If you’ve got an ’80-’86 Bullnose Ford truck, you might’ve noticed that the stock 1G alternator struggles a bit when you start adding modern accessories like headlights, a better stereo, or an electric fan. A great solution is upgrading to a 3G alternator, which offers more power, better reliability, and smoother operation. Let’s break down why this swap is a smart move.

Why Upgrade from a 1G Alternator?

The 1G alternator found in Bullnose trucks puts out around 65 amps—enough for stock operation back in the day, but lacking for modern needs. Once you start adding things like aftermarket lighting or other electronics, the 1G can’t keep up. On top of that, it uses an external voltage regulator and fusible link wiring system, which can overheat and even melt. Think of it like trying to power your house with a flashlight—just not up to the task.

Benefits of the 3G Alternator

The 3G alternator, a mid-90s upgrade, brings quite a few perks:

• More Power: With output ratings from 90 to 130 amps, the 3G provides a big boost over the stock 1G’s 65 amps.
• Better Voltage Regulation: Internally regulated, the 3G eliminates the need for the problematic external regulator, offering more stable power.
• Improved Performance at Idle: You won’t experience dim lights or a stereo cutting out when idling, which are common issues with the 1G. If you’re running accessories like a winch or off-road lights, a 3G upgrade is almost essential.

Finding the Right 3G Alternator

You need to choose a 3G alternator that fits your setup:

• 90 vs. 130 Amp Models: The 90-amp versions have four vent holes in the front rib sections, while the 130-amp models have only two and are physically larger. If your truck has a single V-belt, the 90-amp version is your best bet, as single V-belts can only handle about 100 amps before they start slipping.
• Correct Mounting Ears: The Bullnose trucks require a side-mount alternator, with the ears at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions. Make sure your 3G fits your bracket without requiring major modifications.

Adapting for a V-Belt Setup

Most 3G alternators come with a serpentine pulley, so if your truck uses a V-belt, you’ll need to swap the pulleys. Simply remove the serpentine pulley on the 3G, then install the V-belt pulley from your 1G. You may need a shim to ensure proper alignment and prevent belt rub.

Upgrading Your Wiring

The 3G alternator has a heavy-duty charge stud, requiring a thicker gauge wire (4-gauge recommended) from the alternator to the battery or starter solenoid. Don’t forget to add a mega fuse in line to protect against shorts.

Where to Source a 3G Alternator

The 3G alternators were found in various Ford vehicles from the mid-’90s:

• 1994-95 Mustang (130 amp)
• Ford Taurus, Thunderbird
• E-Series Vans
• Lincoln Continental, Mercury Cougar

You can find these at junkyards, and they’ll bolt right up to your Bullnose with some wiring work. For those who prefer new parts, aftermarket options from companies like PA Performance and Tuff Stuff are available. They offer higher output ratings and often come with the necessary upgraded wiring, V-belt pulleys, and detailed installation instructions.

Why Make the Switch?

Upgrading to a 3G alternator is a solid move for any Bullnose owner dealing with modern electrical demands. It ensures your truck’s power system is up to the task, especially at idle or when using accessories. You’ll enjoy more power, better voltage stability, and reduced risk of overheating wiring—all without the fear of ending up with a melted connector on the side of the road.

Whether you go the junkyard route or choose a new aftermarket 3G, this swap is a great way to future-proof your classic truck and improve performance every time you turn the key.

If you want more specific information on Bullnose Ford Trucks, check out my YouTube Channel!

For more information on Bullnose Fords, you can check out the BullnoseFord SubReddit or Gary’s Garagemahal. Both are excellent resources.

In-Depth Look at the Ford 8.8-Inch Axle for Your Bullnose Truck or Mustang

In this video, we take a deep dive into the Ford 8.8-inch axle—one of the most trusted axles in Ford’s lineup. Whether you’re driving a Bullnose F-150 or upgrading your Mustang or Explorer, the 8.8 axle delivers on strength, versatility, and affordability. I’ll walk you through its history, technical specs, comparisons with the 9-inch, Dana 44, and 7.5-inch axles, and why it’s a popular choice for light-duty trucks and performance vehicles. Plus, I’ll share some upgrade tips if you’re planning to push more horsepower or do some serious off-roading.

If you’re thinking about upgrading or maintaining your Bullnose or any Ford with the 8.8 axle, this video’s for you. Grab your wrenches and let’s get into it!

Overview of the Ford 8.8-Inch Axle

Introduced in 1983, the Ford 8.8-inch axle was designed as a cost-effective replacement for the legendary 9-inch axle. It quickly became Ford’s go-to axle for light-duty trucks and performance vehicles. Found in models like the F-150 (1983-2014), Bronco (1983-1996), and Mustang (1986-2014), it offers a great balance of strength and affordability.

