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Hot Rods 352 into a 59 F100 question

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Crocodile, Oct 31, 2025.

  1. Crocodile
    Joined: Jun 16, 2016
    Posts: 394

    Crocodile
    Member

    I have a 59 F100 with a 292/3 speed in it now, of unknown condition. Recently, I bought a 65 F100 with a 352/4 speed (granny low) that is rusted too far to be worth repairing, but it runs nice.
    While I am not crazy about 352s, this one was overhauled by the prior owner, who I know to be talented at building engines. And it was swapped to a 4 barrel, and likely has some hidden improvements. So, it is desirable to me to swap it in.
    Most of the swap should be pretty straightforward, but what I am wondering about is the clutch setup. The 59 has a hydraulic clutch, and the 65 is mechanical linkage. Is there a simple way to retain the hydraulic setup, or is that an issue?
    Surely, one of you has been down this path, and I would love it if your knowledge can save me some headaches.
    Thanks-
     
    chryslerfan55 and warhorseracing like this.
  2. A 352 is a great choice. I loved mine.

    I built a bracket for this gm setup. The truck was hydraulic so we built this bracket to work the original hydro clutch with the non-hydro bellhousing from the newer engine
    IMG_9440.jpeg
    super simple and works great
     
    chryslerfan55, Crocodile and alanp561 like this.
  3. Crocodile
    Joined: Jun 16, 2016
    Posts: 394

    Crocodile
    Member

    I am rather capable at fabbing stuff. Was it difficult to figure out the ratio of the slave cylinder, or was the throw largely the same?
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  4. Google 390 ford hydraulic slave cylinder mount
    The FE engines 332 thru 428 share similar architecture
    This was listed for a 427 (ford FE)
    Not sure if it suits your particular need though but there’s a good bit of stuff out here. FEs have good aftermarket support
    IMG_9441.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Oct 31, 2025
  5. Nothing to figure out other than the mount.
    Same master cyl, same slave cyl. Just a different mount
     
  6. I did move it from the p***enger side to the drivers side.
    That only required a new line that if needed anyway
     
  7. Crocodile
    Joined: Jun 16, 2016
    Posts: 394

    Crocodile
    Member

    Thanks Anthony! Maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill, at least in my mind.
     
    anthony myrick likes this.
  8. Ford used these on 6cyls up into the mid 60s
    IMG_9442.jpeg
    probably similar to yours now
     
  9. Crocodile
    Joined: Jun 16, 2016
    Posts: 394

    Crocodile
    Member

    I am maybe a bit gun-shy out of the gate because years ago I had a full size bronco that the prior guy had replaced the 300 with a 390 and McGyvered a bracket for the slave cylinder that never really worked well. But, that was a nylon/composite cylinder from a 1985, and they were not ever stellar even in their original application.
     
    treb11 and chryslerfan55 like this.
  10. I don’t want to jynx mine but it’s worked great for 5 years
     
    Crocodile likes this.

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