1981 F150 drivetrain conversion
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1981 F150 drivetrain conversion
Hey all,
I'm fairly new to the mechanic scene, but am very mechanically oriented and can figure out almost anything with enough time. So here is my scenario:
I have a 1981 F150 stepside, absolutely perfect body condition, automatic, currently has a 302w V8 in it, 2wd, carbed. I want to change it to a 5-speed standard 4wd. Also, if possible, I want to change to EFI.
I picked up a parts truck, a 1982 F150 L6 300ci, standard 4-speed, 4wd, carbed. I can take anything out of this I need.
Any suggestions on the best way to do this? Should I just find a newer truck with a 302ci with EFI, 4wd, 5-speed standard, and just take the entire drivetrain out? Is there even any point to switching to EFI? I'm open to all suggestions.
Thanks
I'm fairly new to the mechanic scene, but am very mechanically oriented and can figure out almost anything with enough time. So here is my scenario:
I have a 1981 F150 stepside, absolutely perfect body condition, automatic, currently has a 302w V8 in it, 2wd, carbed. I want to change it to a 5-speed standard 4wd. Also, if possible, I want to change to EFI.
I picked up a parts truck, a 1982 F150 L6 300ci, standard 4-speed, 4wd, carbed. I can take anything out of this I need.
Any suggestions on the best way to do this? Should I just find a newer truck with a 302ci with EFI, 4wd, 5-speed standard, and just take the entire drivetrain out? Is there even any point to switching to EFI? I'm open to all suggestions.
Thanks
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Joined: Apr 2004
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This would be quite a project even if you'd done it before, even 5 or 6 times before.
What is wrong with the '82? Is it a runner?
-change to a MT: A perfect job can be done, but usually isn't. You gonna swap out the column too so you don't have the remnants of the auto shifter hanging there? You gonna do the floor up right so it doesn't blow air and dust on you at 65 mph?
--change to 4x4: On a truck this old, the amount of frame and cross member work etc will certainly test your welding & fabrication skills. (?)
--change to efi: While I believe lock stock & bbl in EFI, I can't see this being worth the effort, given the wide availability of 4bbl manifolds and carbs that are soooo much better than the stock 2bbl...
Yes, I think you should find a newer efi, 5 speed, 4x4 truck and horse trade what you have for it. 302 or 300 six are both worthy, 351 makes for more effortless motoring, except at the pump.
What is wrong with the '82? Is it a runner?
-change to a MT: A perfect job can be done, but usually isn't. You gonna swap out the column too so you don't have the remnants of the auto shifter hanging there? You gonna do the floor up right so it doesn't blow air and dust on you at 65 mph?
--change to 4x4: On a truck this old, the amount of frame and cross member work etc will certainly test your welding & fabrication skills. (?)
--change to efi: While I believe lock stock & bbl in EFI, I can't see this being worth the effort, given the wide availability of 4bbl manifolds and carbs that are soooo much better than the stock 2bbl...
Yes, I think you should find a newer efi, 5 speed, 4x4 truck and horse trade what you have for it. 302 or 300 six are both worthy, 351 makes for more effortless motoring, except at the pump.
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Yes, I am going to swap the column. And yes, I was planning on fixing the floor up nicely. I have the use of a full shop. The other option would be to just take the cab and box off the nice '81 stepside and put it on the 4wd truck I have that is already a standard (although it's a 4-speed, I was hoping for 5). The reason I was thinking EFI was because of fuel economy. I know that 4bbl carbs will just suck the money right out of my wallet with the amount of gas they chug.
Sorry, a runner? As I said, I'm new, I havn't heard the term.
Sorry, a runner? As I said, I'm new, I havn't heard the term.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Kuna ID
I dont see a huge difference between and EFI 302 or a carbed 302 in one of these trucks. Either way you will most likely end up with around 15mpg. The extra hassle of converting to EFI doesn't seem worth it to me.
I think it would be alot easier to do the body swap you mentioned instead of the 4x4 swap. It has been done but the body swap seems to be a less labor intensive and costly route.
The 5spd swap is pretty easy too. Since both your trucks are before ford started using the hydraulic linkage, I am not sure how that part of it would work out.
I think it would be alot easier to do the body swap you mentioned instead of the 4x4 swap. It has been done but the body swap seems to be a less labor intensive and costly route.
The 5spd swap is pretty easy too. Since both your trucks are before ford started using the hydraulic linkage, I am not sure how that part of it would work out.
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From: Virginia
The 4wd components will bolt in, no welding required. The body swap will work too. The 4bbl can actually get better mileage than the 2bbl if you get a small one and keep your foot out of it. You will be actually running on the two smaller front barrels of the carb while cruising.
As far as the 5 speed goes, you need to do a little figuring on your intended use, your rearend ratios, and your planned tire size. The 5 speed will give you overdrive, but you can still achieve the same final road speed rpm with the 4 speed by juggling the rearend ratios and the tire size. If you put large tires with a OD in combo with a 302, it might start lugging the engine too much. You have to keep the 302 rpm's up to have any power.
As far as the 5 speed goes, you need to do a little figuring on your intended use, your rearend ratios, and your planned tire size. The 5 speed will give you overdrive, but you can still achieve the same final road speed rpm with the 4 speed by juggling the rearend ratios and the tire size. If you put large tires with a OD in combo with a 302, it might start lugging the engine too much. You have to keep the 302 rpm's up to have any power.
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A "runner"--something that runs. Does the donor truck run, what's wrong with it that it's a donor?
