Mexican equivalent parts?

[fuentesfranko]

My '66 Bronco (170ci 6cyl, 3.03) is currently in Mexico. Since these Broncos were not sold in Mexico, I'm wondering what other cars might have compatible mechanical parts. Might be looking at doing some work to the engine, the stock transmission, transfer case and rebuilding the axles and probably the whole drivetrain, depending on part availability.

In a previous post I asked about swapping to an 8 cylinder engine and was advised that the easiest way to go is to get a 302 from a Bronco, but since there was no Broncos in Mexico at that time, anyone would know if another vehicle would have had a similar engine/transmission?

Thank you!

 

[DirtDonk]

You might have misunderstood the "from a Bronco" bit Franko. Things like the automatic transmissions were specific to our type of truck, but the 302 was just a 302 was just a 302.
If you decode the part number it's actually a "Fairlane" part I believe. Used across the Ford lineup. So literally any 289, 302 or 351W (with extra work) will fit into a Bronco.

Things like seats would be very similar to '65-'66 Mustang seats, the 3.03 three speed manual transmissions were common to other vehicles but with output shaft changes. Many other small bits are from across the Ford lines, but with little consistency.

However, all the other junk is usually Bronco specific.
Front and rear differentials might be Dana and generic Ford 9" stuff, but their size is unique to the Bronco.
Steering boxes are unique to the Bronco.
Steering linkages are unique to the Bronco.
Driveshafts are unique to the Bronco.
Body parts are unique to the Bronco.

The good news is that much of that uses common parts, so your basic Dana 30 or 44 gears will work in the old housings. Same for the rear Ford 9" setup. But axle shafts are Bronco specific.
Wheel bearings are common. Brakes are easy to source if you convert to discs up front. Otherwise brake parts are generally available.

You get the picture. There is no list that I'm aware of. Just have to look at each individual part and see if it works.
When in doubt, ask here as always.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Oddball parts such as IVR's (instrument voltage regulators, or "constant power supplies") might be used in only Broncos, or might be used in different vehicles. But Ford had probably six or seven different ones over those early years, so no telling what else they fit unless you have the old parts books or a patient parts person that can look up other applications.
Or you're in a junkyard with lots of time on your hands!

Paul

 

[fuentesfranko]

Thanks so much Paul! Your answer was very helpful.
From what I understand, the oil pan is specific to the Bronco, is that not correct? so I couldn't take a 302 from a Fairlane and drop it in right? (aside from the incorrect 6 cyl engine mounts)

 

[DirtDonk]

Mostly correct. For sure the V8 version of the oil pan was at least 4-wheel drive truck related. Might have been in all the '66 to '79 four-wheel drive trucks, but it certainly was not found in cars.
Most cars had a "front sump" pan that held 5 quarts max. Most 2-wheel drive trucks had the same.
The 4-wheel drive versions were "rear sump" to clear the differential and held 6qts.

I'm not sure about the six cylinder engines, but very likely the same, or similar criteria.
The 351 Windsor did NOT use the same pan, even though it was of the same style. So while they look alike, one will not fit the other engine.

The oil pump pickup tube and the support bolt/stud that replaced one of the main bearing bolts are specific to the pans, so if you find a pan you like, always get the pickup tube and any support structure that goes along with it.

For the 6-cylinder engines, wait for someone to clarify if it's a 170ci only thing, or if an oil pan from a 200, or 240 might fit.
Ford used odd engine displacements and they did not always cross over. For example some were used in passenger cars only, while others might have been used in both.

Paul

 

[Rustytruck]

You might want to look for early econoline van. They used the 302, and a decent c-4 after 1969 still have to be converted to 4-wd modification. They also used the odd ball converter and flywheel.

 

[RODRIG3911]

Supposedly the Mexican 302 blocks are very desirable. They have a higher nickle content

 

[73azbronco]

I'm thinking those blocks of value long gone to drag race crowd.

 

[Skytrooper15]

Supposedly the Mexican 302 blocks are very desirable. They have a higher nickle content

From what I have read in engine rebuilding books the only difference in a Mexican block and a regular Windsor block is the main bearing caps are slightly thicker because the Mexican 302s were manufactured using a lower grade of steel from South America.High nickel blocks from Mexico is a myth so just stick with a made in the USA block.Or again if you want a Mexican 302 block go that route.

 

[langester]

I have a Mexican 302 block that came with my Bronco (Block with main caps only), it is sitting in the shop. I would be happy to take measurements if anyone would like them. I was always curious what the difference was.
I used an 89 roller engine that I freshened up. Always heard about the Mexican blocks but I know nothing about them. I kept it just in case someone was in need or wanted one.

 

[DirtDonk]

High nickel blocks from Mexico is a myth so just stick with a made in the USA block.

Wow, that's the first time I've heard that. Not doubting you, but wondering how you found this out? I've been hearing the higher nickel content thing for about 40 years and this is the first time I've heard it was a myth.
Very curious where that got started, or what it was about.

Paul

 

[Skytrooper15]

I think I got the info about the Mexican blocks from a Tom Monroe engine book.The nickel was about the same but the iron ore,I said steel in my post,is from Argentina and due to poor quality the Mexican blocks had thicker main bearing caps and thicker water jackets because they were sort of porous.If you have a Mexican block the engine code is like C9ME or a earlier or lower date.I read on the mustang forums that they were still looking for a C9OE or a D0OE because they say those are the blocks with the high nickel content block cast in Cleveland where most of the 302s and heads were cast.Ford only cast 302s in Windsor when they needed additional production.

 

[Skytrooper15]

Paul here is one source where I read about Mexican blocks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_small_block_engine

 

[DirtDonk]

thanks. I think I've read that before, but don't remember it being titled "small block" which still bugs me in a small way.
But I may have missed it (then and now) but did not see mention of the Mexican block or low/high nickel content.
Is it in there somewhere and I just glossed over it (blind?) or were you pointing out something else?

It's funny how they mention the fact that "Windsor is an enthusiast designation" but fail to mention the same thing about "small block" too!

Thanks again.

Paul

 

[Skytrooper15]

The info on the Mexican block is about 2/3rds down on that long winded article.Not only are the Mexican blocks not high nickel content but the bores wear out faster because on low quality iron ore.Then while looking around I found that the high nickel blocks are USA made from 1967 thru 1971.So a C70E thru a D1OE 302 are the high nickel block.Naturally I may have gotten bad info and if I have someone please correct me.

 

[DirtDonk]

Dang, and I went and sold my '71 engine!
Well, that's ok in the end because I have newer roller blocks which are ok for other reasons, and I don't need so many engines anyway?
Been putting off getting my '79 running so long now I'm tempted to get rid of that sweet '79 400 (also have a '71 model) and just putting a generic old injected 351W from a later model truck!
Decisions decisions... Glad I never put that much stock in Mexican blocks anyway, since I already had more than I needed and never push them to their limits anyway.

Thanks.
Now if I can just start spending more time in the garage instead of at the computer (both are fun!) I can start to weed out the fluff, chuff, and stuff.

Paul