perf-list-digest Monday, September 28 1998 Volume 01 : Number 102



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Performance
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In this issue:

FTE Perf - Sleddog
FTE Perf - Rear Disc Brake Conversion and axle splines
FTE Perf - More on 9" Differentials
RE: FTE Perf - Boss 429
RE: FTE Perf - Sleddog
RE: FTE Perf - Rear Disc Brake Conversion and axle splines
FTE Perf - Boss 429
RE: FTE Perf - Boss 429
FTE Perf - Thermostats

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Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 21:27:12 -0400
From: "Ted C. Freeman"
Subject: FTE Perf - Sleddog

Sleddog,

I went to the Nascar race in Dover this past weekend and pasted a car with
Maryland plates that said "Sleddog" on them. I think you said you were from
Pa, but couldn't help but notice the plates. Maybe some one else out there
with a truck named "Sleddog"? I thought I'd send you a note about it. I
thought it was rather "neat".

Later,

Ted
oldparts ford-trucks.com


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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 10:27:26 -0400
From: "Mr. Paul R. Boudreault"
Subject: FTE Perf - Rear Disc Brake Conversion and axle splines

Hi Guys!

I have some questions about how easy (or not) it is to convert my rear
brakes on my 79 Bronco to Disc? I'm running at stock height with a fairly
modified 351M, (4 barrel, custom plasma top pistons, moderate cam, Jacobs
Ultra Team ignition, Balanced and Blue printed, etc.), producing about 300
net hp. Transmission is factory 4-speed manual, with stock transfer case.
Dana 44 in the front, ford nine-inch in the rear.

I am thinking about a possible small (2 to 4 ") suspension lift. I am
currently running Wrangler GSA 31 X 10.5 tires. (I may in the future move
to 33" tires.)

Anyway, I subscribe to the theory "More Power is better, but safety is the
most important". My understanding is that with these additions it puts a
great deal more stress on the braking system. Perhaps an upgrade is in
order?

Another question I have is I am changing (replacing) my driveshaft. I the
one I have has bad ends, (not just the U joints, but is now binding on the
splines when it does telescoping action during suspension travel. Should I
be looking into a "beefier" one? From where? Where I live it is difficult
to get a shop which will do the work. (You will not believe how long I have
been looking into this!)

Someone was mentioning splines on axle shafts? I read about 35-spline axles
are available for the ford nine inch. (It is probably aftermarket, or is
it?) Any comments? Are these better? What else do you have to change with
them? I will be changing my gears anyway. I am thinking 4.11's or maybe
4.56's with a Detroit Gear-less locker for the 44 and if they offer it for
the ford nine inch maybe for it too! So as long as I do not have to change
the rest could it be worth it?

(Also how many splines are there on my ford nine-inch? It is stock. I do
not really want to pull it apart to find out until I have to! If it is
already a 31 spline axle I probably will not change from it.)

Read about the 78 Bronco with the wiring problems, Lights, etc., and am
noticing similar problems with mine. I was thinking about replacing but was
not aware of any after harness available. Does "Painless Wiring" have a web
site? (If so what is the address.) How much would it cost approximately to
do this? (Some of my connector or so bad they actually crumble when
disconnected.)

Thanks in advance for any advice and comments.

Mr. Paul R. Boudreault
Retired RCAF/CAF
pboudreault sympatico.ca
79 Ford Bronco, 351M, 4-speed manual, currently being restored.

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Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 09:44:48 -0700
From: George
Subject: FTE Perf - More on 9" Differentials

The '69-77 Galaxie/Lincoln and '73-86 p/u will be the most common in
boneyards. The p/u has leaf spring pads while the passenger cars can be
recognized by the three link control arms. Be careful, Blue Oval, in all
it's wisdom, made them in 28 and 31 spline axle configurations. Easiest way
to recognize the difference is to look at the axle splines. The 31 is a
straight shaft with the diameter remaining equal from the spline throughout
the axle length. The 28 tapers down to a thinner shaft right behind the
spline. According to Currie Enterprises, and they do know a thing or two
about 9" differentials, either of those two are recommended for extreme
duty, high performance use. Currie and others recommend a pre-'72 31 spline
axle, not the housing, for shortening purposes.

