drive train/suspension
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New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12
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drive train/suspension
would welcome any advice or book recommendations for putting a 427 chevy or 396 into a 1954 f1. anything from conversions mounts for the engine and transmission to the rear end or suspension..would like to do as little welding as possible..probably should go to a s/b but not an option right now...
john
john
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City area
John-
I hate to be a naysayer but you probably won't get the amount of help you are looking for because most of those on this site are pro "Ford" engine and you just said a naughty word. Might be some input but don't be too disappointed if not much. Now, change that to a 429 or 460 Ford engine and see things change. Good luck with your truck.
I hate to be a naysayer but you probably won't get the amount of help you are looking for because most of those on this site are pro "Ford" engine and you just said a naughty word. Might be some input but don't be too disappointed if not much. Now, change that to a 429 or 460 Ford engine and see things change. Good luck with your truck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
John, sometimes new users sign things without really reading them - the terms of service you agreed to specifically addresses non-ford engines in trucks discussed on this forum.
"Any truck considered in discussions must be recognizable as a Ford family truck and must be powered by an engine based on one originally installed in a Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln vehicle at the factory, but can be assembled using Ford pattern, after-market blocks and heads, as long as it is recognizable as a Ford,Mercury, or Lincoln engine. Use of other brand rods, rod bolts, valves, non-stock carbs, etc. is considered within the normal scope of Custom Truck Craft and is acceptable."
https://www.ford-trucks.com/charter.html
besides that, why would you want to ruin the resale value of your truck?
"Any truck considered in discussions must be recognizable as a Ford family truck and must be powered by an engine based on one originally installed in a Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln vehicle at the factory, but can be assembled using Ford pattern, after-market blocks and heads, as long as it is recognizable as a Ford,Mercury, or Lincoln engine. Use of other brand rods, rod bolts, valves, non-stock carbs, etc. is considered within the normal scope of Custom Truck Craft and is acceptable."
https://www.ford-trucks.com/charter.html
besides that, why would you want to ruin the resale value of your truck?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Somewhere in da corn,Iowa
The only help I could give you would be to look in Mid-fifty, they have 4 styles you could purchase based on what you are doing on the frame, front suspension-wise that is. The have 2 for the "stock style" with the I-beam and leaf springs, and 3 for the IFS style front suspension, one specifically for Volare IFS, and 2 for the MII and C@m@r0 style front suspensions. My opinion, ditch that off-brand stuff, put a MII front suspension and grab a small block Ford motor, haha...but to each their own. Good luck on your project either way, even if it has that -*-explicative-*- for the motor.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 895
Likes: 1
From: OK
Welcome to the site NIVKNACK. Don't mind these guys, I get picked on from time to time for my choice of power (SBC Chevy). Heck, WillyB even posted a pic of a F-100 with a tunnel-rammed BBC (Hehe, sorry I had too 
).
I do not know of any books out there that cover that for a F-100. I put a SBC in my 48 and it was very easy. Ford even designed the firewall to clear the GM HEI. I would go with the 427, just becasue most I have talked to weren't as happy as they should have been with the 396, just my opinion though. For as little welding as possible, I would probably use an universal engine crossmember, which is kind of a trim to fit thing (Still requires the flanges to be welded). For my trans crossmember, I used the original on my 48, not sure if you could with a 54 or not. Universal trans crossmembers are also sold and are very similar to the universal engine crossmembers. There is a "sticky" at the top of the page that lists axle swaps. Good luck your truck and welcome again. 
hotrod48
). I do not know of any books out there that cover that for a F-100. I put a SBC in my 48 and it was very easy. Ford even designed the firewall to clear the GM HEI.
I would go with the 427, just becasue most I have talked to weren't as happy as they should have been with the 396, just my opinion though. For as little welding as possible, I would probably use an universal engine crossmember, which is kind of a trim to fit thing (Still requires the flanges to be welded). For my trans crossmember, I used the original on my 48, not sure if you could with a 54 or not. Universal trans crossmembers are also sold and are very similar to the universal engine crossmembers. There is a "sticky" at the top of the page that lists axle swaps. Good luck your truck and welcome again. hotrod48
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,976
Likes: 9,806
From: Rio Rancho, NM
NIVKNACK,
Welcome to the board. I see you've met some of the guys. You will definately take someheat for wanting to go the chevy route. As for me...its your truck, build as you see fit. These trucks are easily adaptable with huge engine bays. Everything fits. It kind of sounds as if you have the 427 sitting around. By all means, if you are broke, like I am, and you have the engine and the truck.....go for it.
You can just tell the died in the wool hardcore Ford purists that you were confused and thought it was the 427 Ford.
Be prepared for some harsh words and some teasing. Don't take it too seriously, these are a great bunch of guys with tons of knowledge and we all have opinions.
Get some pics of your truck set up.
Glad to have you
Bobby
Welcome to the board. I see you've met some of the guys. You will definately take someheat for wanting to go the chevy route. As for me...its your truck, build as you see fit. These trucks are easily adaptable with huge engine bays. Everything fits. It kind of sounds as if you have the 427 sitting around. By all means, if you are broke, like I am, and you have the engine and the truck.....go for it.
