Need Ford Truck Knowledge - 69 F250

[mbrunson427]

I was driving to a job site today and noticed an F-250 Ranger on the side of the road for sale. Stopped to take a look, the closer I got the better it looked. Super super original truck, original paint, body is straight as an arrow, maroon with black interior. I called the number on the for sale sign and asked the guy if he was OK with me popping the hood, I was really hoping to find an FE under the hood. I found a 429/460 sitting it in.

I started scratching my head wondering how the truck got a 429/460 in it. Everything looked entirely original. I don't believe they ever offered that truck with a 429 option? I'm 100% sure the truck is a '69. Did somebody swap a 429 into the truck at some point and just do a really good job?

[turbohunter]

I don’t remember a 385 in the sixties trucks.
But Lincoln’s had em so.......... maybe.
Racking my old brain.

[Gregwill16]

No 385 series until 78 or 79 Camper Special if I remember correctly.

[RustyCrankshaft]

460 was available in 2WD only. Not sure what the first year was from the factory, but I know for sure my 73 F350 is a factory 460 C6 truck (build sheet and vin decoded). And I've owned a 69 F250 that I think was factory but can't say for certain (the original vin tag was gone and it had a state issued replacement vin that doesn't decode to anything besides red tape and long wait lines).

Couldn't get one in a 4x4 however until well into the 80's.

[thatdarncat]

The first mention of a 460 available in a Ford pickup is in the 1973 Pickup brochure. And if you look at the fine print it says not available until February 1973, so not even available at the beginning of the model year. There is no mention of 429-460 engines in the earlier pickup brochures. I double checked in the Ford Truck Parts Book, and there are no listings for the 429-460 in the 1964-1972 series of parts books. Had it been available there would have had to been parts & info. They are listed in the 1973-1979 series of parts books. The engine code in the VIN would tell the tale for sure. Here’s a picture from the back page of the 1973 Ford Pickup brochure with the standard & optional engines.

[My427stang]

Absolutely a swap....likely a good swap because it is an easy one using later model parts.  Almost everything swaps over

In fact, I wish I would have went that way in the 80s, but now I have so many FE parts that I can't get myself to swap the truck over to a big 385 stroker LOL

[BattlestarGalactic]

Typical swap.   Not sure what mounts they use, but it all fits easily.  I know a fellow that had one years ago.    Back in mid 90's I hurt my 428 in my '69 F100.  EVERYONE told me to put a 460 in it.  I stood my ground and found another FE block.

[mbrunson427]

Thank you guys for the info. I did some more digging and believe it originally had a 390 and was swapped with a later 460 setup. If it had the FE in it, I think it'd be in my driveway right now. Super clean truck but am going to punt on it.

Some pictures I took:

[BattlestarGalactic]

Idaho plates?  Likely why it is so nice.  I'd like to take it home myself.  ?
Curious what they are asking?  Likely a good amount.

[mbrunson427]

Idaho plates?  Likely why it is so nice.  I'd like to take it home myself.  ?
Curious what they are asking?  Likely a good amount.

Colorado collector car plates. The guy said it spent almost all it's life in Utah, then the last few years here. Was asking $9,000 but was open to offers.
I considered it, but really don't want to deal with the 8 lug wheels, heavy rear end, and all that good stuff. 390 F100 and it would have been sold sold sold.

[AlanCasida]

It would make one heck of a tow rig.

[gt350hr]

   I don't see any downside to the swap , only positive. It sure doesn't hurt resale value.

[gregaba]

Worked for Malone Ford in Chickasha, Okla. between  72 to 75.
We had several guys bring in their Pick ups with blown engines or worn out ones.
We installed a 429 in most of them but the 460 was the replacement engine for the f-250 f-350.
Could be this was a dealer conversion.
Greg

 

[Garyford]

That heavy rear end would be a dana 60 not unlike modern Ram 1/2 ton pickups, and rumored to have less friction than a 9".  You can get a cheap battery operated impact tool to deal with the 8 lug wheels.

I have a similar 1972 f250 (w/390) and it is a lot of fun to drive, not like anything modern. 

[FrozenMerc]

It would make one heck of a tow rig.

I agree, add a good brake controller, and away you go, with pretty much anything you can imagine behind it.  As long as you can afford to keep the Lima fed..... With a trailer on the back, I am sure you wouldn't have to take your shoes off to calculate mileage, even if you were the victim of a tragic table saw accident....