Bought a 80 F150 4x4 with a 460 installed. (NP435,NP208) The EPA sticker and a VIN check showed the truck to originally have a 5.8M (351M). Truck ran okay with wierd noises (clutch area) until the pressure plate and throwout bearing gave.

Getting into the teardown I found that the bell housing was shimmed about 1/2 inch from the engine. The bell housing will not mount flush with the pressure plate installed (3-finger type). This is easily fixed by getting a diaphragm type pressure plate (about 1/2 - 1 inch shorter)for a 78 F250. With the pressure plate removed the bell housing will mount flush to the engine (with alittle help), however the engine can not be turned over by hand. There's an interference with the flywheel.

Seems like the orginal swapper used a different rear plate (the plate behind the flywheel between the engine and the bellhousing. The starter section has been hacked and it's a tad short at the bottom of the bell housing.

How can I tell if I have the 460 flywheel? The part number doesn't match the engine, but don't know if it's a newer 460 flywheel. I've read that the 351M flywheel will mount, but shouldn't work due to 460 internal balancing. But if it is a 351M flywheel shouldn't the bellhousing clear the flywheel? Is there 2 or more 460 bellhousings?
Also, if I'm missing something please let me know.

Bell housing # D9TA-7506-A
Flywheel # RF-D9TE-6380-BB
Engine # D1VE-6015-A2B

To make this more interesting the motor mounts are welded. So moving the engine when I remove this 1/2 shim cr*p is going to be fun. For your added enjoyment the right side frame has been cut on the right side for exhaust clearance. fun fun.


Thanks!

D. Wieber