Install a C6 from a 79 Ford Van?

[Mikey]

My 70 F100 has a 302 with 3-on-a-tree. I have access to a free rebuilt smallblock C6 out of a 79 Ford E150 van. Sound like a worthwhile project?

If so, what's involved? Can I use the van's steering column?
Thanks,
Mikey

[flyboy2610]

I don't know about the steering column, but as long as the bellhousing is for the same "family" of engines as the 302 it should work. I'm betting the tranny has a slip yoke in the rear and not a bolt on yoke, so you would probably have to have the driveshaft modified by a shop.
Someone on here may have an auto tranny column they would sell you.
Good luck with it!

[Docholiday72tx]

Mikey,
The collum won't work it's either way long or way short....can't remember which.
The C6 will bolt up....how ever bear in mind your neutral safety switch is on the collum, and they started putting them on the transmision in 1978. This is going to cause you some slight wiring dificulties if you want to get the neutral safety switch hooked up. It's not realy too big of a deal, but you need to be aware of it. If you decide to make the wiring changes, give me a yell. I just got through putting a transmision like that in my truck, so I have the wiring all figured out.
As Fly boy mentioned, your may run into some drive shaft difficulties. Don't have one made....That's way too expensive. Get the proper yoke for the transmision and slide it up in the tranny as far as it will go. Then pull it back out about 3/8" to 1/2". Now, measure from that yoke to the next one, and this is how long you need. I usualy take my tape to the wrecking yard and measure shafts until I find the correct length. They charge me any where from 10 to 20 bucks a shaft. This way, it's a bolt in deal.
Is your truck power steering or manual?
Doc

[Mikey]

It's a manual....for now. I have a nice 79 Ford van that won't smog or sell so I'm mining it for parts for my 74 Bronco and the truck. Perhaps the van's shaft can be used or modified? I also have an extra early Bronco auto column. Could also use the power steering box?

Van will donate the C6, Duraspark and power disks to the Truck, the power steering pump as an upgrade to the Bronco and the A/C to the Bronco.

If you have anything handy on the wiring, email it to me at mijewell@mindspring.com. I'm an Electrical Engineer so I have no fear! I even have the stock 68 Cougar sequential tail lights working without upgrading to solid state! Yup, I'm bragging!!! I even wired in an XR-7 dash in place of the stock granny dash on the Cougar....have my own custom conversion wiring diagrams if anyone needs it.
Thanks a bunch...I just got this excellent condition truck for FREE yesterday! Only needs motor mounts and a leaf in the rear leafs and cosmetics!
Mikey

[FORDification]

A van is front-steer and a truck is rear steer...so, the spindle's steering arm is on the wrong side for a truck. They won't work. I'd guess that the rotor, caliper, etc. will work, but you'll have to find a truck for the proper spindle, as well as the power steering box.

[Mikey]

Rats! I checked and you are correct!

[Docholiday72tx]

Mikey,
Before I tell you how to wire this up, make sure you have the right plug on your truck. Look at the top of your collum behind the dash board. Find the neutral safety switch. Follow the wires to the plug that connects the switch to the main wiring harness. Is that plug a flat looking black plug with 4 wires on each side? Ithink 2 will be red and black, and 2 will be red and blue. If you have that let me know and we can hook you right up.
Also, look at the transmision in the van. On the driver's side where the shifting lever is, you should have a neutral ssafety switch on it. That switch will have 4 wires also. Let me know what color those wires are.
Doc

[Mikey]

Doc,
Not sure I can make it today and will be out of pocket a week or so. I just got the truck Friday and am exploring what parts I can pull from the van. Soooo...we have plenty of time.

Stay tuned as I will get out there and check soon.....
Thanks for your help!!!
Mikey

[Docholiday72tx]

Mikey,
I'll be ready when ever you are, just take your time.
Doc

[Mikey]

Most excellent!

I spent the day trying to find a vibration. Check my post in the drivetrain section.

I guess I'll try again next week...
Thanks,
Mikey

[Docholiday72tx]

I checked on your other post and throwed my 2 cents worth in. It looks to me that there should be enough information there to have you fixed up in no time.
When you get ready to fix your transmision wires, PM me if I don't answer right away. Sometimes I forget to follow up on threads.
Doc