I am putting a rebuild in my 79 F250 4x4. I want to use fender well headers. When would be the best/easiest time to install them? While the motor is out and try to guide it back in with the headers on or after the motor has been re-installed? Thanks everyone!

 

make sure your entire front clip is off and put them on when the motor is in. I just did it 3 weeks ago. You will have to cut the inner fender well and cab mount.

 

Really helps to have the front clip off and engine in.
Half tons seem to need more work done than 3/4 tons.
I had to modify steering as well as trim inners and cab mount.
Some F250 buddies have done nothing but bolt 'em on.

 

I put mine on as a replacement for some rusted out chassis exit headers. Some minor trimming here and there. The biggest nuisance is removing the driver side shock and tower. I've taken them off a few times - pretty straightforward. What are you thinking for the rest of the exhaust system?

 

Highboy frames are 34" wide like cab and chassis 1 tons and reg frames are 37". I found out kinda by accident.

 

I installed mine with the clip on and the front wheels off. You'll need to move your brake lines and possibly do a little trimming on the passenger side lower frame mount. I also needed to dimple one of the header tubes to gain clearance around the steering arm. Just trim a little bit at a time.

If you installed it with the clip off you will have a heck of a time figuring out how much to take off while you struggle with getting the front clip back on.

Here's a few pics..





Driver's side





Passenger's side





Steering interference





Estimated trim areas on passenger side.





Dimpled area for steering arm

 

Turbo that was a great solution BTW, your picture is worth a thousand words.g
It always surprises me when gents have to dent their spendy headers to get them to fit. As much as stuff costs youd think they would almost install themselves

Oh to be a master fabricator and be able to make your own custom headers

 

Yeah a bit beyond me for right now.
Maybe one day.

 

My truck is a manual. Any problems with the the clutch linkage?

 

So is mine, no sweat, linkage is inside the frame.
Here's a pic. You can see the clutch rod in the background.

 

Previous owner installed 2" body lift so I think that will help out with some clearance issues like the steering shaft and whatnot.

 

Yup.
What did he do with the clutch rod? Lengthen?

 

I believe so. Haven't had any clutch issues at all.

 

This is very good info people. So what kind of fenderwell exit headers are available for 79 f350 4x4. thanks for any leads.

 

There are a lot of variables before the OP's question can be answered correctly, such as: What engine? if it is a 460 whose mounts are used? What brand of headers?

In my case, I have a '78 F-250 4x4 Super Cab Camper Special that I put a 460 in. It has an automatic transmission. I can't speak as to fitment issues with other combinations.
I used the L&L mounts with the stock frame stands and I also used L&L fender well headers.
I installed the headers with the front clip on and the front wheels removed.
The passenger's side literally fell in. No modifications at all and plenty of clearance. The driver's side required a small amount of trimming on the inner panel and a bit of re-forming of the brake lines below the master cylinder.
There was no interference with the steering shaft, or other components and the headers didn't require any "hammer work".
Since my truck is a Camper Special it had the front sway bar and that gave the the most issues. The front sway bar end links needed to be reworked to allow for header clearance.
I did have to adjust my steering stops to keep the front tires from contacting the headers at full turns, both right and left.

Hope this helps.