40 truck engine swap options
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: NC
40 truck engine swap options
Hi
I have 40 Ford truck that I want to hotrod. I am thinking about the drivetrain that I plan to swap in place of the non-running flathead. I want to go with a 302 HO and a AOD transmission from a 89 Mustang.
I have been reading that the Ford motors require me to move the firewall back 3". Is this true?
Will the AOD transmission have enough clearance?
I've read that the C4 is recommended.
I will use the 8" Granada rearend.
Anything else I should know from someone who has been there and done that.
Thanks!
I have 40 Ford truck that I want to hotrod. I am thinking about the drivetrain that I plan to swap in place of the non-running flathead. I want to go with a 302 HO and a AOD transmission from a 89 Mustang.
I have been reading that the Ford motors require me to move the firewall back 3". Is this true?
Will the AOD transmission have enough clearance?
I've read that the C4 is recommended.
I will use the 8" Granada rearend.
Anything else I should know from someone who has been there and done that.
Thanks!
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Joined: Mar 2001
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Quoting from an older SAC (Specialized Auto Components) (www.sachotrod.com): "FORD IN 35-41 FORD PICKUP...SAC has developed a kit to make this installation practically a bolt in. This is the kit you have read about in magazines and seen in the finest street rods. We have designed it to install a 260-289-302 or 351 Ford engine and transmission in your 35-41 Ford truck without even cutting the firewall. Works with stock steering or our popular Mustang steering installation kit (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).
"Story on this installation in HR Rod and Custom Quarterly No. 6."
I made a purchase from them last month and it sounded like they can still make any of their older stuff like that above.
Mike
"Story on this installation in HR Rod and Custom Quarterly No. 6."
I made a purchase from them last month and it sounded like they can still make any of their older stuff like that above.
Mike
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: NC
Thanks for the info. Yeah I was looking at the Chassis Engineering site and it said that Ford engines require more fitting than others. I wouldn't think that a 350 Cheby motor isn't any bigger than a Ford 302. Chassis Engineering has everything and its pretty much bolt on stuff. Now if you guys would want to donate me the money 
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: willamette valley ore
hey M998, you should have spoken up sooner. I had a big pile of cash that I was trying to give away and then I went and aquired a "40 Ford pickup. That was about three years ago. Guess where all that money went. Steve
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From: NC
alittle40
Looks sweet. The AOD may be a little bigger tranny though. Makes me want to go work on my truck right now. Later,
Brian
Looks sweet. The AOD may be a little bigger tranny though. Makes me want to go work on my truck right now. Later,
Brian
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Admom
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,414
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From: Silver Springs
Brian, we're putting a 302 5.0 HO in our 41. We also used Chassis Engineering bolt on stuff for the fit. If I recall, the piece where the tranny sits had to be modified and turned over, but other than that, it went well. Plus, their support dept was excellent.
Also, Steve did have to move the firewall back 3" to fit the motor.
Good luck and have fun.
Also, Steve did have to move the firewall back 3" to fit the motor.
Good luck and have fun.
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From: Orange County, CA
Street Rodder also covered this very subject a couple of years ago. I know I have the issues of it around here somewhere, I will check. But as I recall they were installing a 302, and did not want to hack up the car to fit it. They did use a short water pump of some kind to help.
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Junior User
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From: NC
Only thing that I may be doing different is that I am going to use a original type dropped front axle with a disk brake conversion. I already have the complete front axle assembly so thats why I am using it. Unsure of the original crossmember clearance but there should be room. Just have to wait and see.
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks,
Brian
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Junior User
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From: NC
[QUOTE=Carlene]Brian, we're putting a 302 5.0 HO in our 41. We also used Chassis Engineering bolt on stuff for the fit. If I recall, the piece where the tranny sits had to be modified and turned over, but other than that, it went well. Plus, their support dept was excellent.
Also, Steve did have to move the firewall back 3" to fit the motor.
Carlene
What transmission are you using? AOD?
Brian
Also, Steve did have to move the firewall back 3" to fit the motor.
Carlene
What transmission are you using? AOD?
Brian
Admom
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,414
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From: Silver Springs
Yes, he did have to move the firewall back 3 inches to fit the motor.
Also, we used the 5 speed manual tranny that came with the motor (Mustang donor car)
We did the disk brake conversion also and kept the single front spring. Check out my gallery, I think I have some pretty good pictures in there of our setup.
Also, we used the 5 speed manual tranny that came with the motor (Mustang donor car)
We did the disk brake conversion also and kept the single front spring. Check out my gallery, I think I have some pretty good pictures in there of our setup.
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Junior User
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From: NC
Looks sweet. Truck looks very similar to what I have planned. Are you all using a saginaw power steering box? Or what? How about your wiring harness for the EFI 5.0, are you trimming the Mustang one down or are you buying a aftermarket harness?
Making a list and checking it twice...
Thanks,
Brian
Making a list and checking it twice...
Thanks,
Brian
Admom
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,414
Likes: 201
From: Silver Springs
We used the steering box & pitman arm from a 1976 cutlass - when you get the parts from Chassis Engineering, they tell you what parts you need for the fit. And that's the only place they tell you.
Also, if you're interested in a 9" Ford rear for your truck, I know a guy that has one and he owns property up near you, around Murphy. The rear's from an Early Bronco, same as the one we used and the fit is great.
Almost forgot. Steve's going with an aftermarket harness, we just don't have it yet since we're no where near that point.
Also, if you're interested in a 9" Ford rear for your truck, I know a guy that has one and he owns property up near you, around Murphy. The rear's from an Early Bronco, same as the one we used and the fit is great.
Almost forgot. Steve's going with an aftermarket harness, we just don't have it yet since we're no where near that point.
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Junior User
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From: NC
Ok. I'm about 3 hours or more from Murphy but I know that area well. I used to run a route up through there everyday. I can get a 8" granada rear here cheap. Whats he asking?
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks,
Brian