Engine mounting angle
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
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Engine mounting angle
Can anyone tell me the correct angle to mount an engine at? I remember reading it one time but can't remember now. I'm putting a FE in a 79 frame and need to do a little fabricating.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 666
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From: Boyne Mich
I have a '79 F 150 4x4 that use to have a 351M or 400 not sure, but now has a 351W. I was having problems with my engine towers mating with the engine mounts properly. I was finding that the front of the engine was dropping down farther than I thought it should.
So, I spent an afternoon going to the junk yard and measured 5 different '73-'79 150 4x4's. I measured from the center of the crank shaft to the top of the frame. I used a straight edge that went cross the frame, setting it on top. Then I measured from the bottom of the straight edge to the center of the crankshaft. I didn't pay any attention as to what v8 engine was in them, knowing that it was either a 351m,400 or a 360. All where right around 2-3/4"
I know some where automatics and the some where Manuals- Didn't seem to matter
I measured two 150 4x4' with 300-6's and those where lower - Right around 2"
I also checked out the side to side placement. I measured from the out side of the frame to the center of the crank shaft. These dimensions were the same for both V8's and 6's. The right hand side (pass.) was 15-1/4" and the left side (drivers) was 18-1/4"
So, I spent an afternoon going to the junk yard and measured 5 different '73-'79 150 4x4's. I measured from the center of the crank shaft to the top of the frame. I used a straight edge that went cross the frame, setting it on top. Then I measured from the bottom of the straight edge to the center of the crankshaft. I didn't pay any attention as to what v8 engine was in them, knowing that it was either a 351m,400 or a 360. All where right around 2-3/4"
I know some where automatics and the some where Manuals- Didn't seem to matter
I measured two 150 4x4' with 300-6's and those where lower - Right around 2"
I also checked out the side to side placement. I measured from the out side of the frame to the center of the crank shaft. These dimensions were the same for both V8's and 6's. The right hand side (pass.) was 15-1/4" and the left side (drivers) was 18-1/4"
Last edited by Drac; Oct 6, 2007 at 09:10 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
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From: Eustis FL
Yeah, pinion angle is important to prevent premature wear on joints...
It is done in such a way as to account for what the pinion angle will be at LOAD, more than at rest. (tendency for pinion at rear end to pitch upward under load).
Here is a good article, involving some optimum angles for engine/trans, based on most street vehicles. Just remember that you want to keep the relationship between trans/shaft angle to shaft/pinion angle as close to the same as possible, and at between 1 and 3 degrees total: http://www.carcraft.com/howto/91758/
It is done in such a way as to account for what the pinion angle will be at LOAD, more than at rest. (tendency for pinion at rear end to pitch upward under load).
Here is a good article, involving some optimum angles for engine/trans, based on most street vehicles. Just remember that you want to keep the relationship between trans/shaft angle to shaft/pinion angle as close to the same as possible, and at between 1 and 3 degrees total: http://www.carcraft.com/howto/91758/
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 359
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From: Saint Paul, MN
I saw an episode of Powerblock (Muscle car) where they located the engine so the intake manifold was level. Then they dropped the rear 3 degrees. This would be 3 degrees negative. The rear differential was then located at 3 degrees positive just like masterbeavis said. This way the positive and negative angles cancel each other out.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 666
Likes: 4
From: Boyne Mich
Masterbeavis, Good point. I should have mentioned stock rear trany mounts. I never measured the rear because I was using a stock rear mount as were all the junkyard trucks.
My thinking was I wanted the drive line to be close as possible to stock position. I figured if the rear was held at stock position then I just had to pay attention to the front.
I ended up putting my 351W between the v8 & 6 cyl dimension, at 2-1/2"
Basically I don't know , I didn't check it. But if it were going to be some thing totally non stock on the transmission end that required a custom cross member then that would be good to know.
I have the engine, tranny & transfer assembled, but setting on the floor. Waiting for the towers to be painted after fabrication. In a few weeks when I have it installed I'll measure and post it.
My thinking was I wanted the drive line to be close as possible to stock position. I figured if the rear was held at stock position then I just had to pay attention to the front.
I ended up putting my 351W between the v8 & 6 cyl dimension, at 2-1/2"
Basically I don't know , I didn't check it. But if it were going to be some thing totally non stock on the transmission end that required a custom cross member then that would be good to know.
I have the engine, tranny & transfer assembled, but setting on the floor. Waiting for the towers to be painted after fabrication. In a few weeks when I have it installed I'll measure and post it.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 666
Likes: 4
From: Boyne Mich
That's just how I did it. I definately believe in the angle measuring method as well. My body is off my frame and I've installed a 4" lift kit. The rear springs seam higher than normal to me. but none of the springs are loaded as it is only the frame.
What I can't seem to say is, I believe me frame is not in it normal ride position. which would be important if your setting a motor trans assembly by using a angle level.
Shawn
What I can't seem to say is, I believe me frame is not in it normal ride position. which would be important if your setting a motor trans assembly by using a angle level.
Shawn
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