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Recently purchased a 1950 f2 with a l6 with a 3 speed. How hard would it be to drop in a flathead v8 with an automatic transmission from a 1953 car? I am under the impression the transmission will not work.
I don't know what all would interfere with the transmission. It depends what crossmember you have. Can you post a picture of it? If your crossmember looks like the one below, there's a good chance it will clear.
If you choose to install the engine and transmission from a 53 sedan into your 3/4 ton truck you will get to fabricate or otherwise make work a few parts for the shift and kick down linkage. Get as much of that out of the car as possible. Also, you will want to convert the water pumps to the truck units. The car pulleys can be pressed onto the truck pumps so you won't have to change the crank pulley, generator, and fan too.
Also, be aware that the Ford-o-matic has no overdrive and isn't a lock up torque converter. If you go with this automatic your cruising speed will be even slower than it is now.
If you go with a 9" then you need to convert the front to 5 lug too. The conversion is pretty straight forward. My main dislike is the looks of a 3/4 ton truck with the five lug wheels. Kinda looks like toy wheels. If you want to higher speed gears and 8 lugs take a look at the Dana 60 axles used under late 50s through 72 F-250 trucks. If you are lucky you can find one with 3.54 gears.
Reading that and some other posts I agree Dana 60 is the way to go. Thanks for the help. I have a 1973 4 speed wide ratio toploader I was considering dropping in with the flathead but the t-5 conversion may be less work and an easier swap I just don't see one locally. Getting that toploader in a vehicle would be nice though.
Does your wide ratio have a "granny low" gear? That is good if you are hauling loads at or close to GVW but for highway use it wastes a gear particularly if it is unsynchronized. IMHO a T-5 is a better choice or a 4R70W automatic. It all depends upon how you plan to use your truck.
8 Lug disc brake conversion kits are more expensive too. Getting rid of all that heavy, unsprung iron will improve performance too. As for the front fenders when you have the same size tire does it make a difference when hidden under the hubcap if it is 5 or 8 lugs (sorry Fred, we just disagree)?
You might also consider an 8.8" Ford rear axle. Maybe less expensive and lighter weight but strong enough to handle the power from a flathead V-8 . . . unless you are going to go with Ardun head$ and a $upercharger . Parts availability is good as they are used on Mustangs and Explorers.
I'll throw in that using a 60+ yr old automatic isn't a great idea. With your crossmember you have a lot of choices, both automatic and stick. T5's are nice but getting hard to find with the S10 tailshaft that puts the gearshift about where you want it.
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. Parts availability is good as they are used on Mustangs and Explorers.