Widths, flange to flange, will be important for your application.
'57-72 1/2T p/u - 61 1/4"
'73-86 1/2T p/u - 65 1/4"
'69-77 Galaxie/Lincoln - 65"
'66-77 Bronco - 58" - these are getting expensive due to the resto rod
crowd liking the narrow width and the restoration of early Broncos.

Even junkies way back in the woods know the value of the earlier units but
you never know, a nodular iron unit is probably gathering dust in a corner
of some yard near you.

George miller


Gary, you asked if the truck's Dana 44 currently has discs? No it doesn't.
I was just thinking ahead and wondering if I couldn't upgrade the rear
brakes and
the rear end to a 9" at the same time without any more effort than picking
the right unit. But I see the issue 28 vs 31 splines is significant, and
if the
discs come with the 28's I'll go for the 31 splines and drums. I can
always update to
rear discs at some future date with an aftermarket kit or whatever if it's
worth it to
me at that time. Thanks for your suggestion, Gary, about going with the
460 crank. I
plan to do just that. George thanks for the specifics on makes/models
regarding
the 9" rear ends. It will help me in my hunt. Thanks sleddog for all your
info. and to everyone else as well.


Tom
All grown up still plays with trucks.



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Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 11:10:37 -0400
From: Sleddog
Subject: RE: FTE Perf - Boss 429

hmm, i'd gladly exchange a "stock" 429 WIth wires, in trade fo rthe boss!

sleddog

- ----------
From: Chris Samuel[SMTP:fourmuelz email.msn.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 26, 1998 11:47 PM
To: Perf-List; 61-79-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: FTE Perf - Boss 429

Anyone know who makes spark plug wires for a Boss 429?
This late on a Sat. Night my resources have struck out.
Not looking for factory replacement stuff.
This "Babe" will be making power!
I think that I have a Pt. # on some Taylor Wires!
Anyone else?
Direct replies or back to the list ether way is ok.

Thankz
Chris

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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 12:49:15 -0400
From: Sleddog
Subject: RE: FTE Perf - Sleddog

i have found on the net that there are MANY people using "sleddog". to my
knowledge i am the only one in the automotive lists and such.

SWMBO just got me a plate (not a real pate,but those yuo get at fairs and
such) that says sleddog, gonna put it on the truck sometime. i have been
waiting as the new pull truck doesn't have a name. waiting to see if i can
get sponsorship up, and then the truck takes on the name of the sponsor.

wonder how many other plates out there in the US say sleddog?

sleddog

- ----------
From: Ted C. Freeman[SMTP:oldparts ford-trucks.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 1998 9:27 PM
To: perf-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: FTE Perf - Sleddog

Sleddog,

I went to the Nascar race in Dover this past weekend and pasted a car with
Maryland plates that said "Sleddog" on them. I think you said you were
from
Pa, but couldn't help but notice the plates. Maybe some one else out there
with a truck named "Sleddog"? I thought I'd send you a note about it. I
thought it was rather "neat".

Later,

Ted
oldparts ford-trucks.com


== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html




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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 12:52:26 -0400
From: Sleddog
Subject: RE: FTE Perf - Rear Disc Brake Conversion and axle splines

the drive shafts, many companies can do it by mail. look in the 45 wheeler/off road type rags for adverts.

the detroit is avaliable for the 44 and 9" AFAIK.

no way to tell # of splines, without removal of axle unles the tag on the housing says it.

sleddog

- ----------
From: Mr. Paul R. Boudreault[SMTP:pboudreault sympatico.ca]
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 1998 10:27 AM
To: perf-list-digest ford-trucks.com
Subject: FTE Perf - Rear Disc Brake Conversion and axle splines

Hi Guys!

Anyway, I subscribe to the theory "More Power is better, but safety is the
most important". My understanding is that with these additions it puts a
great deal more stress on the braking system. Perhaps an upgrade is in
order?

