Possible 400 swap
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
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From: Northeast, OK
As expected, the catalog shows the M/400 ran through '82, and hydraulic linkage started in '83. And, the page above shows only one part # for the M/400's bell housing, so we already knew the answer if we'd just thought about it.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Assuming we're talking about the pivot-point thing that screws to the bell housing, it has a small depression in it the clutch arm pivots on..
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Mt Sterling Ky
Thank yall for your info, I really didn't know that there was a difference in the 460/400 bellhouses but I know now, I guess my options are down to finding a 400 bellhouse or finding a 460..... But the 400 I have is a fresh rebuild its had the heads reworked and an aftermarket intake manifold and a 650 edelbrock on it, its in a 79 f150 super cab we have setting in the barn and its tempting swapping it out for the worn out 351w in my 85 now. So let the part hunting begin!!
On a side note how much heavier is the 400 over the 351w.
On a side note how much heavier is the 400 over the 351w.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
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From: Northeast, OK
You are aware the M/400 takes different perches on the frame than the W? I'm not saying that it won't fit the W's perches, but Ford had different ones for the two engine lines so it will sit differently. And, as has been said, the bell housings are completely different, as are the starters and exhaust manifolds. So it isn't a bolt-in to put a 400 where a W was. But, it can be satisfying. 
As for weight, this site says there's 50 lbs difference. And, if you are comparing to a W with a cast iron intake vs a 400 with an aluminum you just shaved 25 lbs off the difference.
As for weight, this site says there's 50 lbs difference. And, if you are comparing to a W with a cast iron intake vs a 400 with an aluminum you just shaved 25 lbs off the difference.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Mt Sterling Ky
I already have the exhaust manifold and the motor mounts, im just gonna take em off the 79, dads been wanting to haul it off so im gonna pull what I need off of it. Will the starter off the 79 work or will I have to find on of them to?
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Maybe JBG or L&L sell some nice swap mounts?
At least they do for a W->460 swap.
The 460 brings its own issue with what to do about relocating the oil filter in a 4x4.
And of course you're trying to push all that through an undersized driveline and 5 lug hubs.
At least they do for a W->460 swap.
The 460 brings its own issue with what to do about relocating the oil filter in a 4x4.
And of course you're trying to push all that through an undersized driveline and 5 lug hubs.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
Lets make sure we are talking the same thing. The mounts bolt to the engine and have the rubber isolators. The perches bolt/rivet to the frame and bolt to the mounts. These are specific to the M/400, and I seriously doubt ones from a 79 frame will properly fasten to an 80-86 frame as they are very different. But, I do not know that.
Starters were specific to the engine line so the one from the 79 400 will work when it is installed in an 80-86 truck.
Starters were specific to the engine line so the one from the 79 400 will work when it is installed in an 80-86 truck.
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From: Virginia
Check the exhaust manifolds also. They may not work either. What you can do is look up what you have at a parts store online(like Autozone if they sell them) for the 79 f150 with a 351m/400 and see what the part numbers are for the manifolds, and then look up a 80 f150 and see what the part numbers are. See if they are the same. If they are not, they will probably not fit. If you want to be able to buy the y-pipe and hook it all up, they are going to have to be correct for the later truck.
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