Notices
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

429 headers hitting the steering box

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 14, 2024 | 10:27 PM
  #1  
8Line's Avatar
8Line
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 267
Likes: 113
From: South Houston
Question 429 headers hitting the steering box

Evening all,
I've made the stark realization that my engine is out of alignment, crooked is probably the more apt description. I've also learned that this is normal for older fords (engine being more on the passenger side of the engine bay). What I've also found is that my headers on the 429 (no idea what kind) are already beaten in to avoid contact on the steering box. I am removing the previous owners homemade engine mounts and installing factory 429 mounts from a late 70's ford pick up. I don't know where this will position the engine once installed.

Does anyone have a picture of their 429, with headers, showing proximity to the steering box?

(only pics I have of my current headers/steering box.)


 
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2024 | 11:47 PM
  #2  
52 Merc's Avatar
52 Merc
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,192
Likes: 4,805
From: Burbank, WA
Since you need to custom mount your engine, I would advise to set it in such a way to have maximum clearance between exhaust and steering box, even if that means finding different exhaust components. You don't want to suffer the same fate as these guys.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/201...d-v-8-indy-car
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2024 | 01:24 PM
  #3  
Crop Duster's Avatar
Crop Duster
Logistics Pro
Veteran: Air Force
10 Year Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 974
From: Tri Cities, TN
Club FTE Silver Member

It's not the best look but you can beat those things nearly flat, and it won't affect the performance. On Motor Trends Engine Masters, they did a header bash test and beat the things till they were nearly flat, and it didn't change the dyno numbers. Ford put 460's in the F150's in the 70's and since the frame from the cab forward is the same on all of the 2wd's 65-79 headers for one of those trucks should fit.
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2024 | 01:26 PM
  #4  
8Line's Avatar
8Line
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 267
Likes: 113
From: South Houston
Originally Posted by Crop Duster
It's not the best look but you can beat those things nearly flat, and it won't affect the performance. On Motor Trends Engine Masters, they did a header bash test and beat the things till they were nearly flat, and it didn't change the dyno numbers. Ford put 460's in the F150's in the 70's and since the frame from the cab forward is the same on all of the 2wd's 65-79 headers for one of those trucks should fit.
Literally just finished watching Engine Masters on this haha. that makes it much easier. cheers!
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2024 | 09:25 PM
  #5  
BobbyFord's Avatar
BobbyFord
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 276
Engine bay is identical on a 72 with 73-79 factory perches and mounts.
My 72 has a 385 series engine with headers that bolt in without steering box clearance issues. I can take some pics tomorrow. Pretty sure they’re Hooker headers.
 
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2024 | 07:23 AM
  #6  
8Line's Avatar
8Line
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 267
Likes: 113
From: South Houston
Originally Posted by instig8r63
Engine bay is identical on a 72 with 73-79 factory perches and mounts.
My 72 has a 385 series engine with headers that bolt in without steering box clearance issues. I can take some pics tomorrow. Pretty sure they’re Hooker headers.
That’s what I’ve heard, but struggling to find photos of this arrangement. Pics of your engine bay would be great! Thank you
 
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2024 | 07:59 AM
  #7  
BobbyFord's Avatar
BobbyFord
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 276
Originally Posted by 8Line
That’s what I’ve heard, but struggling to find photos of this arrangement. Pics of your engine bay would be great! Thank you
I have the Hooker Super Comp headers. I had to notch the intermediate crossmember, just a bit, on the left side. The Super Comps hang low but I wanted them because they have larger diameter tubes than the standard Hooker headers. The standard headers do not hang low.
 
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2024 | 08:02 PM
  #8  
BobbyFord's Avatar
BobbyFord
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 276
Doesn’t look like it but there’s at least 1/2”-3/4” clearance on the steering box.



 
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 Apr 16, 2024 | 08:35 PM
  #9  
8Line's Avatar
8Line
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 267
Likes: 113
From: South Houston
Originally Posted by instig8r63
Doesn’t look like it but there’s at least 1/2”-3/4” clearance on the steering box.
This is great!
I can tell by the exhaust ports that when I install the 429 engine mounts the header will be a touch higher than where it is currently. which I'm happy about. at least it looks that way.

much appreciated.
 
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2024 | 08:58 PM
  #10  
BobbyFord's Avatar
BobbyFord
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 276
Originally Posted by 8Line
This is great!
I can tell by the exhaust ports that when I install the 429 engine mounts the header will be a touch higher than where it is currently. which I'm happy about. at least it looks that way.

much appreciated.
You’re welcome.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Pokee
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Mar 29, 2017 04:12 AM
custom cabby
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Mar 23, 2010 08:56 AM
joedellcarter
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Jun 1, 2009 11:14 PM
03Snake
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jun 13, 2006 05:12 PM
pageparsley
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jan 5, 2004 09:49 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:53 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