7.3 swap into a 78 ford

Rogernd · Mar 24, 2019

I'm sure this has been asked many times but I'm looking for some tips on putting a 7.3 idi into a 78 f150 with a zf5 speed, I'm debating on keeping the 203 and build a doubler but want to run the original t-case that came with the zf5 for now, I want to know is what people used for engine mounting to the frame and how did people bolt the master cylinder to the fire wall and did you use the brakes and clutch pedals from the donor truck or how did everyone do it

68f2506.9 · Mar 25, 2019

I am doing similar, a 6.9 in a 78 f250 frame and a 68 body. I think it is titled 1968 f250 2wd 360 to 4x4 6.9. If you search my profile it should come up. I have not posted in it in a while cause I am repainting the body. But I did have the 6.9 running with the zf5 and a 205 tcase. Should be a lot of pics of engine mounts and whatnot in there.

Rogernd · Mar 25, 2019

I tried to look it up but couldn't find any pictures I'll keep looking

68f2506.9 · Mar 25, 2019

It is named:
1968 f250 2wd 360 to 4x4 6.9 swap

DrCharles · Mar 25, 2019

Note that OP says he has an F-150, not a 250... this swap may not be the best choice due to the enormous weight of the IDI.

IDIBRONCO · Mar 25, 2019

DrCharles said:
Note that OP says he has an F-150, not a 250... this swap may not be the best choice due to the enormous weight of the IDI.

I don't know about that. If people swap them into Broncos and still use the half ton axles, it may not be all that bad. especially since the 4x4s all still used solid axles in 1978. I believe that Justin Anderson at R&D IDI Performance still had thee half ton axles in his Bronco.

68f2506.9 · Mar 25, 2019

Yeah and the 9" rears are strong and the f250's use the d44 front axle similar to the half ton version.

Rogernd · Mar 25, 2019

I'm going to run the 9inch and the Dana 44 for now but I have a 10.25 to go in I just have to regear it to match the front axle I want to know about the master cylinder how everyone out it in and did they use the brake pedals or make some else

austin92 · Mar 25, 2019

Brakes shouldn’t be effected. Leave the master where it’s at and run the brakes as is. Just have to plumb the booster to the vacuum pump. Not sure on the throttle, I’d guess the cable is too short but the clutch pedal definitely won’t work, 78 was still mechanical, zf5 is hydraulic

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68f2506.9 · Mar 26, 2019

I cut a hole in my firewall to the inside of the brake booster for the hydraulic clutch master. Had to mod the pedal a bit to push to the firewall instead of to the floor. Just moved the lever about 90 degrees.

Thewespaul · Mar 26, 2019

FYI, an fe and bbf weigh about 700 lbs, and an idi weighs 900 lbs. You will be fine with the 44 and nine inch, I’d put the money towards getting discs for the nine inch instead of regearing the 10.25. Theres several ways to setup the engine swap, some guys leave the transfer case mount in its stock location, mount the transfer case to that then build engine mounts wherever that lands the idi. This keeps your driveshafts the same length but generally puts the idi pretty far forward and the crossmember needs notching. I prefer to set the engine further back closer to the stock engine mounts and rework the driveshafts.

Rogernd · Mar 26, 2019

Thanks I'll keep that in mind

catbird7 · Mar 26, 2019

Thewespaul said:
FYI, an fe and bbf weigh about 700 lbs, and an idi weighs 900 lbs. You will be fine with the 44 and nine inch, I’d put the money towards getting discs for the nine inch instead of regearing the 10.25. Theres several ways to setup the engine swap, some guys leave the transfer case mount in its stock location, mount the transfer case to that then build engine mounts wherever that lands the idi. This keeps your driveshafts the same length but generally puts the idi pretty far forward and the crossmember needs notching. I prefer to set the engine further back closer to the stock engine mounts and rework the driveshafts.

Was thinking the same thing, similar weight. Been kicking around a Bronco IDI build for a while, there's an awfully tempting 79 Bronco on local CL right now, current project is coming to an end, and I have a complete 7.3 idi with Banks turbo sitting on engine stand in the garage............. I could end up on the couch again!

Rogernd · Mar 26, 2019

I'd like to do the swap as easy as possible and the cheapest as possible so keeping the t-case in the same spot will save money on the drive lines how are people working the master cylinder for the clutch

68f2506.9 · Mar 26, 2019

Here is a pic you can see the clutch master to the inside of the hydroboost.

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7.3 swap into a 78 ford

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