Engine & trans swap in '89 F250 4x4 - Ford Forums

Martin_G · 06-26-2009, 01:45

Does anyone know whats involved in swapping out a smallblock for a big block 460 in an '89 4x4 dually w/ standard cab & bed.

The current engine, a 351w EFI is in need of a rebuild, and it has a 5 speed trans in decent condition.

I want to put in a C6 whether or not I stay with a 351w or use a 460. I already know they both use a different bellhousing pattern. I'm disabled so an automatic makes more sense.

I'm not sure which transfer case is in it at the moment, but thats not the problem at the moment.

In general, what year 460 will work with the C6 in this body? I have the chance to get a '70 460 that runs w/ low mileage but that probably won't work with EFI due to early heads.

Would EFI heads and the EFI be ok? And, how would you go to a serpentine belt since early and late 460's are balanced differently?

Will I need any adapters, and what type of tailshaft on the C6 can be used if its a NP 208?

Thanks for any help or advice you can give in this matter!!

Martin_G

PS: If I had the chance, I would rather get an older Ford since those are the ones I grew up with! LOL!

Steve83 · 07-05-2009, 11:53

It's a lot more work ($$$) to convert than to just buy the right truck. There are enough other known problems with an '89 to make it generally undesirable. And the 7.5Ls of the era are also known for problems. But if you're determined, any 7.5L & matching C6 can be swapped in without much more adaption.

However, I strongly recommend finding a later ('90-up) truck that's built the way you need. I'm not sure how a disability that favors an automatic still allows you to use a dually 4WD truck, but OK. Look for a '95-up w/your preferred engine & an E4OD. It's easily the strongest light-truck trans yet, and if maintained normally, it's VERY reliable. If you can find one that has been rebuilt in the past 10 years, that's even better.

All '80-96 t-cases use the same mounting pattern, so no adapters no matter what.

If a stickshift is a problem for you, then there's no way you'd be happy in an older truck than what you have now.