Hmmm.... tempting, should I do it?

[milje]

I was talking to a guy at work, and in the course of the conversation he offered me a NP435 trans, NP205 t-case, D44 solid front axle, and a 351W, all in a 1978 Ford so everything important is there. Says the motor smokes a little bit, but otherwise everything is in good condition. Really good price, he is trying to get rid of some old trucks.

I wanted to swap in a manual tranny and t-case into my F150, but with that stuff I can build it just about exactly how I want it. Probably go carb, the truck isn't a daily driver, mostly a hunting truck/mild wheeler.

What do you guys think? My drivetrain is getting tired, 158,000 miles on it I believe all original, was never told anything was replaced. I don't know how much more than AODE has left in it, the motor leaks about a quart of oil a week, front end I guess is OK but if I'm going to tear into it I'd swap in the straight axle.


Should I go for it?

 

[MountainMike]

I say go for it, your running gear sounds a little tired but make sure once you get it you'll be happy with it all.

 

[milje]

I say go for it, your running gear sounds a little tired but make sure once you get it you'll be happy with it all.

Well, I bought the truck as kind of a toy/beater. If I can put a few hundred into it and make it what I've wanted for the past few years, I think I'd be happy.

 

[1badexplorer]

The only problem is that a NP435 and bellhousing from a 78 require manual clutch linkage which was not availabe on your year truck. You are going to have to find the brackets and linakage from either an 80 of 81 ford truck. It will bolt to your frame and be manual linakge. But then you will have to use parts off both peddle assyemblys to make a working manual clutch peddle for a 95. This swap is doable if you can find or make the proper linkages.

 

[machinist]

GO FOR IT! you will love it!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Sure its a 351W?

A 78 Is more then likely a Modified.

later,
Dustin

 

[milje]

Sure its a 351W?

A 78 Is more then likely a Modified.

later,
Dustin

Yeah I later realized it's a 351M. I decided to go a different route, I eventually want to swap in a manual T-case and tranny, but for now I have different plans.

 

[kemicalburns]

if you want a manual get a ZF5speed

 

[milje]

HIGH FIVE SPAMBOT

 

[rusty ol ranger]

T18.

5sp's are overrated.

later,
Dustin