Strength and Versatility of the Ford 8.8

One of the 8.8-inch axle’s main advantages is its versatility. It’s tough enough to handle everything from street performance to off-roading. Whether you’re using your vehicle for towing or high-performance driving, the 8.8’s durability makes it a solid choice.

Technical Breakdown: Spline Counts and Gear Ratios

The Ford 8.8 comes with 28-spline or 31-spline axle shafts. While the 28-spline version is standard, the 31-spline is a stronger option for those pushing more horsepower or doing serious off-roading. Gear ratios also range from 2.73:1 to 5.13:1, allowing customization based on driving needs. Common ratios like 3.73:1 and 4.10:1 are popular for their balance between fuel efficiency and off-road performance.

Comparisons with the 9-Inch, Dana 44, and 7.5-Inch Axles

Compared to the Ford 7.5-inch axle, the 8.8 offers significantly more strength, making it suitable for high-torque applications. While not as heavy-duty as the Ford 9-inch axle, the 8.8 is lighter and more affordable, with a vast aftermarket for upgrades. When stacked against the Dana 44, the 8.8-inch holds its own in terms of strength but typically has better gear ratio options for customization.

Tips for Installing or Upgrading the 8.8-Inch Axle

Upgrading your 8.8-inch axle is made easy thanks to its widespread aftermarket support. Popular modifications include installing a limited-slip differential (LSD) for better traction and upgrading to 31-spline axle shafts for added strength. If you’re planning to change your gear ratio, consider how your driving style will benefit—lower ratios improve acceleration, while higher ratios enhance fuel efficiency.

If you want more specific information on Bullnose Ford Trucks, check out my YouTube Channel!

For more information on Bullnose Fords, you can check out the BullnoseFord SubReddit or Gary’s Garagemahal. Both are excellent resources.

Everything You Need to Know About the Legendary Ford 302 V8: History, Mods, and Common Issues

If you’re a fan of classic Fords, especially the Bullnose trucks from the ’80s, you’ve probably heard about the Ford 302 V8. This engine, also known as the 5.0 liter, has been around for decades, powering everything from Mustangs to F-Series trucks. In my latest video, I take you through the full story of the 302—from its introduction in 1968, all the way to its most popular modifications today.

Why the Ford 302 V8 is Still a Favorite for Engine Swaps

One of the things I love about the 302 is its versatility. Whether you’re restoring a Bullnose Ford or looking to add more power to your build, the 302 is a great option. In the video, I break down exactly why this engine is so well-suited for engine swaps in classic trucks and cars. It’s compact, lightweight, and has a huge aftermarket, which means parts are easy to find and upgrades are affordable.

Common Ford 302 Issues and How to Fix Them

No engine is perfect, and the Ford 302 has its share of common problems. In the video, I talk about some of the most frequent issues, like oil leaks around the valve covers and rear main seal, timing chain stretch, and even overheating in older vehicles. I also share a few tips on how to fix these problems—because, trust me, fixing a leaky 302 is a lot better than dealing with constant oil drips on your garage floor.

Ford 302 Performance Mods: Getting the Most Power Out of Your 5.0

If you’re looking for more power out of your 302, there are plenty of ways to get it. In the video, I cover everything from stroker kits to aftermarket cylinder heads. If you want to push your engine up to 400 or even 500 horsepower, I’ve got some great tips to help you hit those numbers. I also dig into exhaust upgrades and fuel injection conversions that can give your engine better airflow and improve both power and reliability.

Why You Should Watch This Video

Whether you’re working on a full engine swap or just curious about the best mods for the Ford 302, this video is packed with detailed info that’ll help guide your project. If you’ve been searching for reliable 302 performance upgrades, or wondering why this engine is still so popular for classic truck restorations, this video is definitely worth a watch.

Plus, I talk about common questions like:

• How do I choose the right transmission for my Ford 302?
• What’s the best way to fix oil leaks in an old 302?
• What are the best aftermarket heads for a 302 build?

So, if you’re serious about getting the most out of your Bullnose Ford or any project running a 302, give the video a look!

If you want more specific information on Bullnose Ford Trucks, check out my YouTube Channel!

For more information on Bullnose Fords, you can check out the BullnoseFord SubReddit or Gary’s Garagemahal. Both are excellent resources.

Hey folks, welcome back to Bullnose Garage! 🚗 Today, I’m giving you a quick overview of the various engines, transmissions, axles, carburetors, and common mods available for your 1980-1986 Bullnose Ford truck. Think of this as a lightning round—I’ll be scratching the surface of all the different options out there without diving too deep.

