A fellow ebayer turned me on to this site a few days ago, and boy am I glad he did! I've already found some very valuable information about some of the projects I had planned for my 65 F250. I've already installed an Edelbrock intake on the 352 FE, a Holley carb and MSD ignition. I just finished moving the gas tank out of the cab and under the box. I've purchased the headers but don't have them on yet, and would like to convert the manual steering to power (2 WD, 4-speed manual tranny). I've found some good notes in the forum on the power steering conversion, and just read a few comments on the headers vs. starter removal problem. Am I on the right track if I find a 68-79 donor truck with 2 WD and 4-speed manual with the big block FE motor and harvest the motor mount bracket, gear box, hoses, pump, pump bracket, and steering column? Any speed bumps to look out for doing the conversion? What is the real scoop on the starter removal problem with headers? Does it depend on the brand of headers being installed? Some users say "no problem", others say there is a problem. Would love to hear from you experts out there that have already done this work on your trucks.

Had to edit this post, came across an article by banjopicker66 in this forum, dated 12-11-03, that has a lot of very useful information. Thanks banjopicker66; whoever you are!

 

Hello Wester, Welcome to FTE The best truck show on the net.

I don't think you will find many doners with ps before 73, and the FE was last installed in 76, so in my opinion 73-76 is what you have to look for. One of our NCFTO members ran across a running untitled 74 for $200.00 this week. Didn't take Raleighdad long to snag it.

On the headers, they tend to hug the block to get back and under the truck. You can get the starter loose but can't get it out. Headers tend to burn up starters because of the extra heat they carry so close to it.

I have heard that Sanderson makes shorties that stop before they get so close.

Enough has to be considered, why not swap to power disc brakes at the same time?

John da picker has written some pretty good articles on upgrading.

John

 

The PS conversion is really easy if you have a FE engine truck to pull the parts off. You will need engine support brackets and if later you plan to install AC you should try to find a FE engine truck to get the pullise from. Ford pullies and brackets will drive you nuts! Best to get all from one truck. Take pictures because after you have cleaned and painted this stuff it will not go back together like you would expect. I have not had any clearence issues with the PS motor mount perch. I do have a BFH that I use to adjust the clearence between the PS gear and the frame. Personally I do not use headders. True dual exhaust at 2-1/4 or 2-1/2 inch with a crossover pipe and some mellow Flowmasters is all you need unless you race your truck. Buy a cheap puller for the pullies and steering wheel. Your gonna use it a lot!