engine swap

[shortbedCUSTOM]

I'm currently shopping for a F100 to get back into. Unfortunately, all the trucks I'm interested in are either too expensive or too far. I recently came across one near me but it has a six cylinder in it. Aside from the V8 differences, is/are there any suspension differences? How difficult would it be to swap the six for, let say, a 302? Do I need to be concerned with spring rates or steering linkage or anything else for that matter?

[Ranchero50]

Other than engine perches and throttle cable I don't think there is much difference. Spring rate shouldn't be much different as the 302 and 300 weigh about the same.

I'd take a 6 with a good body over a rusted V8 any day.

[shortbedCUSTOM]

That's reassuring Ranchero. when I first started looking I had made up my mind that I would spend the extra $ up front to find something that I wouldn't have to spend any extra money and time on. I wanted something that I could be happy with the way it looked and had NO serious issues that needed to be addressed before I could enjoy and rely on to take the kids to school on a daily basis. Unfortunately, most of those trucks are north of $10k and I've set my limit at about that much.

If I did have to go this route I do have a built up 306 and T5 tranny sitting in the garage that I could throw in it. Sad thing is, I was saving that for another project.

[iwhodat]

I have found a few nice ones around the Houston area. Check Craigslist . There is a guy in the Woodlands that I bought my truck from. He always has a few Bumps for sale for reasonable prices. Last time I checked he had a blue and white Ranger shortbed for under $5000. He also had a red 4x4 that looked to be quite solid for around the same price. Texas has some really nice bumpsides. You just have to check Craigslist everyday to find the one you are looking for

[shortbedCUSTOM]

I know the truck you speak of. he was asking $8500, and the guys from Gas Monkey beat me to it a couple of weeks ago.

[iwhodat]

Keep looking everyday. That's how I stumbled across my 72. The guy only had it on Craigslist for 3 hours before I bought it. Texas is Bumpside Heaven