Newbie Questions
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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Newbie Questions
This is my first post here, and I'm hooked on getting a '73-'79 Ford truck, but have a few questions:
I live in CT and my goal is to have a daily driver 4x4, but I'm also looking for mpg. I hear to stay away from the 360 if you're looking for mileage. I'd love a 460, but...
Which engine fits best here: 302, 351, 400, 460, or something else?
I have a '69 Stang with a matching #'s 302, and would like a 302 4x4 if it would have decent mileage. Question is: did they make 302 4x4's? Would the 302 have to work too hard and give me bad mileage?
For me, it absolutely has to be a manual trans.
I'm still learning, but think I like the high boys best, but am guessing there are no 302 high boys.
Thanks for any tips. Cheers.
I live in CT and my goal is to have a daily driver 4x4, but I'm also looking for mpg. I hear to stay away from the 360 if you're looking for mileage. I'd love a 460, but...
Which engine fits best here: 302, 351, 400, 460, or something else?
I have a '69 Stang with a matching #'s 302, and would like a 302 4x4 if it would have decent mileage. Question is: did they make 302 4x4's? Would the 302 have to work too hard and give me bad mileage?
For me, it absolutely has to be a manual trans.
I'm still learning, but think I like the high boys best, but am guessing there are no 302 high boys.
Thanks for any tips. Cheers.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 686
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From: Edgewood, Wa
I don't think that you can even use the word "mileage" without "bad" in front on ANY 4x4. My nicely warmed over 390 averages 10MPG, and it's my daily driver. Used to have a 78 250 with a 400, it got 12MPG. A buddy with a 460 in his gets 11MPG. I Have no experiance with small blocks in our trucks.. I want more power outta my 390, I think a 302 would just drive me insane...
People have *claimed* to get as high as 18 with FE motors.... but I am VERY sceptical of this.....
Personally, I dont care about the mileage ( much) I drive my truck, and enjoy doing so.....
People have *claimed* to get as high as 18 with FE motors.... but I am VERY sceptical of this.....
Personally, I dont care about the mileage ( much) I drive my truck, and enjoy doing so.....
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I know it seems kind of nuts to look for a 4x4 and mpg, but I'll put it this way:
In a perfect world I'd have a built 460 that could get 40 mpg, but back to earth, I'm just wondering if, say, a 351 would be the best compromise?
I mean, let's just say the only options are, and the general consensus is that you'll typically see:
360 = 8 mpg
390 = 13 mpg
460 = 11 mpg
I just made the numbers up, but, if that were true, I'd say the 390's best for me on a daily basis. Thanks for the numbers Crazy Airman. All feedback's appreciated.
In a perfect world I'd have a built 460 that could get 40 mpg, but back to earth, I'm just wondering if, say, a 351 would be the best compromise?
I mean, let's just say the only options are, and the general consensus is that you'll typically see:
360 = 8 mpg
390 = 13 mpg
460 = 11 mpg
I just made the numbers up, but, if that were true, I'd say the 390's best for me on a daily basis. Thanks for the numbers Crazy Airman. All feedback's appreciated.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 343
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From: Kalispell, MT
If you want MPG you're looking in the wrong place. These are nice big heavy trucks, it takes a lot of fuel to get them up and moving. I would say if you want good MPG, you can get a truck with the I6 in it. They have great low end, and I see guys getting around 20 out of them.
My 390 gets 10-11 MPG
My 390 gets 10-11 MPG
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Did they make 4x4's with 300 I-6's?
Does anyone know what to expect out of 4x4 302 or 351, or if they made them?
Is there really no difference and I should just get a big block like I want?
Just trying to make the smarter choice for daily driver. Thanks.
Does anyone know what to expect out of 4x4 302 or 351, or if they made them?
Is there really no difference and I should just get a big block like I want?
Just trying to make the smarter choice for daily driver. Thanks.
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I'm in Farmington and will be driving to and from Simsbury. I know one thing I'll do is drive the Stang in the summer while I pull the truck in my garage and wire wheel the entire underside down to metal, then coat it with POR-15 and spray on some undercoating.
I had a '79 F-100 Custom (2WD) 300 I-6 back in the '80's. Now I can't wait to get back into one...except this time a 4x4 and hopefully a V-8.
Are you in CT?
I had a '79 F-100 Custom (2WD) 300 I-6 back in the '80's. Now I can't wait to get back into one...except this time a 4x4 and hopefully a V-8.
Are you in CT?
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 686
Likes: 1
From: Edgewood, Wa
It depends, I guess... For me, a 390 IS the only choice for a 4x4. The next guy will tell you its a 429....
Best advice, is go with what you want, and what your wallet will allow.
