1976 2F Rocker Shaft Ideas

[MudDauber]

Guys,

I'm working on a 1976 2F engine rebuild and the rocker shaft I have has seen better days, looks like a few of the rocker positions are worn around 0.010" out of spec. A new replacement rocker shaft looks to be NLA. I was wondering if I could:
1. Use a 3F rocker assembly (shaft and rocker arms)...if so, can I use my existing towers/stands, fasteners, lifters and pushrods? I'm thinking the pushrods I have would not be applicable as the 3F rockers have smaller lash adjustment screws, correct me if I'm wrong here. Also, on the 2F, tower #4 is for oiling, is that the same on a 3F set-up? What hardware would need to be replaced to accommodate the 3F rocker assembly?
2. Are there companies that will repair/re-chrome rocker shafts?
3. Other ideas?

I did put a wanted ad on Mud, will see what shakes loose.

Thank you!

 

[zebrabeefj40]

There are shops that will rechrome and regrind the rocker shaft. Someone like this Hydraulic Chrome Plating - United Surface Finishing - https://www.unitedsurfacefinishing.com/hydraulic-repair/
You might ask a local to you machine shop or hydraulic shop if someone in your area does that kind of work.

Nick

 

[MudDauber]

Thanks man, think this is the way

 

[MudDauber]

Well, after a bit of research it seems like it may be feasible to run a 3F rocker assembly with later 2F pushrods. I looked through some older posts on Mud and circa 2008 @MiniPigg had done this in the thread below but there was a lot of clatter due to shorter 3F pushrods and maybe the delta in pushrod cup vs. the adjuster nut. @MiniPigg did you eventually swap out the adjuster bolts and/or did you get the longer newer 2F pushrods or abandon the 3F rocker assembly?

Has anyone else ran a 3F rocker assembly on a '76 vintage 2F? Are there any other obstacles I should consider (maybe 2F valve cover clearances)? Really appreciate any insight on this that Mud can provide. Thanks.

Fishing for

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[zebrabeefj40]

I have built 2 2FE motors using the 3FE head/rocker shaft, rocker assembly and late 2F push rods. One ran fine in an FJ60. Sold that one about a week after getting it going so no long term data. The second is still under construction (2FE into a '77 FJ40 - motor is done but the rest of the truck is not). The second is also based on a later 2F from an FJ60 with late push rods. I expect no issues out of it either.

Not sure if a 3FE rocker assembly will work on a 2F head. Oil holes in the rocker shaft stands lining up with oil holes in the head would be my biggest concern.

Nick

 

[zebrabeefj40]

FWIW Specter Off Road shows that rockers are the same from 1/84 to 1/92 which means the late 2F rockers and 3FE rockers are the same. Rockauto shows the rocker shaft being the same for the same years.

My guess is that if you can use the entire rocker assembly 2F or 3FE and late 2F push rods it will work on your early 2F (early 2F being '75-'81, late being '81 and newer). IIRC the 2F push rod length is the same over the entire 2F family.

Nick

 

[MudDauber]

Thanks brother. I'll check and verify the oil holes. I wanted to see if anyone had success with the 2F engine...guess I'll see when it shows up.

Thanks again

 

[MiniPigg]

Well, after a bit of research it seems like it may be feasible to run a 3F rocker assembly with later 2F pushrods. I looked through some older posts on Mud and circa 2008 @MiniPigg had done this in the thread below but there was a lot of clatter due to shorter 3F pushrods and maybe the delta in pushrod cup vs. the adjuster nut. @MiniPigg did you eventually swap out the adjuster bolts and/or did you get the longer newer 2F pushrods or abandon the 3F rocker assembly?

Has anyone else ran a 3F rocker assembly on a '76 vintage 2F? Are there any other obstacles I should consider (maybe 2F valve cover clearances)? Really appreciate any insight on this that Mud can provide. Thanks.

Fishing for

forum.ih8mud.com

Brother,

Gosh I’ve lost allot of brain cells since then. I barely remember much other than having a vacuum leak. We were also having some issues setting the distributor up for some reason. I think the 2F head is not as tall as the 3FE and my was machined so with it all I think I stayed with the 2F push rods but you can always measure them for the right size. Even get a set cut to the proper length.

 

[MiniPigg]

Also remember the 1974 2F has a different head than the later model 2F’s.

 

[MudDauber]

Thanks for the reply @MiniPigg

I'm going to try running the 3F rocker assembly with later (1979-87) push rods and everything else stock 1976 2F...will see how it goes.

 

[MiniPigg]

Thanks for the reply @MiniPigg

I'm going to try running the 3F rocker assembly with later (1979-87) push rods and everything else stock 1976 2F...will see how it goes.

Just measure it all out and turn the motor by hand several revolutions so you know is operating correctly. Check the wear on your rocker arm shaft. You should be able to flip it and gain a fresh side for the bearing to rest on. Idk… it’s all math… if the numbers measure out then it should operate correctly.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Thanks for the reply @MiniPigg

I'm going to try running the 3F rocker assembly with later (1979-87) push rods and everything else stock 1976 2F...will see how it goes.

Did you ever determine the solution to this question? Thanks!

 

[MudDauber]

I bought a good used 3F rocker assembly (towers, rod, rockers, etc.) with coordinated pushrods...have about 500 miles on a freshly rebuilt 2F, so far so good

 

[MudDauber]

FWIW, I did find a cruiser site that was selling new 2F rods...but it was too late by that point in the build. If you need the site reference, let me know and I can look it up.