1982 F100 Project

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1982 F100 Project

Alex Guenther
Here is my 1982 F100 Project


Truck came with the 3.8 V6 and SROD transmission but both of those are out now and I am looking to swap engines (transmission too?) and want to reach out for any advice.  I already got great feedback in my introduction thread (thanks!) about going with a 302 or 351w and I ended up purchasing the engine perches found in the marketplace forum (thanks again!).  

Overall project goal: This will be a street truck and not be a daily driver so I am not concerned with MPG or worried about towing.  I should also mention this is my first project and up until pulling the engine, I have only ever done oil changes and a brake job awhile back.  That being said, I am just looking for something fun to drive and work on and enjoy the learning process with.

I would like to get a running engine and have been looking for 351s on car-parts.com and had a few questions I would love some feedback on:

Most of the engines I am seeing are between $450 and $550.  They all say they are running and tested but only a few have compression or oil test results.  Is this something you can generally ask for or do you have to buy it then do it yourself?  

From what I researched, converting a EFI engine to carb would mean swapping out the intake manifold and making sure I have a duraspark II distributor with a steel gear?  I am sure I am missing something so I just wanted to ask.

As for transmission, can the SROD hold up to a 351?  I would like to swap it out with something sturdier but hoping to make the swap as beginner friendly as possible.  Would switching to a TOD or SMOD hold up to the new 351?  I see the NP435 goes to the same bellhousing but I am not sure what else would be involved. Any tranny recommendations with heavy leaning towards swap ease?

I apologize for all the questions and just want to thank everyone in advance.

The goal  for the next week or two is just to clean up the engine bay while gathering parts for the swap. Some photos of the old engine and tranny:





1982 F100 3.8L v6
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

FuzzFace2
Alex, welcome again to the forum.
Post up a picture of the cert. sticker from the drivers door frame so we can run the numbers to see just how that truck left the factory.

I don't see why you cant do this project in stages.
Motor first, 302 / 352, and reuse the transmission just so you can "have fun" till you find a different trans.
I would not go with a NP435 / T18 / T19 as they are all truck trans and shift slow as a truck trans does.
I think the ZF5 is also a little to much of a truck trans to have fun with.

I would look for the M5-R2 like Cory/Rembrant has in his truck as it sounds like it shifts well and can be a fun trans on the street. It is a 5sp with over drive.

The other would be a WC T5 (WC=world class) like used in the Mustangs.
Now if you hammer on the T5 (or any trans) it will not last as you do have it in a heavier truck but I know of a guy that has one behind a AMC 390 in a AMC Machine and it is heaver and way more power than a 302. I don't know how hard he is on it but its been in the car for years and he drives it all over.
I also have a WC T5 with hop up parts in it in my 70 AMC Javelin with a AMC 360 but not on the street yet.

As for the motors back in the day it was $1 a CID and up for low miles not clue what they go for now days but what you listed I would say is far. I did not know they did compression & oil testing, they would show a motor is good or bad if you could trust the testing. Most of the time you were on your own and if you found the motor bad they would send you another or money back, you ate the $$ for the R&R and any oil, etc. that went into it.

Thinking back on the stage deal and your trans. I wonder if with the 302/351 the trans has to be moved back some and then other things need to be "adjusted"?
Then again the 302/351 might be longer in the front and the trans stays where it is?
Dave ----
Dave G.
81 F100 flare side 300 six / AA OD / NP435 / 2.75 gear
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1980-Ford-F100?page=1
81 F100 style side 300 six/SROD parts truck -RIP
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1981-Ford-F100
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

FuzzFace2
I see the truck does not have power brakes.
Do you know what the wheel bolt pattern is? 5 on 5.5 or 5 on 4.5? I think its 5x5.5.
Also does the truck have power steering?
Dave ----
Dave G.
81 F100 flare side 300 six / AA OD / NP435 / 2.75 gear
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1980-Ford-F100?page=1
81 F100 style side 300 six/SROD parts truck -RIP
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1981-Ford-F100
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

salans7
One thing I see is that it has the very basic level radiator, will that small radiator size work for a V8, or is it even available anymore? My F150 had the same basic radiator and I modified the radiator support so that I could run the wider radiator.
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

Alex Guenther
In reply to this post by FuzzFace2
Hey Dave,
here is a photo of the tag:
 

Your right about the 5x5.5 pattern and not having power brakes.  No power steering either. There is a shop pretty close to my house with a 351w with 148k miles out of an Ecoline for $500.  There is a 30 day warranty and a video of it running. I am leaning towards getting this motor and trying to get it in as soon as possible.

