Slick 60's

Hello Again, ? I have a 63 f-100. I had a 302 in it. I want to put a 429 in it but I have read so comments on Big Block with straight axle sucks. T or F? What would it take to set up a 429 in my truck?

Heavy hauler has a 429 in a straight axle truck ask him. My person view of straight axle trucks is not all that great, but I rode in Mike Kimbrell's and Doug's and Fred's at Slickstock and they were great... we just never drove over any train tracks to really shake things up

I would figure it would depend on intended use. I mean if you want to go fast and dont really care about ride feel or how it handles it wouldnt be a problem. I personally wouldnt mind a straight axel, 4 speed and some fenderwell headers...

If you get the right spring, shocks and sway bar on a straight axle...big engines are fine.

I think that you will find keeping the rear end on the ground will be the chalange!

ghost,

If you make any power at all, 4 semi eliptical "wagon" type, leaf springs & live front axle make good handling nearly impossible, in the rain it is impossible. There is minimal weight transfer, traction becomes problematic, especially on hard acceleration. You can build an exotic traction system to compensate but the older ladder type frames tend to flex & twist under torque of 385 series engines, at least 460s. Conversion engine mounts & transmission mounts are an add on which frame loading characteristics were not designed for in 1957 thru' 1964. when they are installed the alter FoMoCo's designed frame flexion radically.

Ideally, best frame would be front & rear IRS w/ 4 link rear suspension.

Or you could opt for a later frame, such as a 73 & later which better handles power because of it's design, extra X members, front Coils provide better weight transfer, Twin I beam system supports harder braking of the Front Disc Brakes, better Shock Locations & inclusion of Fords Anti Sway Bars, front being OEM with rears available as either swaps from other 73-79 OEM applications, or from aftermarket sources.

what I'm saying is relatively stock 64 & earlier chassis with drum type front brakes & draglink style steering of a single I beam fixed, live axle are not the best route. Of course this is my opinion. I know how and why I formed it. I cut mean 12.60s ET's and TE's into the 120's. I wouldn't try it with the frames under a 57-64 F-100's ever again.

FBp

what about boxing the frame?