1973 Ford 4X4 engine swap

Hi all,
The project truck is a 1973 Ford 4X4 short bed.  It currently has a 360FE in it but I am swaping in a 408 Stroker (351W/302 mounts) I have been looking for anyone that has done this so I can get concrete info on the perches and moter mounts I will need.  This truck is my daily driver so before I start I need to make sure I can have it back on the road by the end of the weekend.  Anyone done this?  

Hi. I have not completed this swap but perhaps i can shed some info your way. When speaking about 2WD Ford trucks and completing this swap it is significantly easier. Ford 2WD trucks only used 3 styles of engine perches/towers in 1969 to 1979 trucks. They are - FE/I6 - Same perch, but mounted in different frame holes; Small-block - Available in mid-'69, and 429/460. The 2WD perches are somewhat interchangeable when used in 2WD trucks but this not the case in 4WD trucks. You will likely be looking at using custom mounts/perches to fit the 351W where the 360FE sat.

other stuff required for a 360FE to 351W swap: exhaust manifolds/headers, bell housing, new driveshaft if trans is replaced (likely required), will need a small block radiator or hoses to adapt to the FE radiator, and also need to confirm that clutch Z bar connects to the side of your 302 block.This is a very large undertaking, especially considering the one weekend time frame you have set aside for completion.

If your 360FE is is still running you might consider swapping in a 390 crank and rods to turn it into a 390. This is said to restore quench and compression, and makes the engine a much better runner. It's a common upgrade and are fairly simple to carry out. Both engines are neutral balanced, so the flywheels and harmonic dampeners are interchangeable. The only things that need to be swapped to make the change are the crank and rods. The 360 and 390FE engines even use the same replacement pistons.

just some things to think about. good luck. let us know how it turns out!  

I am sorry I was somewhat vague in my first post.  For the project I am swapping the entire drive train along with the motor.  I am changing every thing from the radiator to the rear axel.  Going to an automatic trans included.  I was just hopeing that there was a way to bolt that 408 in without all that custom fab work, but it seems that people don't do this swap (leave it to me to make every thing more difficult)  

Thanks so much for the reply!!

I will try to post pictures from the weekend when we do it in a couple of weeks.  

Did you complete the swap? I could use the 360 oil pan and mounts. I am putting a 390 in my 1978 4x4 truck. (423)716-1915
 Thanks
   JT