Need some help please!!!! Running into issues with my SBF & AOD swap in my 1964 F100. Major issues right now are header clearance on the steering box/column, transmission and the original cross member, the new transmission angles & aligning with my rear end. Wondering what others have done for your clearance issue and shifter? Should I trash the idea of using the stock column shift and put a floor shift in?
You will probably have to modify the crossmember (read that as for sure will) My truck the P.O. had cut it out entirely and used what I think is a fox body mustang trans crossmember. For the shift linkage, would sure be a lot easier to go the floor route. Mine is column shifted, but my column and steering box are different (crown vic swap)
To start with get yourself a set of proper headers and not that shorty one size fits all stuff for the w swap. ****** and headmon both make excellent engine swap headers for that swap. Nest if you want a column shift you will likely need to go to the high dollar gold chain street rod industry. they will make a detent plate and proper linkage if you already have an automatic column. As for alignment once you get the proper headers that will become easier and for transmission angle/fitment you may have to build yourself a different hump.
Use rear dump block hugging type headers to clear the stock steering box. Remove the stock bell housing cross member as it now serves no purpose. You can source a spendy AOD aftermarket unit or use a tall shifter from a Ford Aerostar van. Using the stock column will destroy the AOD. Depending on which front engine and transmission mount supports you use set the crankshaft to the same angle as the pinion. Garbz
I also have a floor shifter on my truck, the engine is a 292 Yblock, with a 4 speed transmission. One day I will swap that ****er out, for now I will put up with it.
Looks like you are using Foxbody ('79-'93 Mustang) shorty headers. Can you move the engine 1/2"-1" to the p***enger side?
...Actually, @tjm73 has a good solution. Many factory cars (mostly Chrysler products) had engines offset from .75" to 1.5". Driver's weight offsets ballast... My F100 has the traditional SBC, went right in with the stock center cross member. My eldest son's '55 F100 is identical, but for the SBF (302) and absence of center cross member. (truck was bought with an F-E in it, and a 4 speed) When Rich was lowering the 302 into position, I ribbed him about its diminutive size. "Careful there, or it'll fall through..." He jovially loosened the valve, and the engine went clear to the ground! Much laughter... But that ceased when he mounted it, (tube center member, diagonal legs, front tube member for frame strength) We went 'caravan style' to the swap meet North of San Jose...I got 16 mpg with the 355 I had in there then, Rich got 26+! That little 302 runs like a clock.
That is correct FEs moved to drivers side . Find a 65 -67 Galaxy left side exhaust manifold and your worries are gone
Actually if you want to run Fox Mustang shorty headers the tightest fit are the 351W swap headers sold by BBK or MAC. The 351W is almost 2" wider and the swap headers are tight enough to the engine to hook up to the OE mid-pipe. In other words they really hug the engine. Also, I learned today that '67-'72 F100 pickups had the engines 1.5" to the p***enger side. So even Ford offset their engines probably for this exact reason.
My 65 had the motor offset to the right hand side (right as you sit in the seat, the ONLY right side on a vehicle!) no matter what engine was in it, even a straight 6 ...the mounts in the ch***is were offset that way....don't know how manny years they did that...
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