New member

Hello All!

Just picked up a 1981 F150 Ranger. Its a 302 automatic, 2 wheel drive. Pretty straight truck, little rust, solid floors etc.

The 302 will likely have to come out, its locked up tight. I've got a 351w ready to go in though, nothing special, just a mid 80's van engine.

Eventually I'll swap a stick into it, but for now, I'm just going to enjoy it.

Welcome!  

Sounds like a fun little project

What do you have for a transmission now?
You may need to tweak the Y-pipe because the 315 is wider and (I believe) vans use different exhaust manifolds.
The Saginaw power steering pump from a van is a desirable truck upgrade

I'll probably put a set of long tubes on it, and have to mess around with exhaust anyhow. 351 manifolds of the era are super restricted. I did not know that about van pumps, good to know. Higher pressure or what's the deal?

Longtubes can be a challenge with the transmission crossmember but at least you're not 4wd.

The Saginaw pumps don't grind and whir like the C2 style do.
They also don't squirt out the cap vent if you turn the wheels with the engine off.
Those with lifted trucks and wide tires say the van pumps hold up much better.

I don't think they have the relief valve set any higher.

Welcome!