I *think* the engines offered during this run were:
300 I6
302
351
352
360
390
400
428
429
460
351 and 400 are 335 series, also refered to as Modifed, mostly 77 on
352,360,390,428 are FE series, stopped in 76
429 and 460 are 385 series all years I think..?
302 is on its own in these trucks.
300 I6 would be my choice for a small engine 4X4. Much more durable than the 302 ( a great motor in itself ) with alot more bottom end. With a 4spd trans, would probably get 18 to 20 mpg perhaps.
Best advice, is go with what you want, and what your wallet will allow.
I *think* the engines offered during this run were:
300 I6
302
351
352
360
390
400
428
429
460
351 and 400 are 335 series, also refered to as Modifed, mostly 77 on
352,360,390,428 are FE series, stopped in 76
429 and 460 are 385 series all years I think..?
302 is on its own in these trucks.
300 I6 would be my choice for a small engine 4X4. Much more durable than the 302 ( a great motor in itself ) with alot more bottom end. With a 4spd trans, would probably get 18 to 20 mpg perhaps.
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I've had nothing but good things to say about the 300 I-6 I had as a kid. Maybe that's the one.
Is there an aftermarket 5-speed for these? I'm familiar with the Tremec TKO 600 for my 69 Stang...that's a dream I have some day.
Also, what's the official Ford term, is it "high boy" or "hi boy", I see it both ways. When you were buying a truck new back then, could you select the High Boy package or something? Thanks.
Is there an aftermarket 5-speed for these? I'm familiar with the Tremec TKO 600 for my 69 Stang...that's a dream I have some day.
Also, what's the official Ford term, is it "high boy" or "hi boy", I see it both ways. When you were buying a truck new back then, could you select the High Boy package or something? Thanks.
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Bad mileage or not, I think I'm secretly addicted to high boys with frames like a tank. I've gotta start looking around.
Ok, last question I think, when I'm looking, how can I tell a poser high boy from a real high boy? I'm guessing the best bet is to look at the transfer case. I'm pretty decent mechanically (can rebuild an engine, re-wire an old vehicle, weld on it, or whatever), but I've gotta admit, I know next to nothing about transfer cases. Any tips?
Or can I tell from the VIN? Thanks.
Ok, last question I think, when I'm looking, how can I tell a poser high boy from a real high boy? I'm guessing the best bet is to look at the transfer case. I'm pretty decent mechanically (can rebuild an engine, re-wire an old vehicle, weld on it, or whatever), but I've gotta admit, I know next to nothing about transfer cases. Any tips?
Or can I tell from the VIN? Thanks.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I *think* the engines offered during this run were:
240 I-6 1973/1974 F100/350 / VIN engine code: A
300 I6 1973/79 F100/350 / VIN engine code: B
302 2V: Installed in 1973/79 F100 2WD / 1975/79 F100/150 2WD only / VIN engine code: G
351M 2V: 1977/79 F100/350 / VIN engine code: H
352 Not used in F100/350's after 1967.
360 2V: 1973/76 F100/350 / VIN engine code: Y
390 2V: 1973/76 F100/350 / VIN engine code: H
390 4V: 1974/76 F100/350 / VIN engine code: M
400 2V: 1977/79 F100/350 / VIN engine code: S
428 1966/70 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
429 1968/73 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
460 4V: 1973/79 F100/350 / VIN engine code: J
240 I-6 1973/1974 F100/350 / VIN engine code: A
300 I6 1973/79 F100/350 / VIN engine code: B
302 2V: Installed in 1973/79 F100 2WD / 1975/79 F100/150 2WD only / VIN engine code: G
351M 2V: 1977/79 F100/350 / VIN engine code: H
352 Not used in F100/350's after 1967.
360 2V: 1973/76 F100/350 / VIN engine code: Y
390 2V: 1973/76 F100/350 / VIN engine code: H
390 4V: 1974/76 F100/350 / VIN engine code: M
400 2V: 1977/79 F100/350 / VIN engine code: S
428 1966/70 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
429 1968/73 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
460 4V: 1973/79 F100/350 / VIN engine code: J
1973/74 F100/250 4WD: 240/300 I-6 / 360 2V
1975/76 F100/250 4WD: 300 I-6 / 360 2V.
1977/78 F150/250 4WD: 300 I-6 / 351M/400
1979 F150/350 4WD: 300 I-6 / 351M/400.
302, 390 and 460 engines were not available with 4WD (302 4WD: 1969/77 Bronco's only).
351C: 1970/74 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
351W's were not installed in F150/350's until 1981.
High Boys: 1967/76 F250 4WD and 1977 F250 4WD assembled before serial number Y20,001.
"High Boy" isn't correct Ford terminology, neither is "1977.5."
Since serial number Y20,001 occured mid-model year 1977, this is where the term "1977.5" originated from.