Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Bellhousing Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 20, 2016 | 03:32 PM
  #1  
dnkensinger's Avatar
dnkensinger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo
Bellhousing Question

I know this topic is probably beat to death on here but there seems to be some mixed info about it, as far as I can tell.

Anyways, I'm going to start compiling parts over the winter for a 302-460 swap on my '84 2WD with M/T (3 speed with (and) OD).

From what I've been reading, when hunting down bellhousings, 351M or 400 Bellhousings will work, BUT only if they are Cast Iron, not aluminum.

My question is (and it's probably a pretty obvious answer but I just want to check) what if I find an aluminum bellhousing already for a 460? This is the one I'm looking at and I think that it will work. I have hydraulic clutch, but are the bolt patterns for both transmission types the same? I don't know exactly which Transmission I have, but I think it's the Borg Warner type. The bellhousing pictured is said to be for a 460 so I have no reason to believe that it wouldn't just bolt up, but obviously I need to be concerned about the bolt patterns on the transmission itself.

 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2016 | 03:38 PM
  #2  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

Butterfly tranny pattern is pretty universal in this Era.
So, yes it will fit.

You are much better off with the 460 bellhousing (only '83-'87) than trying to get a mechanical release bellhousing from a 335 series to work
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2016 | 09:07 PM
  #3  
dnkensinger's Avatar
dnkensinger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo
So I have a Clark Transmission and I believe the 460's used the T-18. They both have the same bolt pattern?

I'd just hate to drop the dough on this housing only to find out it doesn't bolt up!!
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2016 | 09:15 PM
  #4  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
Just like the transfer cases being the same, all the transmissions used the same bolt pattern, that part of it isn't a concern.

The 351M/400 housings were designed for a mechanical clutch.
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2016 | 09:30 PM
  #5  
82F100SWB's Avatar
82F100SWB
Post Fiend
25 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
That bellhousing may be a 6.9 one, I don't see a hole for the upper starter bolt, and that looks like a diesel dust cover rather than a 460 spacer plate.
The transmission you have is a SROD or TOD, not a B-W or NP unit. Behind a healthy 460 its days may be numbered.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:03 PM
  #6  
dnkensinger's Avatar
dnkensinger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo
Originally Posted by 82F100SWB
The transmission you have is a SROD or TOD, not a B-W or NP unit. Behind a healthy 460 its days may be numbered.
What would you recommend for a Transmission that would bolt right up without any bellhousing swaps, and of course set up for a hydraulic clutch
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:04 PM
  #7  
dnkensinger's Avatar
dnkensinger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo
Also, will these "newer" bellhousing mate to an older (let's say mid to late '60's) engine?
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:08 PM
  #8  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

Zf5 is always the go to for 460's. (And you don't need a bellhousing)

T18 or 19 is what they came with in these years
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:22 PM
  #9  
dnkensinger's Avatar
dnkensinger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo
Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
Zf5 is always the go to for 460's. (And you don't need a bellhousing)

T18 or 19 is what they came with in these years
With the ZF5's, are any modifications necessary to the driveshaft such as shortening or lengthening?
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:35 PM
  #10  
dnkensinger's Avatar
dnkensinger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo
Originally Posted by 82F100SWB
The transmission you have is a SROD or TOD, not a B-W or NP unit. Behind a healthy 460 its days may be numbered.
Actually turns out it is a Clark, I'm not sure if that is what you say is an SROD or TOD (I don't actually know what those are).

Also, that is a diesel dust shield. I planned on getting the correct spacer plate for the engine/transmission. But I guess I need to confirm if there is an upper starter bolt? Is that to say that diesel starters only had one bolt?
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:39 PM
  #11  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

What do you have for a rear axle now?
I assume any 302 truck is going to need a custom shaft and maybe a conversion U-joint too.

with the zf you will also need to raise the transmission tunnel and move the tranny crossmember rearward.


Why do you think it is simple to do a engine swap?
You need a radiator, exhaust, front springs to hold it up, engine perches, a remote oil filter mount, just a lot of things to make it work if you don't have a complete donor truck.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:44 PM
  #12  
dnkensinger's Avatar
dnkensinger
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo
Why would I need a remote oil filter mount. Is this because there is no clearance to fit a filter on the block with the engine in place?
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 04:57 PM
  #13  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by dnkensinger
Why would I need a remote oil filter mount. Is this because there is no clearance to fit a filter on the block with the engine in place?
Exactly that; the front cross member blocks access.

Just to be clear, the engine perches Jim speaks of are NOT the motor mounts, but the apparatus the motor mounts attach to; these are typically bolted *and* riveted to the frame and cross member.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 05:11 PM
  #14  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

They are entirely riveted in my truck Chris....

There are *no* "mid '60s" 385 series engines.
They started in 1968.
385 & 335 series engines are the only ones to use this pattern

So, you have a 1950's gearbox bolted to an engine pattern that didn't start until the mid '60s?
'Cause it wasn't until late 1964 ('65 Model Year) that the 'Windsor' pattern came into being.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 05:16 PM
  #15  
NumberDummy's Avatar
NumberDummy
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by dnkensinger
So I have a Clark RTS TS-OD (Top Shift 4 Speed Overdrive) Transmission and I believe the 460's used the T-19
RTS TS-OD = 1984/89 F150 2WD/4WD & Bronco 300/302/351W

Both the RTS and the RUG SR-OD (Single Rail 4 Speed O/D) that preceded it are "weak sisters."

One speed shift, you can kiss the little darlins' good bye.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:04 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE