1978 F100 Ranger

[88xltranger]

Hey guys, I've been jumping around on a few different projects lately and one I've aquired recently is this F100. I'm undecided on what to do with it yet but options are swap the drivetrain into the ranger or do something inspired by Ken Blocks F150. Either way it currently does not run and no accessories are mounted. Being unfamiliar with a 302 I was wondering if anyone could post some detailed pictures of alternator and P/S mounting. This is my starting point.

 

[snoranger]

You’re best option is to deliver it to my house, sign the title over to me, and then go home knowing you won’t have to waste all that money fixing it up.

 

[88xltranger]

You’re best option is to deliver it to my house, sign the title over to me, and then go home knowing you won’t have to waste all that money fixing it up.

Honestly I bought it unseen from a coworker strictly for the drivetrain but after I saw it in person I didnt think it was too bad. I think its worth keeping it around even if its not a full on restoration. I always get attached to my projects

 

[88xltranger]

You’re best option is to deliver it to my house, sign the title over to me, and then go home knowing you won’t have to waste all that money fixing it up.

Also where is the fun in that

 

[snoranger]

Also where is the fun in that

The fun is in my garage...

I may have a spare 460, the parts to build it into a 514 stroker, and an 8-71 blower.

 

[Roert42]

Scrub that. It needs a 300 with compound turbos.

 

[88xltranger]

Scrub that. It needs a 300 with compound turbos.

I do have a thing for turbos

 

[88xltranger]

Got the truck to fire up today briefly for the first time in who knows how many years. Think I have done enough research to tackle the alternator and power steering mounting. Hopefully all of the hardware is there. I dont seem to have much luck finding certain things or info for a 78 SBF. I dont know what years or parts can be interchanged.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Got the truck to fire up today briefly for the first time in who knows how many years. Think I have done enough research to tackle the alternator and power steering mounting. Hopefully all of the hardware is there. I dont seem to have much luck finding certain things or info for a 78 SBF. I dont know what years or parts can be interchanged.

In my experience... there isn't much interchangeability. There were so many different FEAD systems. That's one thing GM did right.... if it was a small block chevy... all the parts fit.

 

[88xltranger]

In my experience... there isn't much interchangeability. There were so many different FEAD systems. That's one thing GM did right.... if it was a small block chevy... all the parts fit.

Thats reassuring. I've got new brackets for it that appear to be correct but I seem to be missing various bolts and spacers to mount it up. I can find them all day long for mustangs but I wasnt sure if they fit my application. I'm completely new to everything small block ford.

 

[19Walt93]

Thats reassuring. I've got new brackets for it that appear to be correct but I seem to be missing various bolts and spacers to mount it up. I can find them all day long for mustangs but I wasnt sure if they fit my application. I'm completely new to everything small block ford.

In a truck you have room to use brackets off anything you find, just get all the brackets and pulleys off the same rig and it'll work fine. If you're making any kind of a hot rod out of it you'll be happier with a 351, 400, or 460. 351m and 400's are heavier and bigger than 351w's- they're tall deck Clevelands with a 429/460 bell housing face. A 351w will bolt right up to your transmission and motor mounts.
Chevy made their stuff easily interchangeable because they expected their engines to fail and be swapped.

 

[88xltranger]

Good to know. I dont have any immediate serious plans for it except get it running decent and seeing if it is a good candidate to donate its drivetrain. Most likely I will get it going and jump to another project for awhile. This truck, my ranger, my subaru and my guns are all on going projects I jump to and from at random.

 

[19Walt93]

A 78 302 would have pedestal rocker arms which are much better than the old rail rockers. It would also have pretty crappy heads and a flat tappet cam which would both be negatives from a performance stand point but functional.

 

[88xltranger]

If I do end up swapping it in the the ranger I'm sure I'll change out most of that stuff. It has to be better in stock form than a worn the worn out 2.9 thats in the ranger now.

 

[88xltranger]

Still dont have alternator or power steering mounted but still progress none the less. Truck started, idled and moved under its own power to its new place beside my other fords.