302/auto trans/mustang II conversion 65 Econoline
 

hey all,
i'm going to be doing a 302 conversion, to my 65 Falcon van. it has a 240 in it now, with all stock suspension. i am considering doing a Mustang II front end, also. i have heard that this is the way to go... i am asking for ANY input, regarding both of these changes i intend to take on...

the things i'd like to do are;
302 V8
automatic trans.
Mustang II front end
9" rear end
power steering? any possibilities???
i'm also considering some sort of A/C. maybe vintage air? again, input is welcome.
the van has a heater set up under the dash. (seems original)



thanks for any info.

Most of what you are planning will work. There are converstion kits for putting in a V8 and articles for the same. You can get after market power steerin and brake systems to install from aftermarket companys.
The Mustang II suspension. I do not know. I think they would be too narrow to fit in. You have to weld it to the frame, but to mee seems narrow.
I plan to put the front suspension from a 81 Lebaron car. Has the torsion bars suspension and motor mounts. I just have to make a plates for it to bolt onto. I have not got to it yet, but do plan on it. It will take some measuring and it is wide enough.
The 5th ave Diplomat and Volare Aspen front suspension is the way guys are going because they include powering steering, disc brakes and can be matted to most vehicles existing frames with proper bolt on platforms. I seen pics of a 56 Ford truck with this suspension on it.

As for the 9" rear end. You can go even one better. Put in a Jaguar rearend. A member from England did this to his Etruck. He said the Jag rearends are plentiful there. The combination of a Jag suspension and a Diplomat front suspension would give that van a very smooth ride.