53 ford f100
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53 ford f100
Recently bought a 53 ford and I've been doing some thinking about it. I'd really like to go with an LS motor with a t56 six speed and a 9 inch ford rear-end My only question is fitting the motor and transmission in there . I don't want a 23 inch stick on it. I want more of a car feel. What do you suggest /what problems am I gonna have
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
A lot with a chevy and unless you a very long torso and/or long arms you can not avoid a longer shifter with the high dash. Maybe one of the VERY darksiders' will come along with helpful info for you but most on here seem to prefer to at least keep oval powerplants. It is a 60+ year old truck so good luck on the car feel.
Sorry I am not full of useful advice today on your quandary. Good luck.
Sorry I am not full of useful advice today on your quandary. Good luck.
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Is there an oval application that would better suit my quandary? The truck will have bucket seats that'll sit lower than the traditional bench seat. And ya I'm a long individual. Lol I'm six foot one. Thanks for any feedback
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,685
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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
If I was to change power plants in any of my many Fords I would take a long hard look at the Coyote engines. Tons of power, tons of optional equipment and lots of expertise out there for any issue that may arise. With buckets the shifter can be at the back of the tailshaft putting it right next to you between the seats within easy reach with a shorter stick.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
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From: Austin
Hey Kansas,
Welcome Aboard! Post some pics when you get a chance so we can see
what you are working with. Drivetrain is pretty straight forward - it's personal choice.
If it were me I'd start with getting the rear end you want. It's a one or two weekend
job to replace the back axle & get whatever gearing & rear brakes you want.
We have a Ford 351W with an Edelbrock top end kit - 400HP in our 1950 F1.
It runs & cruises great & is overkill on useable power.
I think the part where you want a 60 year old truck to drive like a car is a tall order.
We changed out our rear end to an Explorer 8.8 axle with 3.73 gearing & the front end is
a Wide Ride Independent front suspension from No Limit. It still drives like a truck.
You would have to do some real investment to get a smooth car like ride in my opinion.
I'd probably get a new frame set up from TCI - $10K?
Show some pics when you get a chance.
Ben in Austin 1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
Welcome Aboard! Post some pics when you get a chance so we can see
what you are working with. Drivetrain is pretty straight forward - it's personal choice.
If it were me I'd start with getting the rear end you want. It's a one or two weekend
job to replace the back axle & get whatever gearing & rear brakes you want.
We have a Ford 351W with an Edelbrock top end kit - 400HP in our 1950 F1.
It runs & cruises great & is overkill on useable power.
I think the part where you want a 60 year old truck to drive like a car is a tall order.
We changed out our rear end to an Explorer 8.8 axle with 3.73 gearing & the front end is
a Wide Ride Independent front suspension from No Limit. It still drives like a truck.
You would have to do some real investment to get a smooth car like ride in my opinion.
I'd probably get a new frame set up from TCI - $10K?
Show some pics when you get a chance.
Ben in Austin 1950 F1 (351W/AOD)
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 20
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From: Livingston, La
Morning Kansas, I’m building a 53 with LS1/4L60 center console. Check out Lokar or you can use the shifter your engine/transmission came with. I decided to go with Lokars cable shifter for more flexibility. Anything can be made to work if you have the fab skills.
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joe hoffman
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Sep 1, 2006 01:58 AM