You can just tell the died in the wool hardcore Ford purists that you were confused and thought it was the 427 Ford.
Be prepared for some harsh words and some teasing. Don't take it too seriously, these are a great bunch of guys with tons of knowledge and we all have opinions.
Get some pics of your truck set up.
Glad to have you
Bobby
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 890
Likes: 0
From: New York
Originally Posted by WillyB
John, sometimes new users sign things without really reading them - the terms of service you agreed to specifically addresses non-ford engines in trucks discussed on this forum.
"Any truck considered in discussions must be recognizable as a Ford family truck and must be powered by an engine based on one originally installed in a Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln vehicle at the factory, but can be assembled using Ford pattern, after-market blocks and heads, as long as it is recognizable as a Ford,Mercury, or Lincoln engine. Use of other brand rods, rod bolts, valves, non-stock carbs, etc. is considered within the normal scope of Custom Truck Craft and is acceptable."
https://www.ford-trucks.com/charter.html
besides that, why would you want to ruin the resale value of your truck?
"Any truck considered in discussions must be recognizable as a Ford family truck and must be powered by an engine based on one originally installed in a Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln vehicle at the factory, but can be assembled using Ford pattern, after-market blocks and heads, as long as it is recognizable as a Ford,Mercury, or Lincoln engine. Use of other brand rods, rod bolts, valves, non-stock carbs, etc. is considered within the normal scope of Custom Truck Craft and is acceptable."
https://www.ford-trucks.com/charter.html
besides that, why would you want to ruin the resale value of your truck?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Good luck with it. A non-Ford powered truck on the road is better than one not on the road and if you keep the hood closed no one will ever know...
Vern
Vern
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,769
Likes: 547
From: Kalispell, MT
Originally Posted by kooper909
Huh! Are you saying that all the Chevy-powered trucks on this site officially don't belong?
Any Ford components are open for discussion - as is true hotrodding. (i.e. - taking a pile of parts and assembling a truck from it no matter where those parts came from)
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Note my post count and my profile. My 56 Panel has a 400 SBC engine in it, but I'm still welcome (I think... no one's told me to go away yet) but mostly they don't want you to start or jump into "my engine is better than your engine..." pi$$ing matches or flame wars, just keep it light, civil and respect the fact we are "guests" here in this I bleed blue (oval) thru and thru world (not that there is anything wrong with that! 
). Everyone here, darksiders, lightsiders, and mixed breeds alike are a great group that is more community and/or drinkin buddies than just truck owners.
Back to your original question: As already mentioned order up a copy of Mid Fifty's catalog, www.midfifty.com for your needs, and PM me if you need specific info.
WELCOME!
). Everyone here, darksiders, lightsiders, and mixed breeds alike are a great group that is more community and/or drinkin buddies than just truck owners.Back to your original question: As already mentioned order up a copy of Mid Fifty's catalog, www.midfifty.com for your needs, and PM me if you need specific info.
WELCOME!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
While I imagine that most engines have been swapped into these trucks at one time, I have never seen the swap that I have planned. When I first started planning my truck, I was going to use the 460 in my rusty 79 F150 but gas prices got out of hand.
Then I considered using the roller cam 5.0 sitting in the shed, but gas prices kept rising.
Now I have settled on dropping a 5 cylinder Mercedes turbo diesel with the automatic tranny in it for some fuel economy.
I'm not planning on a hot rod, just something for a daily driver and parts chaser for my business.
Then I considered using the roller cam 5.0 sitting in the shed, but gas prices kept rising. Now I have settled on dropping a 5 cylinder Mercedes turbo diesel with the automatic tranny in it for some fuel economy. I'm not planning on a hot rod, just something for a daily driver and parts chaser for my business.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 863
Likes: 2
From: Grain Valley Mo.
Originally Posted by kooper909
Huh! Are you saying that all the Chevy-powered trucks on this site officially don't belong?
That's how it reads, but we are a little lax around here. After all we gotta have somebody to pick on. Welcome....
____________
XFM....
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Originally Posted by kooper909
Huh! Are you saying that all the Chevy-powered trucks on this site officially don't belong?
You wouldn't stand in line at a NAPA store and try to get other Napa customers to trade at a Auto-Zone store! Nor would you stand in a Ford dealer's show room and try to get their customers to buy a new Ch##y.
How is it different to use a Ford dealer sponsored website to encourage their customers to buy an off-brand engine?
We are all (well most of us) are adults here, and know that you don't get something for nothing. They provide free space for your discussions, but do have a few rules about what is discussed.
Following the rules is no big deal. You are welcome to have your own opinion, they just ask that you do not use their space to express opinions contrary to what is best for their business.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,976
Likes: 9,806
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Originally Posted by mechmagcn
Now I have settled on dropping a 5 cylinder Mercedes turbo diesel with the automatic tranny in it for some fuel economy.
I'm not planning on a hot rod, just something for a daily driver and parts chaser for my business.
I'm not planning on a hot rod, just something for a daily driver and parts chaser for my business.
He loved it! Great power, great mileage.
Anything is possible
Bobby