Hi everyone, I have recently purchases a 55 f100 and want to rod it out. Like I said in the title of the thread this is my first truck that I'm attempting to rebuild. It currently has a 292v8 w/ a 3 on the tree in it but I wanted to drop something bigger in it. If you have any recommendations on motors, transmission, suspension ect. that won't completely break me I would greatly appreciate it. Also where would be the best place to start? Thanks

 

Hello and Welcome to FTE.

It sounds like you are going to have a fun project. You'll get lots of opinions on motors and transmissions as there are ALOT of good options available.

I have a 51 F1 with a 390 and C6 and I love it - it's powerful and smooth - even when towing.

In my 55 I had a 289 with a 3 spd overdrive and loved that! It was very economical, and while not a high torque monster like the 390, it did the job nicely.

I think it I were to do it all over again, this time I might try a 351 Windsor with an automatic overdrive transmission. It's a good strong engine, fairly economical, and parts are readily available. Also, there are lots of parts available (like motor mounts, etc) to put it in your truck.

But whatever you choose, there's no promises about it "not breaking you." This hobby is addictive, and you'll find you are your own worst enemy when it comes to babying your truck!

 

"Hi," he said perkily,"Welcome to FTE!"

Someone will be here directly to tell you more than you'll ever want to know about what you should do.LOL

 

There's no sound like a 3 deuce 292 Y-block!

 

This is just one of the many places you need to be. There is all kind of help online. Don't get offended if you get called a Darksider. That's just a way of tagging you as someone who does not intend to keep his truck pure stock. Don't worry, there are a few of us here to comfort you.

Later Man...

 

Jman,no two ways about it,with what you are proposing,you will drop some coin.Why don't you drive it while making incremental improvements?That way you can figure out what you can accept,what you'd prefer to change if the funds become available,and what absolutely must change.

Some members here have been talking for years about what they will do SOMEDAY,meanwhile arguing why their viewpoint is superior.While they argue,I drive.By the way,my Y Block has all the h.p. and torque I'll ever require of it.

 

First of all welcome to the FTE forum and THANK YOU for your military service!
I guess the best place to start is to find out WHY you want to build this truck...sounds simple but it will greatly influence your future direction. The learning curve on these "rebuilds" can be steep and costly if you are not sure about what you want to have as an end-product.
Hotrod is good...but what does that mean to you?
Who are you trying to impress? Not a flippant question, but each of us has an "audience" whether it be the 100-point concours restoration crowd or the traditional hotrod crowd or something inbetween.
How will you be driving the truck? These trucks were not built at the factory for the driving conditions found on the highways and byways today, suspension and braking mods are usually a must.
How do you define "bigger" when it comes to engines? More power, more MPG with more power, etc. This is relevant because your 292 is a substantial engine in its own right. With a few mods this engine will push that truck down the road very well. And if there is any "traditional hotrod" flavor to your planned build, there's nothing more traditional than souping up the original engine.

My advice would be to answer the questions above and then chart a course for your build based on your finances and the shop facilities you have available (base hobby shops are great). Get the engine and trans built to a point where they are reliable. Either rework the straight axle and steering or replace it with a Mustang II or other IFS...these IFS systems bring with them disk brakes which I highly recommend. Once the driveline and suspension are completed; that is, the truck runs, drives, and stops well and the cooling system does not boil over when sitting in traffic...then move on to the body work. Sanding, pounding out dents, repairing rust spots and painting are all much easier to do on a truck that is in running condition...plus you can keep your enthusiasm for the build at a high level when you are actually driving the truck. Good luck with your project and post lots of pictures!

 

Thank you all very much for the info. Trust me it's greatly appreciated. This is something that I've always wanted to do and am very excited to get started. Please keep the comments coming I'm open to any suggestion anyone has. Thanks again.

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

charlieled, you must be a former service member if not a jarhead yourself?

 

I retired 08/08 from MCTSSA after 37.5 yrs combined active/federal service. I was the Division Director for the Systems Integration and Engineering Division based at Camp Pendleton. Semper Fi!