WTF- Flexplate

[highlander1]

OK, I've been doing so much reading I'm totally confused and running together - I've got a 1974 Bronco, 76 running gears and wanting to install a 1985 F-250 351W. I do have the 1" lift. Ive got the front dress off of an early model 302 mustang,(so my friend said). I'm using the original C4 and transfer case. I do have a small bell housing I found recently. I guess my question is which flex plate and torque converter is to use? 28 oz flex plate and original torque converter? I know these questions have been addressed several times, just to much to remember. I think what i need is the 28oz flex plate to go along with the early 302 damper, just wanting some clarification and and how about the starter?

 

[Rbuddy98]

I believe you need the 50oz flex plate with matching harmonic balancer if you’re running a later model motor. You definitely don’t want to miss match with early and later model engines.

 

[rguest3]

Original C4 From the 74 Bronco? If so, you are all good since it has the Small Block Ford Bell Housing. 302 and 351W have the same SBF Bell Housing Pattern.

The 351W (All Years) has the same 28oz Balance as the original 302. So, Original Flexplate (28oz., 164 Tooth) and Torque Convertor will fit. If you are keeping the 351W stock than the Torque convertor will be fine as long as it's in good shape.

Use the Balancer on the 351W if its still good. The original starter will work with the 351W as it did with the 302.

What Mustang Set-up? Serpentine? The Fox Body 87-93 Serpentine will Not fit the 351W.

 

[highlander1]

http://mustangtek.com/sidebyside/SmallblockFordflywheelsize.html

 

[highlander1]

Using the same set-up on the front that came with truck engine, pulley system.

 

[jckkys]

I agree. All the front parts just transfer to the 351. An oil pan for 351s is all you need. There's no reason to change anything. Just take the timing cover, water pump, harmonic damper, flex plate, all the pulleys belts, and brackets to put on the 351. You will need the 351 conversion adaptors here;https://www.tomsbroncoparts.com/pro...289302-to-351w-alternator-power-steering-pump.

 

[highlander1]

What's the point in changing parts from a 302, since damper and flex plates are 28 oz 1968-80 and 351w are 28oz from 1969-1997...mines a 1985 351W from a pickup. So whats the difference in dampers and flex plates? And other than water pump hose placements? Am i missing something, Just curious.

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/the-secret-to-balancing-small-block-fords/

 

[Broncobowsher]

I believe you need the 50oz flex plate with matching harmonic balancer if you’re running a later model motor. You definitely don’t want to miss match with early and later model engines.

Not with the 351. The above advise is only valid with the 302.

 

[jckkys]

All 351Ws have a 28oz. imbalance. So do all the early Bronco 289s and 302s. The front dress is designed to work with the radiator, hoses, etc. In other words most all the parts needed are already on your existing V8. The exceptions are the adapters for the power steering and alternator pivot bolts to compensate for the taller deck hieght of 351Ws. A 351 oil pan is obviously required and the 351 Fox/Panther body pan is the best readily available. After 1970 Ford changed the non Bronco crank pulley on 302 and 351 engines to a 4 bolt type that won't work on early Broncos. Don't use the four bolt damper on your '85 351. Just use the 3 bolt from the 302. Early Broncos used the 3 bolt dampers through '77.

 

[highlander1]

got it

Since the 351W is 28oz I replace the damper to a three bolt from early 302 and keep my flex-plate thats already on engine...