Best Manual

[friendswoodmatt]

I have a 1976 with a stock 302 -- I was wondering what the best manual is for working on it. I don't wrench much, but I am learning and I want to be able to do most of the engine work myself with my 2 sons help.
Thanks for the input

 

[patterdale]

Cruise Ebay. The original Ford truck shop manuals that the mechanics used come up once in a while. I got a full set electrical, engine, chassis I believe for @ 65 bucks. There is a third title that goes with one of them to make 4 volumes in 3 books I don't have them here to give you the exact names but you get the idea. If you can't find these there are Chiltons and Haynes manuals out there that will work

 

[friendswoodmatt]

thanks -- I don't know what all the PO did to this thing, so I think Chiltons or haynes will prob work. I know he misrepresented alot about it-- but that's all in the past now-- Once I get this thing running cool and I can drive it-- It is all gonna be worth it.

 

[bknbronco]

I guess it depends on what work you plan on doing. When i was 19 i completly tore down and rebuilt my 68 289 with help from a video and a book from the library. In fact the book was so helpful that i never did return it but instead told them i lost it and paid them for it. 15 years later i was reading some stuff from that book again when i fired up that motor for the first time. I laugh every time i still see the libraries name sticker on it and the call number. I think this might be the first and last book i have ever read from cover to cover.;D

How to Rebuild Small-Block Ford Engines written by Tom Monroe

http://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-Small-Block-Ford-Engines/dp/0912656891
I think i paid at least that 15 years ago! Looking again i see you can buy it used for as little as 8 bucks.

 

[VT_Don]

The only Ford service manuals of value are published by Helm. Same as used by dealers. Chilton is ok, and Haynes are friggn' worthless. I have seen PDF copies of Helm manuals online for very fair money. Try finding the driveline inclination angle or Duraspark diagnoses in a Haynes manual.

 

[ep67bro]

I like the original Ford Shop manuals. I have a set for my 67 and my 73. I also use an OLD Chilton manual for quick referance. I also have a how to rebuild a Ford engine book that is great for internal engine work. I have used it to rebuild a 289, 302, and a 390 big block.

 

[blamejane]

I guess it depends on what work you plan on doing. When i was 19 i completly tore down and rebuilt my 68 289 with help from a video and a book from the library. In fact the book was so helpful that i never did return it but instead told them i lost it and paid them for it. 15 years later i was reading some stuff from that book again when i fired up that motor for the first time. I laugh every time i still see the libraries name sticker on it and the call number. I think this might be the first and last book i have ever read from cover to cover.;D

How to Rebuild Small-Block Ford Engines written by Tom Monroe

http://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-Small-Block-Ford-Engines/dp/0912656891
I think i paid at least that 15 years ago! Looking again i see you can buy it used for as little as 8 bucks.

Great story bkn! Thanks for the laugh (and the resource). ;D