Hey Shaun,
I have the original radiator but based on old thread I was planning on changing it out with a v8 radiator. Anything I should watch out for here?

Thanks for all the replies.  



1982 F100 3.8L v6
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

salans7
The opening for airflow to the radiator is smaller on your truck than what would come on a V8 truck. I cut mine out in a way that allowed it to mimic an original support. Look up a picture of the V8 support, and compare it to yours and you'll see what needs to be done.

Also, those motor mount towers/perches on the frame look like they're unique to your V6, so in order to run the 351W, you'll need the correct towers.
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

Alex Guenther
Thanks Shaun.  I will check out a v8 radiator.  As for the towers/perches, Gary sent me to a link for a pair on Ebay and I ordered them so I should be good there.
1982 F100 3.8L v6
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

FuzzFace2
In reply to this post by salans7
salans7 wrote
One thing I see is that it has the very basic level radiator, will that small radiator size work for a V8, or is it even available anymore? My F150 had the same basic radiator and I modified the radiator support so that I could run the wider radiator.
How can you tell the size radiator from the pictures he posted?
AFAIK the support openings come in 2 sizes small for non-AC trucks and large for AC trucks.
Both of my trucks were 300 six trucks but 1 had AC (large opening) and the other did not (small opening).
The only other was for diesel IIRC.

Now the radiators did have different mounts in the later years.
His look to be like both of mine were, the bottom tank sat in rubbers on either side and the top had rubbers in brackets that fit the top tank and a metal bracket went over that.

The later years the radiator had tabs on the side of the plastic tanks and rubber washers & bolts held it to the support.

I don't remember the supports in my 1981 trucks to take the later tab mount radiator, that one was held in with wire on my truck.
Dave ----
Dave G.
81 F100 flare side 300 six / AA OD / NP435 / 2.75 gear
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1980-Ford-F100?page=1
81 F100 style side 300 six/SROD parts truck -RIP
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1981-Ford-F100
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

salans7
In reply to this post by Alex Guenther
Perfect!

I used to have pictures from when I modified my radiator support, but when ImageShack and Photobucket became money hungry, I lost all of them. And I no longer have that truck so can only advise from memory.
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

salans7
In reply to this post by FuzzFace2
FuzzFace2 wrote
How can you tell the size radiator from the pictures he posted?
AFAIK the support openings come in 2 sizes small for non-AC trucks and large for AC trucks.
Both of my trucks were 300 six trucks but 1 had AC (large opening) and the other did not (small opening).
The only other was for diesel IIRC.
Dave just helped me remember that my truck was a non a/c w/ 300 six which explains the small radiator.

As far as how I can tell, you can see that his upper mount was on the inner position based on the discoloration, which means he has the smaller radiator and support.
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

FuzzFace2
In reply to this post by Alex Guenther
Alex Guenther wrote
Hey Dave,
here is a photo of the tag:
 

Your right about the 5x5.5 pattern and not having power brakes.  No power steering either. There is a shop pretty close to my house with a 351w with 148k miles out of an Ecoline for $500.  There is a 30 day warranty and a video of it running. I am leaning towards getting this motor and trying to get it in as soon as possible.

Hey Shaun,
I have the original radiator but based on old thread I was planning on changing it out with a v8 radiator. Anything I should watch out for here?

Thanks for all the replies.
On the wheel pattern that is what I found between my 2 trucks, 1 had power brakes the other did not (5x4.5 pattern).
I also found the 5x5.5 had the larger kingpins, they came in 2 sizes for 80-83? trucks so the beams on out as a whole do swap but parts between them do not, ask how I know
No power steering also, don't know if I have see one without power steering.
I would think it would be easy enough to get a power box, the drag link as it may be different and maybe the lower part of the steering shaft too? You could use the pump that comes on the v8 you get.

$500 for a running motor I guess is not bad. Is that from carb to oil pan and all the stuff on the front of the motor, P/S pump, alt, AC if it had it and the brackets for all this?
Only think you need to watch for is the sump on the oil pan if it is in the right place, front/rear, for the truck. Being it came from a van you may be ok.

With a 30 day return you would need to get it running pretty quickly. Could you come up with the flywheel & clutch parts and reuse your trans to get it on the street before the 30 days?

