HP handle rating
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 99
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From: Tampa, FL
HP handle rating
What kind of horsepower can i stick in my 77 f150 2wd before i have to start reinforcing the frame? I am wanting to throw a motor in with starting HP of 350, and wating it to move up to the 400+ range within a few years. Should i be ok? Sorry for the n00b question. The frame is solid everywhere and there is no rust through, but with the truck's age, well i made this thread didn't i? I already have plans to beef up the drivetrain and suspension, im just concerned about the frame contorting and bending under the power. I dont remember what the stock v8's put out, but i doubt it was near that much. If you have swapped in a performance engine, please post up with any info/pics you can give me.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,110
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From: Iberia, USA
Oh i doubt that you will have much of a problem at all with your frame. My uncle runs 800+ hp on an f-250 pullin truck with minor issues. He used to have a ranger that had about a 300 or so horse 302 and never had any issues with that. Not to mention that Ford put some 460's in some f-150's. Youll be fine!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
Its not the frame that you have to worry about, its the axles. You will want a Panhard bar and 4 link for the rear axle.
Your truck already has big radius arms, but I lengthened mine by 18", I also have coil over shocks, and portions of my frame are boxed in. Many of this stuff is custom, but you can buy most of the parts.
The 2wd frame is very strong compared to Dodge and Chevy, so not a lot of resto mod parts are available for them.
Your truck already has big radius arms, but I lengthened mine by 18", I also have coil over shocks, and portions of my frame are boxed in. Many of this stuff is custom, but you can buy most of the parts.
The 2wd frame is very strong compared to Dodge and Chevy, so not a lot of resto mod parts are available for them.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
Put the power to it; Fords can take it!
Traction will become an issue the more power you put to it, hence the post about a 4-link. The nine inch with 31 spline axles will take a beating too, which is why even chebbie guys used them in their drag cars in the past, and many still do.
Traction will become an issue the more power you put to it, hence the post about a 4-link. The nine inch with 31 spline axles will take a beating too, which is why even chebbie guys used them in their drag cars in the past, and many still do.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 64
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The frame is fine. Axle is fine with a four link, trans/clutch is the weak link. I'm pushing somewhere over 600 whp through mine now without a problem with the frame. Have had problems with clutch slipping and stuff wearing out in the trans, but I have to admit it took two years at this hp level to wear out the original 43 year old bearing in the trans
