I am rebuilding to convert a I6 to a 302. I have a front disc conversion kit and a new pitman arm but I undersatand there are issues with the cross linkage and the l pan.. Anyone have advice before I go at her

 

You will also need the V8 idler arm, center link, and tie rods.

 

Yep, you need to replace EVERYTHING to do the V8 steering. None of your I6 steering parts will work for it.
So get everything gathered up before you even start trying to put it back together.

Lynn

 

2+2: how about pitman arm. i thought you'd need that as well ?!

Michael3855: realistically you want to change
a) the steering linkage
b) the brakes (spindles etc)
c) the rear axle if it has that 7.5" (or 7.25"?) integral rearend.
this way you will be able to fit 5lug wheels

so the shopping list would be:
a) steering linkage conversion kit (got mine from CSRP)
b) disc brake conversion kit for the front (same, CSRP)
c) probably a full used rear axle from 8 cylinder (check what you have)
d) 4 new wheels (in case you can re-use your tires)

that I think is the minmum ?!

 

just find someone who's parting out an 8 cylinder car and buy all the stuff at once. are you going with manual or power steering?

 

Thanks everyone who replied. I have the csrp kit, pitman arm, cross linkage etc. I have an 8inch rear end ( and a day of removing the axles ...well rusted on differential is in great shape though . My engine is a 302 from a 95 explorer and I have the gt heads for it. My question for those that have done this before is about the cross linkage clearance across the oil pan.. I know I'll have to change the one that on there as the deep reservoir will get in the way. Anyone needed to change theirs?

 

Oh- the Explorer oil pan has to go. No way you can use that. You'll need the correct oil pan, and oil pickup tube.

 

If your running a '95 motor you need to change your pan to the stock vintage style pan and go with a front sump pick up.
I've got this one for my '93 Cobra motor. http://www.jegs.com/i/Trans-Dapt/969...rentProductId=
http://www.jegs.com/i/Milodon/697/18620/10002/-1
Lynn

 

My plan is to stick with manual steering. It wasn't an issue with the straight 6. Does the extra weight of the v8 make a big difference?

 

I did this conversion and can't speak of the difference in handling as I pulled the 6 after driving it for 50 feet, but with the V8, it's no real problem unless you do a ton of parking lot driving. As for the drag link/center link, my 6 cyl link would just touch the oil pan. I didn't know this was different until I researched it a bit. I bought a 66 w/v8 to scrap it out and stole the linkage from it. There's nothing similar between it and the 6 cyl. linkage. So, as a refresher to what's needed: V8 center link, idler arm, pitman arm, inner tie rod ends, adjusting sleeves, outer tie rod ends based on which spindles are used, a front sump oil pan with matching pickup. The front spindles on a 6 cyl use smaller tapers and the tie rod ends use smaller threads so it matters which spindles you used.