I see the trans is listed as a 4sp OD Clark (SROD) not a great trans but should be ok with the v8 as they did come with them IIRC.
I cant make out the rear axle code so don't know the ratio but guessing it is a 9" Ford as both of my 81's were.
Dave ----
Dave G.
81 F100 flare side 300 six / AA OD / NP435 / 2.75 gear
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1980-Ford-F100?page=1
81 F100 style side 300 six/SROD parts truck -RIP
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1981-Ford-F100
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

FuzzFace2
In reply to this post by salans7
salans7 wrote
FuzzFace2 wrote
How can you tell the size radiator from the pictures he posted?
AFAIK the support openings come in 2 sizes small for non-AC trucks and large for AC trucks.
Both of my trucks were 300 six trucks but 1 had AC (large opening) and the other did not (small opening).
The only other was for diesel IIRC.
Dave just helped me remember that my truck was a non a/c w/ 300 six which explains the small radiator.

As far as how I can tell, you can see that his upper mount was on the inner position based on the discoloration, which means he has the smaller radiator and support.
I did see that also but was thinking I might have missed something.
As you can see and you did, the supports are set up to use either top mount and I think the bottom is the same way, just move the mounts to the outer holes, cut the opening larger and bolt it in.
Dave ----
Dave G.
81 F100 flare side 300 six / AA OD / NP435 / 2.75 gear
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1980-Ford-F100?page=1
81 F100 style side 300 six/SROD parts truck -RIP
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1981-Ford-F100
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

salans7
FuzzFace2 wrote
As you can see and you did, the supports are set up to use either top mount and I think the bottom is the same way, just move the mounts to the outer holes, cut the opening larger and bolt it in.
Dave ----
Yep, bottom also has two sets of mounting spots for the radiator.
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

Danny G
In reply to this post by Alex Guenther
Careful, the cast iron SMOD version of that trans was beefed up for the 351 use.

The aluminum SROD was not and was from what I understand rated at like 200hp max. Also need to consider the 300 has a lower torque curve than the 351 so you will be in a higher gear when you hit peak torque.

Keep a look out for a donor maybe? That way you get trans and engine at the same time. The caveat to this is... you could ride the trans till it dies behind a 351.

Also you can bolt tremec trannys to that bell housing which should give you more options say if you want to drop in a T5 or something.
1986 F-150|Standard Cab|4x2|300Six|C6Transmission w/3.08 rear|Name:TBD
2021 Ranger XLT Super Crew
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

Alex Guenther
Thanks Scratch,
I have been looking at what it would take to swap out my SROD for an SMOD.  Thanks for the donor suggestion, I am keeping an eye out and my brother in law goes to a lot of auctions so he has a lot of experience.  I would like to keep a manual and most of the stuff we have come by so far is automatic.

Do you have any experience with the SMOD?  The other swaps mentioned seem a little intimidating ie srod to T5 or mazda 5 speed and I hoping to find the path of least resistance.

Thanks.
1982 F100 3.8L v6
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

Danny G
Alex Guenther wrote
Thanks Scratch,
I have been looking at what it would take to swap out my SROD for an SMOD.  Thanks for the donor suggestion, I am keeping an eye out and my brother in law goes to a lot of auctions so he has a lot of experience.  I would like to keep a manual and most of the stuff we have come by so far is automatic.

Do you have any experience with the SMOD?  The other swaps mentioned seem a little intimidating ie srod to T5 or mazda 5 speed and I hoping to find the path of least resistance.

Thanks.
I don't unfortunately, while I have some knowledge from lots of research, and family/friends in the business, my hands on experience is lacking and I am here to learn just as much as the next guy. BUT there is a ton of expertise between the other guys here.

From my understanding all the engines will take the same bell housings between the 300, 302, and 351. With that you get a good spread of transmission options and the ZF5 is a popular swap because it is a stout transmission, fully synchronized, manual, and has OD. The M5OD is a 5 speed with OD but is a lighter duty transmission probably more suited for a 300 or 302 not used for heavy work.

Here are a few reads I found.

M5OD searchs
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/842730-m5od-anygood-behind-a-351w.html
SMOD Searches
http://www.f150hub.com/trans/t170-smod-srod-tod.html
https://fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=73637
ZF5 Searches.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/935425-zf-5-to-351w.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/970691-zf5-swap-into-an-inline-6-f150.html
https://www.f150forum.com/f10/details-zf-manual-transmission-swap-121866/
1986 F-150|Standard Cab|4x2|300Six|C6Transmission w/3.08 rear|Name:TBD
2021 Ranger XLT Super Crew
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

Alex Guenther
Thank you sir!  

