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Dec 1, 2005 | 12:12 AM

mikeinWA

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need help to ID

Hey fellas- pardon my ignorance here. I will be looking at a truck tommorrow; '76 f250 4x4 to use as a tow rig for tractors. What little I can suss out by the vin it was originally a 6 cylinder.(vin#F26BRB06548) This truck now has a v8, my question is how do I ID the motor? I can safely assume the air cleaner and carb are aftermarket. Is there an online guide to decoding the VIN#s and if so where are the appropriate #s located for motor, tranny etc. I searched the forums but I am a bit new to this site. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Dec 1, 2005 | 12:24 AM

gov2mod

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Well, there are several ways to get close. The FE family (352, 360, 390) of engines had a huge intake manifold that actually formed the inner part of the heads where the valve covers sit. The valve covers sit on part of the intake manifold. The 302 and 351W has the thermostat bolts facing forward and has a cast aluminum timing cover. The 335 family (351M, 400M) are larger than the Windsors and have the thermostat bolts going down from the top. Also the timing chain housing is part of the block with a flatter cover on the front. Which does it look like?

Last edited by gov2mod; Dec 1, 2005 at 12:33 AM.

Dec 1, 2005 | 12:29 AM

mikeinWA

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Wont know until tomorrow. I have been looking for this eras truck for a while because of looks and the fact hat I am familiar with fords ('67f100, '88e350, '71f250) I havent been under the hood yet. I cold called a bunch of people the past few months "if you ever sell this truck give me a call" type stuff. I figured with the price of fuel I might get into a decent tow rig for a reasonable price. If I had to guess from my discussion over the phone woith the owner it is either a 390 or a 400m.

Dec 1, 2005 | 12:34 AM

gov2mod

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If it were me I'd hope for the 390. What a great engine, I've loved everyone I've had. VERY durable with plenty of torque.

Dec 1, 2005 | 12:42 AM

mikeinWA

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I hear that. I have had great luck with the 360 as well, originally hoped for a 460efi, but I have always liked the looks of this truck. Can you recommend an online source for decodingg the vin# for tranny etc, my manuals are leaving me in the dark here. Also is there a # on the engine that will ID it?

Dec 1, 2005 | 12:48 AM

gov2mod

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The 360 was just a 352 with a slightly larger bore. Is it an automatic transmission? If so here is a website that may help ID it by the pan.

http://www.bulkpart.com/fordid.html

Dec 1, 2005 | 12:55 AM

mikeinWA

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No such luck. Manual 4 spd.
How 'bout a # on engine? A casting code?
My manual seems as though it will be helpful once I can see the tag in the door. But knowing its a replacement motor has me wondering what else may have been replaced. There must be another way to tell the difference between the 352, 360 and 390 besides a sticker on the original valve cover, right?

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Dec 1, 2005 | 01:08 PM

Mil1ion

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Let's get some answers

How many valve cover bolts on this engine ?

I assume it's a 2bbl ,

Big Plus to Know = Get me ALL of the casting numbers off the intake manifold & Block (ie: D5TE-9425-A & the date code (ie: *6L22*)

Please Note:
The 352,360,390 are visually identical on the exterior.

If you have an FE you will have to measure the stroke of the engine.

Last edited by Mil1ion; Dec 1, 2005 at 01:12 PM.

Dec 1, 2005 | 02:18 PM

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mikeinWA

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I will be back with more info this evening. As stated earlier I just cold called a bunch of people with trucks that fit my bill, I have not yet been under the hood.