52-59 Ford Owners Group FAQ's

Swapping a 3 speed column for an Automatic column when using an AOD or C4.Here's how with pictures:http://1954ford.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2951 Update 12/3/20 Refer to sticky Page 6 for pictures and Tech on the Lokar linkage rod kit which was not available when this was written. The C4 linkage kit is part # ACA-1801

Last edited: Dec 3, 2020
JeffB2, Sep 21, 2013

 

Little bit of info on port matching SBF heads: http://www.mustangandfords.com/how-to/engine/mufp-0605-ford-mustang-cylinder-head-porting

Last edited: Jun 25, 2021
JeffB2, Oct 4, 2013

 

Here is how to read the tags on Ford rear ends,scroll down to the bottom and click on the appropriate prefix: http://www.fordification.com/tech/rearends_ford01.htm

JeffB2, Oct 14, 2013

 

Here you will find a chart regarding wire sizes pertaining to gauge and to the length of said wire.Many times we will install one wire alternators to eliminate under the hood wiring clutter there is a lot of BAD info out there stating to use a 10 gauge wire to the positive battery terminal from the alternator.Most parts houses will have the cables with to flat eye terminals like Ford uses off the starter solenoid these are usually available in 4 or 6 gauge for around $5-$6 use those for the most common 100 amp one wires.http://www.motorcityreman.com/technical-info.html

JeffB2, Oct 28, 2013

 

Aerostar spring testimonials:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=260795 A later update: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...star-coil-installation.1117721/#post-12689589

Last edited: Aug 13, 2018
JeffB2, Dec 2, 2013

 

Some of this information can be found in our "sticky file" but lots more is also here:http://www.roadkillcustoms.com/Hot-Rods-Rat-Rods/garage-shop-reference.asp#axzz2n3yEhHV8 So I have posted it for reference.

JeffB2, Dec 10, 2013

 

Handy Gear Ratio and MPH Chart: http://www.prosystemsracing.com/calculate.html remember this will be a 1 to 1 ratio, to calculate with OD multiply the 1 to 1 by the OD ratio.

JeffB2, Dec 21, 2013

 

Ford engine dimensions chart: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Ford+302+Engine+Dimensions&FORM=RESTAB

JeffB2, Dec 23, 2013

 

One Wire Alternator Facts: http://www.rodauthority.com/tech-st...rs-are-they-better-or-just-easier-to-hook-up/

JeffB2, Dec 25, 2013

 

1955-56 Ford Cross member plans: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/media/55-56-ford-crossmember-spec-sheet-001.174642/ and http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachments/55-56-crossmember-001-jpg.3001353/

Last edited: Sep 13, 2015
JeffB2, Jan 16, 2014

 

Sway Bars front and Rear: http://www.quickorgarage.com/CartPages/ford1.htm#classic

JeffB2, Jan 16, 2014

 

Another helpful video about a Lokar cable and AOD's :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5JediOEQ3U

JeffB2, Jan 17, 2014

 

Here is a 302 tear down for the SBF crowd:


Last edited: Aug 2, 2019
JeffB2, Jan 23, 2014

 

HEI Distributors in SBF engines: There is a picture here that explains it with text:http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/all...-length-w-85-dizzy-oil-driveshaft-length.html Standard and long shaft HEI's are available here: http://www.skipwhiteperformance.com/default.aspx Call before you order to specify.

Last edited: Jan 31, 2015
JeffB2, Feb 16, 2014

 

TIPS & TRICKS that may come in handy http://www.hotrodhotline.com/md/html/categories.php and this one is jam packed:http://www.jefflilly.com/fabrication/index.html Also a huge thread on insulation is here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...d-seel-great-sound-dampening-material.711889/

Last edited: Jun 11, 2019
JeffB2, Feb 22, 2014

 

Tip to make this thread come up quickly...somebody may have already suggested, to be truthful, I haven't read the entire thread yet. Anyways, after you open this thread just add it to your favorites. It's the star button underneath the red x at the top of this page. click the star, then click add to favorites.
Edit...this was posted BEFORE the thread was make a sticky....not so hard to find now.