This site has been a real wealth of knowledge and very welcoming.  I've enjoyed getting this far into the project and can't wait to continue.  

On Fri, Jan 24, 2020, 5:05 PM TheScatch [via Bullnose Enthusiasts] <[hidden email]> wrote:
Alex Guenther wrote
Thanks Scratch,
I have been looking at what it would take to swap out my SROD for an SMOD.  Thanks for the donor suggestion, I am keeping an eye out and my brother in law goes to a lot of auctions so he has a lot of experience.  I would like to keep a manual and most of the stuff we have come by so far is automatic.

Do you have any experience with the SMOD?  The other swaps mentioned seem a little intimidating ie srod to T5 or mazda 5 speed and I hoping to find the path of least resistance.

Thanks.
I don't unfortunately, while I have some knowledge from lots of research, and family/friends in the business, my hands on experience is lacking and I am here to learn just as much as the next guy. BUT there is a ton of expertise between the other guys here.

From my understanding all the engines will take the same bell housings between the 300, 302, and 351. With that you get a good spread of transmission options and the ZF5 is a popular swap because it is a stout transmission, fully synchronized, manual, and has OD. The M5OD is a 5 speed with OD but is a lighter duty transmission probably more suited for a 300 or 302 not used for heavy work.

Here are a few reads I found.

M5OD searchs
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/842730-m5od-anygood-behind-a-351w.html
SMOD Searches
http://www.f150hub.com/trans/t170-smod-srod-tod.html
https://fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=73637
ZF5 Searches.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/935425-zf-5-to-351w.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/970691-zf5-swap-into-an-inline-6-f150.html
https://www.f150forum.com/f10/details-zf-manual-transmission-swap-121866/
1986 F-150|Standard Cab|4x2|300Six|C6Transmission w/3.08 rear|Name:TBD



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1982 F100 3.8L v6
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

Gary Lewis
Administrator
In reply to this post by Danny G
TheScatch wrote
I don't unfortunately, while I have some knowledge from lots of research, and family/friends in the business, my hands on experience is lacking and I am here to learn just as much as the next guy. BUT there is a ton of expertise between the other guys here.
Don't sell yourself short.  You are one of the experts.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: 1982 F100 Project

Alex Guenther
In reply to this post by Alex Guenther
Update
Just wanted to post some progress I've made in the last couple weeks since my initial post. After exploring all sorts of options, I did pull the trigger on a 302 out of a 76 bronco with an 87 block.  I was looking for a 351 but this already was setup for a carb and had a carb and 2 distributors included with the purchase so it was easier on the budget.  

Engine
Previous owner did tell me there was low compression in cylinder 1 and 2 so he suspected a head gasket but oil pressure and other cylinders tested out good.  He, like myself, is a first time project owner and opted to go with a crate engine rather than mess with the engine.  Enjoyed getting to meet someone else in the beginner boat and it was nice to share what we have learned so far.  


Shot of carb and distributor

First Look Inside


I am using my Haynes and Rebuilding Small Block Ford books to walk through the teardown so far and from what I understand the picture shows we have a roller cam.  This would make sense since the PO also told me when he had the distributor changed out they found it was on a 351 firing order.


Got the heads off and found the leak between cylinders 1 and 2.



I believe cylinder 5 also had a bad head gasket because I could make out some coolant in the cylinder.

Next Steps
The rebuilding small block ford book, recommended just removing and installing cylinder heads as a best practice so I wanted to check with other people's experience. The valve compression tools online don't look too expensive so I am willing to try it but thought I should hear if it's worth it.

I also got a transmission, NP435, which was not one I was looking to get but it was really cheap and I really want to get on the road for as little as possible and chart the rest of the project from there.

Thanks for all the help so far.

1982 F100 3.8L v6
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Re: 1982 F100 Project

Gary Lewis
Administrator
I like your plan.  And if you've already found head gasket leaks, you are on the right path.

Speaking of path, I hope to scan the factory shop manual's section on the 302 tomorrow and get it up on the website.  I'd trust that more than the other books for things like torque specs.  But the other books assume you know less than the FSM does, so that's good.

As for the heads, it is a crap shoot regarding whether to have them gone through or just install them.  I've always gone the safe route, meaning had them gone through.  But that is expensive and you don't know that there are problems with the heads.

I don't really know what to tell you.  If you put them on you may then discover a valve is burned.  But maybe not.  However, it is lots easier to have the work done now than after you've installed the engine.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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