So on the 460 if everything before 79 was internally balanced and 79 on up was externally balanced. a guy would assume that say an 85 Fly wheel would not work on a 74 motor because the fly wheel would have a balance weight on it correct? Wondering if there is a difference in the years or not.

It will probably bolt on, but, it isn't balanced right.
Just FWIW, there is no factory application for an extrenal balanced 460 flywheel, as Ford never did a 460/4 speed until 83.
I believe it's a 390 flywheel that's the correct one to use on an internal balance engine perhaps?
All of my junk is external balance...

Umm, If they didnt have a 4 speed then what did they have in the 70s? Not sure about the 390 fly wheel but im not even gunna go there. My engine is a 74. I can buy a fly wheel for a 74 F250 with 460 4 speed from auto zone and that should be a zero balance fly wheel because its pre 79. Think i may have to go this route.

Like 82F100SWB stated, you could only get an automatic behind a 460. I am guessing that either the flywheel is an aftermarket one or the guys at auto zone has no idea what he is talking about. You can take an external flywheel and have machine shop zero balanced it. That is what I did with a ZF flywheel.

So you guys are telling me that ford never put a manual trans behind a 460 in 1979 and earlier truck?

The first 460/manual was in 83, same with the first factory installed 460 in a 4x4.

On my internal balanced 460(78) I used a flywheel from a medium duty truck with a 370

Passenger cars came with 429 and manual trans. Tough to find now and the parts aren't cheap.

I've heard the 390 flywheel will bolt up but needs a special ring gear to work with the starter.

This is crazy. See older fords with 460 4 speeds all the time. Dam auto zone said they can order the dam thing, what a deal lol. Guess ill have to see if the machine shop can just zero out the balance on my current fly wheel. Should be able to do that huh?

Just use the flywheel from a 390, thats what everyone uses..

So just find a fly wheel at the yard from an old ford with a 390 4 speed and that will work? Does it have to be a 390 or will any FE work?

the Mcleod book says the FE flywheels are different ring gear diameter, close but not the same.

starter mounts to the bellhousing? so flywheel has to match the bellhousing in regards to ring gear diameter
what bell are you using?

My bell is just a normal 460 bell for a mid 80s truck with 4 speed manual and a hydrolic clutch. I suppose ill have to just have my wheel balanced huh?

or buy a new flywheel that is zero balance for a 429

The first 460 I swapped into my truck was a 74' Lincoln motor. I simply went to Six States and asked for a 12" pre-79' 460 flywheel. No problems. The flywheel from the original 351M would have worked, but they are all 11.5".

The first 460 I swapped into my truck was a 74' Lincoln motor. I simply went to Six States and asked for a 12" pre-79' 460 flywheel. No problems. The flywheel from the original 351M would have worked, but they are all 11.5".

351M flywheel don't fit 460's. Just thought I'd clear up the mis-information.