I have the opportunity to buy a 72 F350 2WD. I admit to knowing almost nothing about trucks so any help would be greatly appreciated.

The truck appears to be in great condition. "F350" is written on the windshield, but nowhere does it say F350 on the truck (emblems are missing). I plan on getting more info off of the plate in the engine bay to confirm whether it is a F350 or not. Is there anything else I could look for to verify an F350?

Also, there is a sticker on the front fender that says "Powered by Ford 460". From what little references I've been able to find, the 460 was not available in 1972. Is this true? If so, is it a viable swap? What do I look for to make sure a 460 is really in there? (Keep in mind I know nothing about V8 engines, but am far from car-stupid.) Did all F350s come with the C6 tranny, which I've heard is bulletproof? Which rear end did they have? Is there anything particular I should look for in this year of truck (things that commonly go wrong for example)?

Finally, and most importantly, is this a good truck for me? I'm looking for something that will pull my race car on a trailer reliably. The heaviest car I race will be no more than 3800 pounds, plus an open trailer and tools/tires. An enclosed trailer will be a future purchase so I don't want to limit myself to open trailers only. Reliability is key. Towing will be about 90% of its use, although it will likely be used only 4-5 times a month. Can't wait to hear from the experts...

 

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 13-Dec-01 AT 03:00 PM (EST)]There should be a TON of information on the Data plate on the driver's door to go by.

Post the Vin# and all the info from that plate and we can decipher it for you.

The Vin # should also be stamped on the right front frame rail just back from the rad support.

I imagine the 460 could have been put in a Late Built 72,especially if it was a special order.

To verify the Axle code ,there should be an aluminum tag attached to the rear axle housing.

For a quick glance engine ident. Look where the thermostat housing comes out of .

If it comes out of the block it's not a 429/460.
351's & 400's have it come out of the block

Re: The 429/460 had the housing come out of the intake manifold.



It is a fine horse to pull a trailer with.

Dennis



It's Almost Time Everyone.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=314&.jpg

78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles

 

One thing to keep in mind is that even if the 460 was not available in 1972, somewhere in the trucks 29 years of life the original motor may have been swapped out for something different. One way to tell if you have an FE motor is to take a look in the area of the valve cover. If the valve cover is covering part of the intake manifold and the head, then its an FE. To the best of my knowledge the valve cover covers the entire head on a 460. Thats just one thing to look at.

James Kern
1970 F250 4x4

 

Hey welcome to FTE! Try counting your valve cover bolts. 351M/400 has 8, 460 has 7, 302/351W has 6, 360/390 has 5. Definitely no factory 460s in ’72 so it’s a swap.

Barry