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Aug 2, 2022 | 09:28 PM

California ranger

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Dec 2019

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Start from scratch

So recently ive had some trucks passed down to me from my grandfather. I received a wrecked 1979 f150 Ranger and a good straight bodied 1978 f150 custom. Neither trucks have engines. The 78 has a manual transmission. Basically my question is does someone have a list of what they got to put a new engine in or if i would be better off trying to find a different powertrain to put in the vehicle. My goal is to keep the trucks and recreate some of my familes memories with the truck, and recreate some cool photos of my grandpa. Any help is appreciated, thank you in advanced.

Aug 2, 2022 | 11:19 PM

440 sixpack

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 7,894

Likes: 2,372

first you need to find out what engine the one you want to save came with. then it's just a matter of what you want in the end and what you want to spend.

Aug 3, 2022 | 08:16 AM

CelticOne

Regular User

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 1,798

Likes: 15

From: Bathurst, New Brunswick

If you have the VIN it can be decoded to determine the original drive train (and a lot of other info).

Aug 3, 2022 | 10:10 AM

egchewy

More Turbo

Joined: Mar 2022

Posts: 704

Likes: 216

I'm in the process of rehabing a 79 f150 and recently found some bend pushrods and exploded lifters. I'm contemplating an engine swap if I find more extensive damage. Might consider an LS swap...