Another question I have is I am changing (replacing) my driveshaft. I the
one I have has bad ends, (not just the U joints, but is now binding on the
splines when it does telescoping action during suspension travel. Should I
be looking into a "beefier" one? From where? Where I live it is difficult
to get a shop which will do the work. (You will not believe how long I have
been looking into this!)

Someone was mentioning splines on axle shafts? I read about 35-spline axles
are available for the ford nine inch. (It is probably aftermarket, or is
it?) Any comments? Are these better? What else do you have to change with
them? I will be changing my gears anyway. I am thinking 4.11's or maybe
4.56's with a Detroit Gear-less locker for the 44 and if they offer it for
the ford nine inch maybe for it too! So as long as I do not have to change
the rest could it be worth it?

(Also how many splines are there on my ford nine-inch? It is stock. I do
not really want to pull it apart to find out until I have to! If it is
already a 31 spline axle I probably will not change from it.)

Thanks in advance for any advice and comments.

Mr. Paul R. Boudreault
Retired RCAF/CAF
pboudreault sympatico.ca
79 Ford Bronco, 351M, 4-speed manual, currently being restored.

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html



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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 10:05:00 -0700
From: George
Subject: FTE Perf - Boss 429

Why not use one of the 'universal' cut to length kits in 8 or 9mm? I've
been using Mallory's Sidewinder 8mm, which comes with 45 and 90 degree
boots, on my non-Boss 460 and the end result fits far better than the so
called factory matches I've tried in the past. A Boss 429; drool, lust,
gimme! Is this replacing the Bronco 400? Heh Heh.

George Miller

Anyone know who makes spark plug wires for a Boss 429?
This late on a Sat. Night my resources have struck out.
Not looking for factory replacement stuff.
This "Babe" will be making power!
I think that I have a Pt. # on some Taylor Wires!
Anyone else?
Direct replies or back to the list ether way is ok.

Thankz
Chris

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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 14:00:16 -0400
From: Sleddog
Subject: RE: FTE Perf - Boss 429

prob with the boss is the boots, boots are lika mopar hemi right?

sleddog

- ----------
From: George[SMTP:mega55 lv.rmci.net]
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 1998 1:05 PM
To: Ford Truck Performance List (E-mail)
Subject: FTE Perf - Boss 429

Why not use one of the 'universal' cut to length kits in 8 or 9mm? I've
been using Mallory's Sidewinder 8mm, which comes with 45 and 90 degree
boots, on my non-Boss 460 and the end result fits far better than the so
called factory matches I've tried in the past. A Boss 429; drool, lust,
gimme! Is this replacing the Bronco 400? Heh Heh.

George Miller

Anyone know who makes spark plug wires for a Boss 429?
This late on a Sat. Night my resources have struck out.
Not looking for factory replacement stuff.
This "Babe" will be making power!
I think that I have a Pt. # on some Taylor Wires!
Anyone else?
Direct replies or back to the list ether way is ok.

Thankz
Chris

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html



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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 19:11:48 -0700
From: George
Subject: FTE Perf - Thermostats

Alan, from the Fordnatics List, granted me permission to forward his post,
below, to a thread on that list. With a high volume water pump, I'm
picking up a 180 Robert Shaw this week.

George Miller


> I had a gauge that read around 210 with a 180 in there. I suspected that
> the gauge was bad, so I replaced it with an Autometer electric gauge. It
> now reads around 200.
>
> SO the question, with a 180 thermostat, what should I be seeing for
> temperatures at the gauge? The sender is in the stock location, in the
> front water crossover.

That depends on your thermostat. I went through my entire cooling
system a few weeks ago, and in the process decided to test a few
thermostats I have lying around. The results are as follows:

Brand Rating Begins Opening Fully Open
Robert Shaw 160 140 155
Robert Shaw 180 165 180
Stant 180 180 190
Stock 192 195 200

I tested them using a decent meat thermometer in a pot of water on the
stove (my wife wasn't home at the time...). Granted, I'm sure there are....

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