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1961 4X4 engine and transmission install

Posted: August 15, 2018, 1:52 pm
by C.G.
I have a 1961 F100 4X4 with out an engine or transmission. I do have all of the rest of the driveline. Can I put a 352 engine in the truck and if so what transmission will I need to bolt up to the engine and then to the divorced transfer case (driveshaft). I have 4 speed trans out of a two wheel drive but need to know if it takes a different one for the 4 wheel drive. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Re: 1961 4X4 engine and transmission install

Posted: August 15, 2018, 2:44 pm
by slick4x4
The 352 will have different mounts
As the 61 came with a 292 v8 or a 223 i6
The 2wd transmission will work fine

Re: 1961 4X4 engine and transmission install

Posted: August 16, 2018, 2:05 pm
by C.G.
Can I use the mounts out of a 65?
How does the transfer case selector mount to the transmission?
Would this make both sides of the drive shaft have a yoke?
Thanks for the help?

Re: 1961 4X4 engine and transmission install

Posted: August 16, 2018, 8:54 pm
by slick4x4
I think you can use the mounts from the 65
Might have to drill holes....

Transfer shifter bolts to the side of transmission
I'm not sure if the bolt pattern is the same
But should be close

Short drive shaft will have a slip joint in it
Bolt up to 4 bolt flange on transmission , u joints on transfer case

Re: 1961 4X4 engine and transmission install

Posted: August 16, 2018, 9:44 pm
by FarmMotorSports
I should steer clear of this one but I have questions about your build...

Are you willing to fab your motor mounts?

The 61 and 65 have total different approachs to mounting motor and trans, the 61 uses a 3 point (one front and two at the bell ) the 65 will have two mid motor, and one at the trans. That is if both trucks are sporting original frames.

Rather than install factory motor mounts, that rely on factory cross members, I would look at aftermarket cross members for your motor choice ... what year your trans parts are will determine the need for alternative trans mounts.

This can be done, it's not that tough... just not a bolt in deal!

Re: 1961 4X4 engine and transmission install

Posted: August 17, 2018, 4:10 pm
by greentruck
There's several ways to do what your asking. Does your transmission have a mount to bolt to a crossmember? If so ,you will need fab or buy an aftermarket front and rear crossmember. Now if your transmission has no mount you will need a bellhousing for an fe with mounts like your y block bell your truck came with , also a mount for the front of your engine, look for ft engine mount stuff. I've ran fe engines both ways . Also what is your planned use of the truck? If your going to do a lot of heavy offroading in the ruff stuff look for a np435 with a married 205 and get rid of your low hanging front drive shaft. while your at it swap in a high pinion dana 44 in the front. Good luck!

Re: 1961 4X4 engine and transmission install

Posted: August 17, 2018, 9:42 pm
by C.G.
Well it looks like I have some homework to do before I decide which way to go. I'm not planning on any heavy off roading. Just want to put the old truck back together to drive and enjoy. Thanks for all of the excellent advice.