Ford Repair: 68 mustang 289 / 390 engine swap, mustang 289, input shaft

Question
I read your comments about to the person wanting to buy a 390 and replace a 302.  Good to know that no change to the mounts will be necessary.  I am in the same situation w/ an old, tired 289 & I have a 390 that was built for a 76 3/4 ton and never used.  However, I am curious about hooking up to a 4-spd toploader.  I know there are different diameters on the input shaft.  Can I just get a pilot bushing machined or is there another issue?  Aftermarket bellhousings are sold but are they the same depth as the 289 housing?  If so, can I use the bellhousing from the old f-250?
Thanks much.

Answer
Jeremy-

  I honestly don't know about the input shaft.  Manual transmissions have never been my specialty and certainly not old school units like toploader 4 speeds.  My advice on that would be to get in touch with a shop in your area that does custom work (preferably on classic models) and see what they have to say.  I would imagine that aftermarket bellhousings follow the stock 390 bellhousing specs, so that may solve your problem right there.  Again, it'd probably be best to make sure by contacting whatever company makes the bellhousing and asking.  Hope this helps.

Steve