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223 Engine Differences 55' & 56'

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Old Jul 12, 2003 | 01:10 AM
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Brett W 55 Ford's Avatar
Brett W 55 Ford
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223 Engine Differences 55' & 56'

1955 Ford Truck 223 Engine cylinders are shot so I bought a 56' 223 long block that was in a car. When I took the head off I noticed the push rods on the 56 were shorter then those in my 55'. Anyone happen to know why, does it really matter?

I also got the 3 spd transmission w/ the long block. Any differences between the 56' car transmission then what was originally in my 55' truck.

Thank you,

Bretts Dad,
Del
 
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Old Jul 13, 2003 | 01:44 AM
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223 Engine Differences 55' & 56'

As near as I can tell from Mac's catalog, I'd say the difference in pushrod length is due to a rocker arm variation.

The book indicates there are 2 lengths for these engines and are about 3/8" different. 9.447" and 9.828" and seems one was called a Zerolash system (don't know which)

Also shows rockerarm assembly same for 54-59.

This probably isn't much help, but it's the best I could do.
 
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Old Jul 13, 2003 | 10:17 AM
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223 Engine Differences 55' & 56'

Somewhere along the line I'm pretty sure we beat this topic down pretty well. Here's one link (223 Push Rods) but I know there was another thread where one of the experts (Carl, Joe, Vern, ... ??) went at it and layed out the variations.

You can try searching the forum archives or maybe one of these guys/gals will remember that they did the research and post it again for you. Good luck!
 
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 10:20 AM
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223 Engine Differences 55' & 56'

Im not near my Hollanders so going to wing it.
Are you sure the one out of the 56 is really a 56? The 223 was changed in mid 60 with a new head design as well as some block changes. The easiest way to tell is the upgrade used 1/2" head bolts wheras the old style was 7/16.
 
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