ENGINE PERCHES/STANDS/BRACKETS
Ford used engine "stands" or "perches" to bolt the engine into a truck, and they varied with the engine series. In other words, a 300 six takes different perches than does a Windsor, or an M-Block, or a 460, or the IDI diesel. These perches are bolted and/or riveted to the frame, but can be swapped out to allow installing a different engine. See below for part #'s, pictures, and even measurements.
So, what supports are used with which engine? It turns out not to be quite that easy as there were some changes along the way for the 300 Six. However, if you are going with a later model 300 six to put in one of the 80-86 trucks be careful as there was a period when Ford changed the mounts. This thread on FTE explains that the mounts changed in 1989 and then changed back in 1994. And, this thread on FTE explains what the differences are.
Anyway, here's a spreadsheet to summarize the info below from the parts catalog:
Anyway, here's a spreadsheet to summarize the info below from the parts catalog:
And, here's the info from the parts catalog on a by-engine basis:
300 Six Perches: (thanks to Dave/FuzzFace2). Note how they mount on the rear of the crossmember. As shown in Measurements, this puts the slot for the motor mounts themselves about 5" further forward than those for the 351M/400.
These pics are from James191145's 1985 F-150 2wd with a 302:
351M/400 Perches: The yellow arrow in this picture shows the driver's side support on Dad's truck. The yellow circle shows where it says 351M/400, the red arrow shows some of the many places it is retained, and the yellow arrow shows the support on the passenger's side. And note how they bolt to the frame behind the crossmember. This is typical for the gas-powered V8's.
The 460 got not only a different perch but a different engine crossmember. Note in the pics directly below that the crossmember on the left from Jim/ArdWrknTrk's '87 460 4x4 F250 that there's a "dent" in the frame just forward of the front oval hole on the right side in the pic. That dent allows the oil filter on the 460 to clear the frame.
Compare that with the crossmember on the right, which is from Shaun/salans7's small block 4x2 engine crossmember with 460 perches. There's no dent and he is planning to run a remote oil filter because of that.
Compare that with the crossmember on the right, which is from Shaun/salans7's small block 4x2 engine crossmember with 460 perches. There's no dent and he is planning to run a remote oil filter because of that.
Diesel Perches: Here is a picture of the bolt-on diesel supports (thanks, Ross/4x4falcon). Note how they bolt to the front of the crossmember.
Measurements: Some want to swap another engine into their truck, and the best way to do that is to use the perches that Ford made for the new engine. But, in case someone wants to put an engine in that didn't come in these trucks I offer these measurements. And, there are pictures below to explain how I took those measurements so you can provide me with info on the perches I don't have - please.
