New 1966 Owner

[gaforester]

I recently purchased a 1966 f100 that is in pretty good shape. I plan on putting a 385 series motor in with a top loader 4 spd. How does the twin ibeam handle with the disc brake and ps swap. I have been reading many opinions on everything from dropped beams, ifs, cv swap, etc. The donor motor is pretty stout so strength, and a comfortable ride are priorities. I just want to make the right choice before the motor swap. Also, is ther anybody in the middle ga area that has expertise with these trucks as I may need some help. Thanks for any input and I really love the forum.

[Casey 65]

From the home of Slick Stock 5!

[FORDMANLCRACKEL]

from North Carolina

Lonnie

[William-in-St George]

Things get a little tense after 80mph or so. PS, PDB, Radial tires, gas shocks, and a front sway bay will help. But these old beasties push a lot of air and the air pushes back. I find myself driving in traffic and at or below 65 mph 90 percent of the time and the old Ford handles just fine. Once in a while I like to get on it when someone pi$%#@ me off like I dont have a lot of power in an old Ford truck. 385 series is a bolt in deal with 100 percent Ford parts. Mine makes around 350 hp with a c6 and 9 inch. Plenty of get up and go.

[gaforester]

Thanks for the help. I have rebuilt numerous 47-58 Chevys but this is one of the first fords. Am I correct that 73-79 parts will interchange? What about the factory spring rate with the 460?

[huskilvr]

From Seattle, WA. I love my 66'. Good luck with your engine upgrade!

[Uncle Skip]

First, welcome to our little family.
Lots of 385 engines here and they work well in our trucks.
Actually, they're lighter than to original FE motors that came in the trucks starting in '65 when you take those cast iron intakes off, so if you have the spring pack for the FE truck, you're golden.
I highly suggest you start looking in the junk yards for a front sway bar.... Camper Special up thru '78. Can't help you more than that, except you need the big motor mount towers and they should be available from some of our members.
I have a manly man straight axle '62 truck.
Dropped I-beams? Crap shoot. Somebody here will help you on that one too.
Tell us where you're located. I can almost guarantee that there is someone near you.
Glad to have you with us. You'll like us a lot better than the brand X crowd....
Uncle Skip

[Brians1966]

FROM Kansas City Mo. enjoy your slick

[JojoDVM]

Howdy from Texas!

[Blackwaterforge]

Welcome!
The stock front end has forged I beams and radius arms. They are stout, dependable and low maintenance.
It is easy to add power steering, power brakes and sway bars using all Ford parts.
Mine is a F-250 and I have disc brakes from a 73 with dual master cylinder and proportioning valve.
I added a front sway bar from a 78 f-250.
I kept the manual steering and the truck drives and stops good loaded or unloaded.

[BigMike]

Welcome from GA.

'65 F250 here with front power disks and power steering from a '71 F250.

[Johnny Canuck]

Welcome, from the Great White North, eh?

[Hunter's 64]

Hard to follow Bob and Doug but welcome from Sunny Florida

Danny

[Anthony]

Welcome to the Slickest place on the Web.. from West Virginia... Sounds like you all ready have a "plan of action" keep asking the questions and some one here will for sure know the answers...

[grump]

Welcome from N.W. Ohio.

[Greg D]

Welcome to Slick 60s.

[ezernut9mm]

welcome from the great state of missouri. have fun with that truck.

[Alan Mclennan]

Yeah G`day from down here! , you just can`t beat a 66~

[gaforester]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I am located in Monticello, GA. Do any members have a camper special front sway bar or 385 series motor mounts for sale? Also would be interested in any of the ps and disc brake parts that members may have available?
Thanks

[Uncle Skip]

I have some new rubber motor mounts. Someone correct me, but I think the regular V-8 engine stands will work. You might have to notch the drivers side for header clearance though.
Let me know if you're interested in the mounts. I'll make you a deal.