I have a 56 272 and wanted to switch out the distributor with one for the 64 f 100 292. I heard its a direct swap and I have it in my hand. I noticed that the shaft on the 64 is an inch or so shorter than on my stock. Do I have the wrong one or do I need to do something with this 64s?

The difference is because your 56 is what is called a loadamatic - which means "crap"amatic... just kidding, but it is a lousy distributor. I has only vacuum advance and was built to match ONLY carbs that will send it the right signal. Any carb from 1957 and on will NOT send the right signal to the 56 and earlier distributors. If you are switching distributors, modify your carb to give the right signal or replace your carb with a 57 and/or newer model.

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com