ford small block v8 swap questions.

[minitrucker6669]

Searched all over the interwebs and can't find any build info.
I'm planning a swap into my 95 ext cab 2wd this winter. Got q ford 302 and auto trans. I plan on getting a new transmission cross member built and possibly a new engine depending on fitment.
Now does anybody have info on what rear end to use and driveshaft?
Id like too keep the leafs and run traction bars( the front will be on air to eliminate torsions)
But I can't find info on any builds. Everybody seems too do full blown builds with custom frames and I basically want a v8 swapped into my truck.
If somebody has links, specs, or pics please share!

[minitrucker6669]

Bumpity

[alabama_lowlife]

Well, it's basically the same as a SBC swap. There are a couple guys on here with 302 swaps. The stock Nissan rearend can handle the power. If you want limited slip you can grab the H233 with a LSD. It's a bad ass and can handle even more than the stock rear. Drive shaft will have to be custom built. Once you have the engine and transmission dropped in there you use the front of the ford shaft (at least the yoke) and the back of the Nissan shaft.

[minitrucker6669]

Awesome. That makes things quicker and cheaper. I eventually plan to run a 5 SPD so I'll leave the engine stock with auto trans and my stock rear end until I get the 5speed and an LSD rear. Works for me. Now driveshaft, got any info on that? I'll have too swap too a one piece correct?

[alabama_lowlife]

You don't have to swap to a one piece. You can just get the ford yoke welded to the front half of the Nissan driveshaft...IF they're the same diameter. That's something you'll just have to evaluate when you get the parts and take them to the driveshaft or machine shop.

[mytmouz]

I went with a sbc, but for the driveshaft I used a stock gm driveshaft that the local driveline shop shortened to my specs, and I bought a spicer flange from them that took the larger chevy joint and bolted to the stock rear. Since I had the shaft, they supplied the flange, both u joints, and shortened/balanced it all for less than $150...

[cadillacdude1975]

not bad at all.

[minitrucker6669]

Well I'll be damned. This swap is getting easier and cheaper the more I learn. At first I figured I'd have to run all new drive train parts. Glad I just need to replace engine trans and first drive shaft. Maybe I can get this beast takin care of in less then a month! I'll talk to my ford guys and see when they say driveshaft wise.