Hey guys!

Looking at my options here. My flathead 6 is going to need a significant overhaul if I'm going to drive it any sort of distance (at this point that means "out of the driveway"). So, looking at options.

Someday I'd love to have some more power and sporten things up a bit. I wasn't planning on that for quite some time, but my engine status has me thinking.

I found a local 87 f250 with 351W and 4 speed transmission. A Wikipedia search leads me to think it's probably the Borg t18 or t19, as those were the trannies put in those trucks. (right?) The engine was rebuilt 10k miles ago and I could probably get the whole running truck for $5-$700. Pull the engine and needed parts, then sell the body and frame. Even scrap prices would get me closer to even.

So here's the questions. I want a manual tranny. Autos in a truck like this just don't make sense. Would this Trans work well?

What does this swap entail? It's a carbed engine, so that saves on wiring. I've read I'll need a new Trans cross member. Engine mounts obviously, but those appear to be available from mid 50. Does the firewall need to move?

Talk to me. I like the idea of avoiding money and time into the Flathead if I will ditch it long term, but I also can't afford $5k to dump into the truck in parts or labor to make the swap.

 

your truck looks like a nice stock resto project to me to hot rod or sport it up would be a lot more than 5K

 

You pretty much got it figured out. Some mounts (that can be made or purchased), some basic wiring, (which probably needs upgrading anyway), probably a driveshaft modification (different wheelbase) and you would be running. The trans should be fine, no different than how it works currently, going from truck to truck. You can always upgrade to a more performance trans at a later date. Go for it if that is the end result you are looking for.

 

with the original trans mission
Most cost effective find a small block ford to early Ford 1948 and older(F-1s continued to use the round hogshead "1939" transmission) with manual bellhousing.
So 1966-2000 smallblock Ford to 1928-48 bellhousing adapter. These were marketed by Wilcap and Hurst and can be found used but be careful some are for 62-65 5 bolt blocks.
Here's a whole kit for the 6 bolt small block ford.
Ford small block motor to early Ford trans kit

Then you will need motor mounts. My truck uses ancient homemade mounts based on the old Hurst mounts. These bolt to the head and stand on the rubber flathead mounts. Whatever mount you go with the engine will be pretty much the same location as the flathead.

If you go with a new transmission the whole clutch system will need to be changed unless you use something like this.
MEC - We're Only '32 - Bell Housing

You'll have to use this hogs head with the above small block adapter to keep the F1 clutch system.
If you use a toploader 3 or even 4 speed..1963-mid 70s Ford you can use a late 70s Jeep t150 3 speed shift top t-176 4 speed shiftop for the toploader transmission and will be identical to the 1950 3 speed.

 

Didn't the 87's have a slave cylinder type clutch? How hard would it be to adapt the stock clutch pedal to the clutch slave cylinder?

 

As it was posted earlier, the clutch assembly will have to be changed, mounting fabricated, etc. Trucks 1956 and earlier had the clutch pedal linkage bolt onto the right side of the transmission.

 

When it comes time to make your heater system right let me know .

 

It could also be New Process 435. If the '87 has the same clutch slave cylinder as an '86 with a 300 six they were not one of Fords better ideas. I lost count on how many slave cylinders that I and others installed on my Father in laws truck. That would be a very good engine, but I personally would find an earlier belhousing and use mechanical clutch linkage and scrap the hydraulic unit. There was a 4 speed top loader used in the '80s F150 that has 4th as overdrive. That would be a better transmission unless you need granny low. I think Speedway has motor mount kits that may work also.
Mark

 

Some great info here. Thanks guys!! Now to look at my options and save my nickels.


@firstrider you got it, I will! What do you have in mind?

 

FYI, cruise in car show tonite at Dairy Queen on Idaho St. 6-8 pm.......mmmmmmm ice cream!

 

Oh man! What a time to leave for Seattle. Bummer, I'll miss it. When is the next one? I'll be there!

 

Every Thursday evening 6-8 weather permitting