So I have a 1997 F350 with a 351W auto and its a 4x4. The engine has about 150k on it and it need a new oil pan as well as oil pump, and almost every gasket. I also have a 1988 460 with a 5 spd auto and they only have 65k on them. I plan on taking the entire 350 apart to repaint the frame so i was thinking while I'm at it, instead of attempting to redo the cab and floorpans I might as well swap in a 1988 cab that I have to go along with the engine and tranny. In you guys' opinion, what would be the best course of action?

1.) Fix the floor pans, cab dents, and replace 351W oilpan

or

2.) Switch it over to the 460 with matching tranny and cab?

Other questions:
Will i have to change the rear end ratio?
With the T-case bolt up to the 5 spd standard?
Will I have to change my axle ratios (Im 95% sure the truck currently has 3.73 gears)?

Thanks for the help!

 

3.73 was not a factory option in these trucks so you either have 3.55 or 4.10. There is no requirement to change the axle ratio with this powertrain swap but you may want to just to get something that could be confused with gas milage.

 

would the T case off of the 351 and A04D bolt up to my ZF5 of is that a completely different setup? I don't mind the amount of work involved, i'm far more concerned with the cost

 

Transfer case will bolt to a 4x4 zf5

 

my current ZF 5 is a 2wd version, how different is the tail end on it?

 

As far as I know a 2wd trans cannot be converted to 4wd without changing the output shaft. which means it's got to be disassembled. If I'm mistaken I'm sure somebody will soon correct me.

 

yep, in order to convert you need a 4x4 tailhousing and a 4x4 mainshaft. its not the hardest task, but as cheap as the zf5's are it'd be easier and cheaper to find another trans and just swap it in.