Best fit headers for 351w swap?

[Bronco351]

My bronco has a 351w swapped in and the long tube headers it came with are tight... the passenger side is actually touching the firewall and the floor boards get very hot when driving... (melted the speaker wire under the carpet)... does anyone have a better option for headers to fit with a 351w swap?

 

[bronconut73]

My Duff long tubes are made slightly lower to accomodate the higher exhaust ports of the Windsor.
WH's sell some too.
Mine were never too close to the floorboards or firewall but the WH 1" body lift (actually 1.5"+) has helped a bit and doesn't really look like a body lift. This 1" body lift was a really cool addition you could consider that may help.

 

[SteveL]

What tranny do you have? it makes a difference on your options. I also run the duffy long tubes. Just dont waste the $ on their ceramic coating.

 

[Bronco351]

My Duff long tubes are made slightly lower to accomodate the higher exhaust ports of the Windsor.
WH's sell some too.
Mine were never too close to the floorboards or firewall but the WH 1" body lift (actually 1.5"+) has helped a bit and doesn't really look like a body lift. This 1" body lift was a really cool addition you could consider that may help.

i didn't even think of a body lift... that's actually an awesome idea! i've done tons of suspension lifts...but never a body lift... how difficult are they and do you have any tips?

also who sells a reputable body lift (i realize there isnt much to them)

 

[airbur]

Bronco Hut shorties work perfectly on the 351W.

 

[bronconut73]

i didn't even think of a body lift... that's actually an awesome idea! i've done tons of suspension lifts...but never a body lift... how difficult are they and do you have any tips?

also who sells a reputable body lift (i realize there isnt much to them)[/QUOTE


Check out WH catalog or web site. They make a very good argument for their body lifts.
Bigger/thicker hardware that has a nice cad coating.
If you go with the one inch version it is simply thicker poly bushings so no funky block.
And if your stock body bushings are squished flat like mine then the 1" body lift will be more like 1.5".
As far as tips. Take your time. Use a 2x4 and a floor jack.
Loosen all body bolts then do only one side at a time.
WH has great instructions with their body lifts that can also be seen on their site.

 

[Bronco351]

i didn't even think of a body lift... that's actually an awesome idea! i've done tons of suspension lifts...but never a body lift... how difficult are they and do you have any tips?

also who sells a reputable body lift (i realize there isnt much to them)[/QUOTE


Check out WH catalog or web site. They make a very good argument for their body lifts.
Bigger/thicker hardware that has a nice cad coating.
If you go with the one inch version it is simply thicker poly bushings so no funky block.
And if your stock body bushings are squished flat like mine then the 1" body lift will be more like 1.5".
As far as tips. Take your time. Use a 2x4 and a floor jack.
Loosen all body bolts then do only one side at a time.
WH has great instructions with their body lifts that can also be seen on their site.

Thanks!

i don't know the history of this truck...is there anyway for me to tell if it already has a body lift?

also with the 1" lift will i have any trouble with the shift linkage on the c4? or the steering shaft?

 

[mlogan24]

I don't have them, but maybe someone can come in on the BC headers? I have WH long tube on my 5.8, but I think I want to do the BC ones next.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4

 

[Bronco351]

here is a picture of the body mount... definetly looks stock to me... and looks pretty squished lolhttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/shutZERO/bronco/bodymount_zps267c4446.jpeg

 

[bronconut73]

If your headers are touching the firewall I would say you don't have a body lift.
Post a photo of your body mounts.
My c-4 shift linkage adjusted perfectly.
But I couldn't make my steering shaft do right. My steering shaft rag joint and u-joint were shot so I got WH collapsible steering shaft. Really a beautiful piece that made my steering feel alot smoother.
The instructions explain how to make the stock steering shaft work but I was ready for the upgrade.
Body lift is a big job. I had never done one. Finished it entirely alone in a single afternoon. I used a sawzall (reciprocating saw) to cut through some of the stubborn stock body mounts.

I will add this. I would not buy any other body lift other than WH. If you go to their site and read a little about their body lifts and I think you'll agree.

 

[Bronco351]

 

[Bronco351]

If your headers are touching the firewall I would say you don't have a body lift.
Post a photo of your body mounts.
My c-4 shift linkage adjusted perfectly.
But I couldn't make my steering shaft do right. My steering shaft rag joint and u-joint were shot so I got WH collapsible steering shaft. Really a beautiful piece that made my steering feel alot smoother.
The instructions explain how to make the stock steering shaft work but I was ready for the upgrade.
Body lift is a big job. I had never done one. Finished it entirely alone in a single afternoon. I used a sawzall (reciprocating saw) to cut through some of the stubborn stock body mounts.

I will add this. I would not buy any other body lift other than WH. If you go to their site and read a little about their body lifts and I think you'll agree.

I am looking at the steering shaft on their website now.. in order for me to order the shaft it asked me which steering box i have and which column... is there a way to identify this? it has power steering and i'm pretty sure its the original column and shaft (judging by how old it looks)

 

[nvrstuk]

Body lift will help some with heat too.

 

[mattt]

I have a 351 with no body lift, fresh body mounts and I tried a few different headers when I was putting mine together. Hands down...the BC headers are the best fitting option out there. Yeah, they're pricey....but you get what you pay for.

 

[bronconut73]

I am looking at the steering shaft on their website now.. in order for me to order the shaft it asked me which steering box i have and which column... is there a way to identify this? it has power steering and i'm pretty sure its the original column and shaft (judging by how old it looks)

If you're sure it is stock just tell them at WH.

If not post a few photos and these boys can tell you exactly what you have.
The shaft will be the same but the u-joints will be different to accommodate the upper shaft and box.
Rag joint started with power steering in '73. A 6 turn box would be pre '76. 76/77 has a 4 turn box.

 

[66broncofan]

i just got the Bronco Hut shorties uncoated and have painted them with High Temp VHT paint. They are in the oven now curing much to my wife's dismay! They look nice! I'll let you know how they fit when they are installed. I have a 1" wild Horses body lift. I like the access it gives around the trans and transfer case.

 

[airbur]

....... Hands down...the BC headers are the best fitting option out there....

How can you cay this without having tried all the other options available? It sounds more like you are justifying the cost for yourself

 

[airbur]

This is the WH 1"....

 

[Bronco351]

If you're sure it is stock just tell them at WH.

If not post a few photos and these boys can tell you exactly what you have.
The shaft will be the same but the u-joints will be different to accommodate the upper shaft and box.
Rag joint started with power steering in '73. A 6 turn box would be pre '76. 76/77 has a 4 turn box.

heres a couple of pictures... if anyone can identify it for me.... [/URL[URL=http://s2.photobucket.com/user/shutZERO/media/bronco/joint_zpsfd9c0a3c.jpg.html]

 

[mattt]

How can you cay this without having tried all the other options available? It sounds more like you are justifying the cost for yourself

I had a few different sets in my parts pile at the time, so I tried them all. Also, the BC headers are the only ones that are 1 5/8" tube as far as I know. A 351 needs to breathe. Last, the BC headers are stainless and coated. No rust thru, hopefully, after a few years of use. Or, maybe you're correct too...... ;D