170 and 3 spd trans swap...is it even stevens?

Got a 62 econoline with a tired out 170 and 3 spd trans.....
I want to swap it with a 1965 170 cu in and 3 spd trans...that's a lot stronger with less miles.
Am I looking at a lot of problems or is it gonna be an even swap?
What should I look for? Is there any way of checking VIN plates?

You should be OK. It makes a difference what rear axle you are using. 7 inch rears have a shorter pinion than 7.25 rears by about one inch. 7's only came in 144 trucks. All 170's used the 7.25 except for heavy duty's that had the nine inch. The 62 should have the crash box trans, the 65 should have a fully syncro'd trans. Difference is the output shaft. 62 has a slip joint yoke, 65 will have a fixed yoke. Get the drive shaft that goes with the proper trans when you swap. Ford never made a fixed yoke shaft that will work with the 7 inch rear so that shaft will need to be shortened if you do indeed have the 7 inch rear. 7.25 will be fine.

Duane in Tennessee.

The transmission to frame mount is different between the two years.

Yep, what he said. I completely forgot about that. Adapters are available. The tailshaft housing from a 63-64 trans will interchange with the 65-67 transmission tailshaft housing.

Duane in Tennessee.

Are the tailshaft adapters available at the local NAPA parts store or do you haVE TO DO A LOT OF JUNK YARD and ebay hunting?

Sean O'Dell sells a very nice machined aluminum adapter designed by Eugene Phillips. You can contact Sean at shaggy069@earthlink.net

Ky Tim would be your best bet at finding a tailshaft housing. You can find him at EconoUSAparts@fuse.net

Duane in Tennessee.

Hey Duane and Barnabus..thanks
This site is absolutely great for the comradery and the information.
Jim