Swing arms
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Swing arms
I just got a 1965 F100 2WD and was going to order a set of headers. They told me that if my truck had swing arms on the front end that the headers would not work. I know that this is a stupid question but, does it have them or does it not. Thanks for your rsponse. Kevin
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
First and foremost, welcome to FTE!! 
Ditto, not sure 'swing arms', wonder if could be referring to 'radius arms' 
If the truck has twin I Beans then headers should not be an issue. Having said that, if the truck has the 'bendix' power steering box then installing headers can be problematic. Have (2) 65 F100's and went with the Ford power steering box and installing headers was not a problem.
Bendix: same lengh as the manual box but wider.
Ford: about same width as manual but longer.
Ditto, not sure 'swing arms', wonder if could be referring to 'radius arms' If the truck has twin I Beans then headers should not be an issue. Having said that, if the truck has the 'bendix' power steering box then installing headers can be problematic. Have (2) 65 F100's and went with the Ford power steering box and installing headers was not a problem.Bendix: same lengh as the manual box but wider.
Ford: about same width as manual but longer.
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swing arms
my mistake he did say sway bars it was last tuesday when I visted with the tech, then wensday I took my wife to the hospital for an operation, just back to work today (mind is still a little foggy) Kevin Felix
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From: Dallas, Texas
First and foremost, welcome to FTE!! Ditto, not sure 'swing arms', wonder if could be referring to 'radius arms' If the truck has twin I Beans then headers should not be an issue. Having said that, if the truck has the 'bendix' power steering box then installing headers can be problematic. Have (2) 65 F100's and went with the Ford power steering box and installing headers was not a problem.
Bendix: same lengh as the manual box but wider.
Ford: about same width as manual but longer.
Ditto, not sure 'swing arms', wonder if could be referring to 'radius arms' If the truck has twin I Beans then headers should not be an issue. Having said that, if the truck has the 'bendix' power steering box then installing headers can be problematic. Have (2) 65 F100's and went with the Ford power steering box and installing headers was not a problem.Bendix: same lengh as the manual box but wider.
Ford: about same width as manual but longer.
Is this for a 352 V8? Also where in TX are you?
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Bendix P/S = 1966/68 F100/250 2WD and 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001.
1969 from serial number D96,001; 1970 and later = Ford P/S. F350's were now available with P/S for the first time, none came with Bendix.
Originally Posted by kevinfelix
My mistake, he did say sway bars.
Ford did not offer front (or rear) sway bars on F100/350's until 1973, so...I doubt your truck has one.
If found on 1972 or earlier F100/350s, sway bars were available from front end & frame shops, camper/trailer dealers.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Escondido, CA
One last thought concerning the fitment of the headers. Chances are that you will have to customize (dent) one pipe that comes in contact with the steering gear. Also I would highly recommend a heat shield for the starter. The starter does not like a lot of heat and to get it out will require dropping the header to get to it.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Mark, thanks for bringing the 'beans' comment to my attn., it's called 'olehimers'. Seem to recall fairly recent thread where editing post was recommended but would not have helped in this case cuz don't wear my glasses when typing, seems there's a very thin line between the 'n' and 'm'. 
Hedman longtubes on 65 w/ 390 driver's side slide right in; however, had to lift engine approx. 8"to 10" to get header around starter on passenger side. May not be an issue; having said that, used the 4" grinder and removed small amount of material where collectors meet at the crossmember, not enough clearance between them for my taste.
Have not had problem with starter over heating; although a heat shield certainly would not hirt. Have a free standing fireplace and occasionally need to replace the door insulation. It's an asbestos type material shaped like a thin sock about the dia. of the starter cable that runs thru the headers to relay, found it works great, still not sure how this feeble mind made the connection between fireplace insulation and starter cable.
For what it's worth
, if had to do again would leave stock exhaust.
Hedman longtubes on 65 w/ 390 driver's side slide right in; however, had to lift engine approx. 8"to 10" to get header around starter on passenger side. May not be an issue; having said that, used the 4" grinder and removed small amount of material where collectors meet at the crossmember, not enough clearance between them for my taste.
Have not had problem with starter over heating; although a heat shield certainly would not hirt. Have a free standing fireplace and occasionally need to replace the door insulation. It's an asbestos type material shaped like a thin sock about the dia. of the starter cable that runs thru the headers to relay, found it works great, still not sure how this feeble mind made the connection between fireplace insulation and starter cable.
For what it's worth
, if had to do again would leave stock exhaust.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 253
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From: L.I.
i have run the same hedman hedders now for 10 years and i still have the same factory style starter with out a heat sheild.also i did not have to dent them to fit.you do have to remove the engine mounts to install them.follow the instructions about the break in for the coating and clean all the grease off of them before you start the truck. the hedders you are inquiring about are coated and actualy cool off very fast.and yes i use my truck every day(about 350 miles a week).i changed the gaskets once since they where in stalled.unfortunatly jegs is not infromed about when sway bars where first put into use on ford trucks. so it becomes a standard question that most partsmen (without years of experiance) will ask.
if you do have to change the starter down the line ,you will have to remove the hedder to change it.
joe
ps. what the heck are i beans. just kiddin i cant spell or type either.
if you do have to change the starter down the line ,you will have to remove the hedder to change it.
joe
ps. what the heck are i beans. just kiddin i cant spell or type either.