thanks to all who replied!
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