problem with engine swap need help
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
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problem with engine swap need help
I just replaced my 351m with a 460. Everything has gone good so far. The only problem I am having is the brake booster will not bolt up because of the tall valve covers on the engine. I have to use the tall valve covers, for the roller rockers and stud girdles. Did they make a smaller diameter booster for the 77's that came with a 460 in them?
I don't know what to do, thought about going to manual brake.
Any ideas anyone?
I don't know what to do, thought about going to manual brake.
Any ideas anyone?
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Okay seriously man, I myself don't know the answer to your question, but what I can tell you is that it takes longer then 10 minutes for someone to help you. Give it a couple days, not everybody checks this forum constantly.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: MD
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 51
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From: Channahon, IL
What is the diameter of the booster you have now? I have a 460 in a 79 bronco and they typically have a large diameter booster. Mine is 11" in diameter. I am using L&L mounts. I had the FMS cast valve covers and it was a tight fit but doable. Maybe you could post a pic so other can what you have?
Alec
Alec
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
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I have a 10 3/4 diameter booster on the truck. I have the ford racing tall aluminum valve covers. I can not even bolt the booster and m/c back in place. Read somewhere that the 79 f350's have a small diameter booster. So I went and checked all the parts stores but nobody had them in stock, so I dont know if they are smaller or not.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 851
Likes: 15
From: Elkton, MD
my friend and I did a swap like this on his truck, I put some washers between the brake booster and mount, more on the inside bottom corner, and angled it just enough to clear. You have to use different amounts on each bolt so it mounts solid. and the small angle does not affect the brakes at all. it is in a 78 f-150 2wd.
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Y'all know of course that there are 22 different brake pedals used on 1973/79 F100/350's.
That's right = 22!
If the booster is changed, according to Ford, the pedal must match the year(s) the exact same booster was used on.
Ditto for the clutch pedal as there are 7 different ones of these.
In other words, for example, you cannot use a brake pedal from a 1973 F100 with power brakes on a 1978 F100 with power brakes. The linkage is different.
The pedals are also speed control specific. The pedals all have a stamped Ford ID number on them.
btw: 1968/72 F100/350: There is ONE brake pedal used for manual or power brakes. Only one.
As one can see...Ford went bananas....in 1973... and later...why, I dunno.
That's right = 22!
If the booster is changed, according to Ford, the pedal must match the year(s) the exact same booster was used on.
Ditto for the clutch pedal as there are 7 different ones of these.
In other words, for example, you cannot use a brake pedal from a 1973 F100 with power brakes on a 1978 F100 with power brakes. The linkage is different.
The pedals are also speed control specific. The pedals all have a stamped Ford ID number on them.
btw: 1968/72 F100/350: There is ONE brake pedal used for manual or power brakes. Only one.
As one can see...Ford went bananas....in 1973... and later...why, I dunno.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 796
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I had the same problem with my 75. It was about 5 years ago but I redrilled the booster mounting holes over to the outside about an inch. Then moved my brake pedal to match. Just cut the spacers and put them on the other side of the shaft. It wasn't that hard and worked great. Sorry didn't take pictures while I did it. Heres one of my motor though. 
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,899
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From: Cullman Alabama
Sorry I didnt see this one sooner. I have a 77 F-150 down in the Barnyard with a stock 460 and Pwr Brakes. I'll go down this AM when its light (dont want the Booger man to get me) and take a photo. C'mon back after Breakfast and it should be here for you.
Anything else you need?
Anything else you need?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 359
Likes: 1
From: Saint Paul, MN
I'm glad that I saw this thread. I just bought some Ford Motor Sports aluminum valve covers for my 390. The ad said stock height but they are a bit taller. I think that I might also have some interference issues with the brake booster in my '76 F250. 22 different brake pedals? Great information here.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
If you go to rockauto.com and look up the booster for your truck, then you could look up a 79 f-350 one and compare. The f-350 booster is 9 1/4 inches in diameter and has tandem diaphrams. I put one on my 79 F-150 to clear the tall valve covers on my 460 and it works great. Was a straight bolt in for me.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1977/79 F350: There were SIX different power brake boosters available.
2 are 11.00" in diameter, 4 are 9.38" in diameter.
With/withour speed control and 4WD (1979) makes a difference.
The brake pedals are also different.
2 are 11.00" in diameter, 4 are 9.38" in diameter.
With/withour speed control and 4WD (1979) makes a difference.
The brake pedals are also different.