1971 F100 4x4 headers?

[nath34]

OK guys and gals,

I have a 1971 F100 four-wheel-drive truck. This truck originally had a 360 in it and the motor was pretty well shot. I was able to come up with a freshly rebuilt 302. I have successfully converted everything over for this motor to fit in my truck. Now, I am trying to find a set of headers that will fit this truck, but the only problem is, I can't seem to find anybody that offers 302 headers for a 1971 truck that has 4-wheel-drive. Do I need to just order a set of Shorty headers for a mustang or something like that? I just want them to bolt up and work. I don't have a problem asking a muffler shop to run the pipes up into the engine bay as long as it works. I'm not building a show truck, just a truck that is functionable. Thanks in advance!

[nath34]

I bought headers to fit a 302 2-wheel-drive just hoping I would get lucky... well no luck haha. Neither side fits.... the passenger side won't fit between the frame and the the starter and the driver side hits the front drive shaft. If shorties will work I'm good with that but I at least need to know what other vehicle offers a header that will at least bolt up so I can let the exhaust shop take care of the rest.

[Manny]

Welcome to Fordification. Sounds like a good project you got there. Need to post us some pictures. 4x4's wind up much better with shorties and would be what i would suggest. You can look at Stans headers as they do headers for all kinds of odd applications. They are just expensive. Shorties for a fox mustang might work the only issue is they both dump far rear on the unit not the middle on the drivers side. however they are cheap and plentiful. I cannot say i have seen an exact fit header for your application. just stick to thick flanges and a ball style collector seal. there is a set of mustang shorties on ebay for $40.00 bucks right now. Might be worth a gamble. i will do a little research. Your a 4 speed truck or automatic.

[nath34]

Thank you for the tips! I will check them out!

Here are my trucks current stats:

1971 Single Cab
Flat bed
LWB
4 speed manual
4X4
Small Block 302

I will try to find a picture of it when I first bought it and it was cleaned up with the hood still on it haha! Thanks again!

[nath34]

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[Manny]

Very nice truck unique for a 100 flatbed. I like the fox mustang headers as they seal up very well don't rust too bad. Now sure they are not full flowing like some aftermarkets but the spark plug wires clear and the fit right. Issue i see is clearing the clutch linkage on the driver side. However give it a try i'd say and then let the exhaust guy get it all hooked up. Thankfully a 302 has more room than the 390. Here is the cheapest ones going right now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stock-Mustang-5 ... 2925530057

[nath34]

Thanks bud! I appreciate your advice! I ordered those headers as soon as I saw your reply! I'll let you know how they fit. They should be here by the end of next week!

[Manny]

Cool deal i hope they work good let us know. Heck for 40$ figure you can't fail too bad.

[nath34]

Well I canceled my order shortly after my last reply. After looking at the driver side header a little closer, I realized that there was no way it would work with my manual shift linkage. I did some more research and found a pair of shorty headers for a 1987-1995 F-150/Bronco 5.0L that have a much better shape to them. I will still let you know how they fit so you will know next time if someone else tries to do a crazy swap like me

[Manny]

Well I canceled my order shortly after my last reply. After looking at the driver side header a little closer, I realized that there was no way it would work with my manual shift linkage. I did some more research and found a pair of shorty headers for a 1987-1995 F-150/Bronco 5.0L that have a much better shape to them. I will still let you know how they fit so you will know next time if someone else tries to do a crazy swap like me

Yeah i was wondering if it was gonna smack right into the clutch linkage or not that is why i was thinking start with the 40$ versions. Well cool interested to see what works best.

[nath34]

The 87-95 shorty headers seem to fit nearly perfect. The exhaust guy is going to have his work cut out for him on the passenger side next to the starter, but the driver side actually does fit perfectly. I'll post pictures in a couple days of how it looks with the exhaust pipes hooked up and everything.

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[Manny]

HECK YEAH!!! That looks great. Glad you found some that made a good fit Curious to see about the exhaust when you wrap it up.

[nath34]

Well, the exhaust guy was able to work his magic. He had to come out of the headers with 2 1/4 inch pipe in order to clear the starter with ease. Then he stepped it up with 2 1/2 the rest of the way back after clearing the engine bay. I got my new tires put on and my bed repainted so I will post pictures all the way around of the outside finished product. It's just an old Ford everyday driver, not a show truck but I'm pretty proud of it. Thanks for all of your help buddy!

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[nath34]

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[nath34]

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