Help 1966 Bronco Motor Move

[RJames]

Hello all,

I have a 1966 Ford Bronco. My bronco originally had an I-6 motor. My grandfather swapped the motor for a V-8, the cheep mans way. He moved the motor back into the firewall because he did not want to buy a new driveshaft, clutch rods, ect... I want to move the motor back that way I can put any aftermarket parts on the motor. What will I need to buy? Is it better to have a shop fix this for me, or is it possible to do this myself? (I have no automotive experience, but willing to learn)(I cannot weld, but have friends that know how).

 

[Broncobowsher]

You need a V8 transmission and tailhousing. That is longer and will push the engine forward into the correct place while keeping the transfer case and driveshafts in the original location. New set of frame perches that will need to be welded in the correct location.

The rest will depend on how it was hacked during the first conversion. Subject to what has been modified. There will be some clutch linkage parts needed, but can't say what. Your existing bellhousing and clutch should work fine even if it is a small car version. count the number of teeth of the flywheel while it is apart for future reference, 164 is Bronco/truck and 157 is car. The truck has a larger clutch and is prefered but the car will work but not wear or stand up to abuse as well. Not a required upgrade, just something to note for later.

 

[RJames]

What if I were to set up a auto-transmission, 4 speed. The auto-transmission is longer, therefore i would have a smaller chance to buy a new drive shaft, right?

 

[ilovemaui]

A 4 speed auto is going to take a lot more work and money than a C4 and driveshaft.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The driveshafts are the same for all stock Broncos. The transfer case was always in the same place. A 4-speed auto is longer then the V8 transmission. So push the engine forward, transfer case back and now the 4-speed auto will fit.

You appear to be missing where the problem lies. It isn't the transfer case moving, it is the I6 transmission is shorter then the V8 options. Get a V8 length transmission (3-speed or Bronco C4) and that is the starting point for getting the engine in the right place. Still without changing any driveshft or transfer case crossmember location.

 

[RJames]

Bronbowsher, so doing what you recommend would be the way to go?

 

[Broncobowsher]

depends on if you want to keep shifting your own gears or if you want an auomatic?
Also how much you want o invest into this vehicle?

Inexpensive stick shift, stock V8 3-speed
Inexpensive automatic, C4
Little more expensive stick shift (with a granny gear), NP435
Nice street orianted stick shift 5-speed with overdrive, NV3550
more of a truck 5-speed (3-speed with granny and overdrive), ZF
Automatic with overdrive, 4R70W

And there are others as well...

 

[RJames]

I think I am going to stick with the C4. I am going to do the brake conversion, new exhaust, intake manifold, carb, radiator, ect. Looking to spend about 10 grand. Hopefully I can manage do it all myself.

 

[RJames]

Is it possable to have an automatic C4 with overdrive? i heard you can add or change something in the transmission, and have a swich where you can turn overdrive on and off.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Is it possable to have an automatic C4 with overdrive? i heard you can add or change something in the transmission, and have a swich where you can turn overdrive on and off.

No, or we would just be doing it that way.

There was an aftermarket overdrive that is very rare (only seen one and it was non-functional) that attached to the back of the transfer case. Only usable in 2WD, super short driveshaft that would prevent any lift from ever working, and no service parts around anymore. It did exist back in the day, not worth the effort anymore if you found one.