Last edited: Feb 9, 2016
Texas57, Feb 26, 2014

 

8.8 rear end Tech,These rears are popular swap material that can be found in later Rangers and Explorers usually under $200 at most Pic-A Parts many have locker rear ends this shows you what to look for and how to read the codes: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-8_8-axle.shtml A practice becoming popular with these is to use the 31 spline axles that come with disc brakes which are wider than the earlier models,to narrow them folks cut down one side and use the shorter axle on the cut side this gives a rear about 56" wide (makes for EZ tire changing) Here is a video showing the narrowing process on a 7.5" Ranger the same applies to the 8.8" rears. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__fsB4ucfkU

JeffB2, Mar 10, 2014

 

Here is a handy chart to help you pick rear end gears and tires: http://www.prosystemsracing.com/calculate.html

Last edited: May 28, 2014
JeffB2, Apr 30, 2014

 

Here is an article with pictures showing a Ford-O Matic column set up to work with an AOD: http://1954ford.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2951 UPDATE: See page 6 for new Lokar AOD linkage installed.

Last edited: Jan 19, 2021
JeffB2, May 29, 2014

 

↑
1955-56 Ford Crossmember plans: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=15875
Here is the updated new link: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/media/55-56-ford-crossmember-spec-sheet-001.174642/ Also this member posted awhile back that he is making them again for sale. UPDATE as of 5/30/19 https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1954-56-ford-front-cross-member.1151883/#post-13102167

Last edited: May 31, 2019
JeffB2, Jun 30, 2014

 

Can't believe nobody watched or commented on the eastwood paintshaker. The post was made in december, I know, but it would make an interesting garage addition. I know I wouldn't get much done.

dwaynerz, Jul 8, 2014

 

When going to 12 volt this chart will convert bulb sizes for you: Post # 2 https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1213885-12volt-bulb-vs-6volt-bulb.html

Last edited: Nov 6, 2017
JeffB2, Jul 29, 2014

 

Ford factory specs chart: http://www.classiccardatabase.com/postwar-models/Ford.php

JeffB2, Oct 3, 2014

 

1952-56 Ford drive shaft info,with a 302/AOD or C4 swap you can use a 1982-86 Ford Crown Vic drive shaft it has the correct front yoke for both you can bolt it up to the stock 1949-56 Ford stock raer ends by using a NEAPCO 2-0291 U-Joint the NAPA unit is part # Perfection 506 UPDATE Tip: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/aod-c4-mystery-yoke-leak-solved.1225492/#post-14004943

Last edited: Mar 29, 2021
JeffB2, Oct 12, 2014

 

Picking a 289-302 Cam info: http://fordmustangcar.com/repair-and-manual/hydraulic-cams-small-block-ford

JeffB2, Nov 2, 2014

 

ENGINE SWAP INFO and more http://www.onallcylinders.com/2013/01/10/engine-dimensions-for-popular-swaps/

JeffB2, Dec 21, 2014

 

Handy parts & price locator http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/handy-link.965014/#post-10864740

JeffB2, Feb 25, 2015

 

easy to read stock wiring diagrams available from www.classiccarwiring.com

Zapato, Feb 28, 2015

 

Here are some pictures of a 302 swap into a 1953 Ford Customline using the mounting kit from Butch's: http://www.butchscoolstuff.com/52-53-ford-car-15-sb-ford-eng-trans-mount-kit-2501cpb/ The headers used are the HEDMAN 88400's showing the steering box clearance. The mini-starter is from DB Electrical.

JeffB2, Apr 22, 2015

 

Guide to Ford ID Codes: http://www.mustangtek.com/FordDateDecoding.html

JeffB2, Apr 27, 2015