86 F150 302 rebuild or swap

[ronclark]

My brother got himself a 86 F150 with a 302 4 speed.
I am pretty sure the 302 needs to be rebuilt really low compression and aloud knock.
He wants to lift it and put 35 under it.
I am thinking he should swap in a 351 instead of rebuilding the 302, and get a 5 speed.
What do you guys think? Keep the 302 and rebuild or get a 351

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would try to find a wrecked later model truck (would probably take two) and rob the 351 (convert to carb) and 5 speed.

 

[.40cal]

I would try to find a wrecked later model truck (would probably take two) and rob the 351 (convert to carb) and 5 speed.

You can build a 302 with out spend too much but i agree with 85ranger, find an old pickup with a 351W.

 

[ChrisR1S]

If you can find a decent donor with 351 or a roller 302, go that route. If not, nothing wrong with rebuilding that 302. And unless he plans on doing a lot of hwy driving,why get rid of the 4speed? That'll help out a lot with those 35s, esp if he doesn't have deep enough gearing

 

[ronclark]

I figured a 5 speed out help his mileage.
i'll have to check but i seem to remember like gears are something like 3.45 or 3.55.
I know you can build a 302, but it seem so much like a car motor and a bad combo with a 4 speed since it likes high RPM's.