🔧 Engines Overview: I’ll quickly run through the engines that came stock in Bullnose trucks, along with a few popular swaps. From the trusty Ford 300 Inline 6 to the powerhouse 460 V8, this is just a taste of what’s available to help you get started on your build.

⚙️ Transmission Choices: Next, I’ll touch on the different transmission options. Whether you’re interested in the rugged Borg Warner T18 or the more modern ZF5, I’ll give you a snapshot of what each one offers.

🛠️ Axles & Suspension: I’ll also briefly go over the axles and suspension systems that can make or break your Bullnose’s performance. You’ll hear about the Dana 44, the Crown Vic front suspension swap, and more.

🔩 Popular Mods & Upgrades: Finally, I’ll highlight some of the most popular mods that can take your Bullnose to the next level. From rear disc brake conversions to steering upgrades, these are the go-to mods that folks love.

Remember, this video is just to give you an idea of what’s out there. If you’ve got a favorite mod or swap, let me know in the comments! 👍 If you found this overview helpful, please like and subscribe for more Bullnose content. Don’t forget to swing by my merch store to grab some gear and support the channel.

Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video!

Tags: #BullnoseFord #FordTruckEngines #FordTruckTransmissions #BullnoseFordMods #BullnoseEngineSwap #FordF150 #ClassicFordTrucks #Ford351Windsor #BorgWarnerT18 #BullnoseUpgrades #CrownVicSwap #Ford460V8 #ZF5Transmission #FordTruckAxles #FordTruckSuspension #FordTruckMods #BullnoseTransmissionSwap #F150EngineOptions #BullnoseFordUpgrades #FordTruckRestoration

In today’s video, we’re taking a close look at a set of stainless steel headers sent to me by DynoVox for my 351W engine. I’ll be unboxing these headers, examining their build quality, and sharing my honest thoughts on whether they’re worth the investment.

While I won’t be installing them just yet, you’ll get a detailed overview of what’s included in the package, including the hardware, gaskets, and more.

🔧 Learn More About DynoVox Products:

Intake and Exhaust Tuning Parts – DynoVox: https://dynovoxparts.com/?ref=bngarage

Buy the Exhaust Header: https://shorturl.at/bJ3cJ

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Key Points:

• 304 stainless steel construction
• 1.5mm thickness confirmed
• Pricing and three-year warranty discussion

Transparency Notice: DynoVox provided these headers for free in exchange for an honest review. I am not being paid for this review, and all opinions shared in this video are my own.

🔔 Subscribe to Bullnose Garage for more DIY projects, product reviews, and all things Bullnose Ford!

#BullnoseGarage, #DynoVox, #Headers, #351W, #FordTruck, #StainlessSteel, #Unboxing, #CarMods, #EngineBuild, #DIYAutomotive, #FordF150, #CarParts, #TruckBuild, #ExhaustSystem, #351Windsor

🔧 Welcome back to Bullnose Garage! Today, we’re diving deep into the legendary NP435 transmission—a true Workhorse that’s been powering Ford trucks for decades. Whether you’re restoring a classic Bullnose Ford, considering a transmission swap, or just curious about what makes this gearbox tick, this video has you covered. 🛠️

We’ll break down everything you need to know about the NP435, from its gear ratios and shift patterns to its compatibility with various engines and transfer cases. I’ll also share some personal insights on why I’m swapping out this trusty 4-speed for a more street-friendly option in my build. 🚚

If you love classic trucks, off-roading, or just appreciate solid, no-nonsense engineering, this is the video for you. Plus, stick around until the end for some laughs, and don’t forget to check out the merch store to get your “Granny Gear” on! 😂

📌 What You’ll Learn:

Detailed overview of the NP435 transmission
Gear ratios and shift patterns explained
How to maintain and rebuild your NP435
Why I’m upgrading to the ZF5 in my street truck build
And much more!

👉 Support the Channel: If you enjoyed this video, hit that like button, subscribe for more content, and drop a comment below. Got questions? I’d love to hear them! And if you’re feeling extra supportive, check out the Bullnose Garage merch store for some cool gear: BullnoseGarage.com/merch

Thanks for watching, and see you next time!

BullnoseGarage #FordTrucks #NP435 #ClassicTrucks #TransmissionSwap #OffRoading #DIYAutoRepair #TruckLife #CarRestoration #gearheads

If you want more specific information on Bullnose Ford Trucks, check out my YouTube Channel!

For more information on Bullnose Fords, you can check out the BullnoseFord SubReddit or Gary’s Garagemahal. Both are excellent resources.

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