Hello Everyone,

My name is Dan and I am a long time Ford fan. I just bought a ... yeah, you guessed it... a 1978 Supercab. 4x4! Bet you didn't know that!?
I have a little experience with being a mechanic...lightweight, like stright 10w. But I find my way around the garage. I love winter, I love snow. I work in a foundry, making copper alloy bars for manufacturing so my job is hot. In fact I bet my job is illegal with the clothes I wear. But, I have a family to feed and being a soldier is the only other real option I have. Been there done that I want to stay with the family unless I am greatly needed.

So this truck is to actually save me money... in the long run. See, I can't work on the computerized cars. I need a car I can really play with. And you just cant play without a carb...

So enough with the intro, what can you tell me about this truck? What should I do to it or what should I check to make sure it has potencial to get me back and fourth to work and haul some firewood.

What I know :

1978 Ford F-150 Supercab Longbed 4x4 Automatic 351M in running condition.

What I don't know... everything not listed above haha... except he added another spring to the back leafs. I would imagine a C6 tranny?

When I get it home tomorrow it would rock to have a few tips or concerns about my new rig. I think I can fit it in the garage?

Pics, and I will post more pics tomorrow with the "goodies" that you know the owner knew, but failed to mention.

On the other hand, I can not attach yet, must be a noob thing. So instead I'll ask a few questions.

What carb should come on this 351m stock from factory? And what cfm is it? How many barrels? Electric or manual choke?

The guy said a mechanic buddy of his did an overview on it and said possible cam... so in turn I understand it could have a possible problem. It does have headers, glasspacks, exhaust leaks. Will do my best to fix most important problems first.

What kind of lubes and oils should I stock up on? Is there a best place or a few places for used or new parts?

Any help I will be grateful for. I have a 1998 Durango that needs a thermostat and heater core and so I hope this trucks is my backup for parts while I work on the Durango since labor for a heater core is over $300.

Thanks guys/gals!

Dan... Location... I can hear Summit Drag strip from my house.

 

Usually when a mechanic says "possible cam" it means they think a PO installed an aftermarket cam.. As for attaching pictures you need a photobucket account or something similar. Looking forward to seeing the pics! It should be a 2 barrel carb and electric choke i believe

 

Oh ok thanks, I do have an old account I may be able to access...

As for the truck... Yes, if a mechanic told me. Nothing against this guy but I don't think he has a clue and I don't want to take word of his buddies.
Started right up, no throttle needed. Loud, liked it. Idle was a rough lobe sound. But so did my Vmax after switching to flatslides.

Got a main pic up for the garage.

I really have to do a once over on this. I got it for $1600 working so I guess the risk and deal come together. Love the style. I have an old 77 Honda, but my oldest truck was my 89 Bronco Eddie Edition.

What do you think of the tranny? Did 150's come with the C4?

 

I dont think a 351 came with a c4 but im not sure... And if it has a lopey idle then yes it has a upgraded cam.

 

C4's are older, so its a C6 unless someone dropped in a c4 but I highly doubt it.

 

Ok... Nice to know before I even start. The truck was sold to this guy for a grand by a widow who didn't have a single answer about this truck. Guy really didn't know much about it. I think he mentioned 4 barrel, so have to take a peak. I mean, people don't throw on a cam unless other miss are being done to right? Or at least I like to nail the bolt ons first for intake/exhaust if I am gonna cam. I don't know carbs, is it common to run a 2 barrel with an exhaust and cam mod?

 

Miss = mods
Android auto correct.

 

I see that you are a new user... There is a edit button at the bottom of your post next to the quote button for mistakes just like that.. And welcome to fte!

 

Thanks, I don't think my android gives the option. But I will look harder.

 

Post your VIN and it can be decoded to give you some info. More info can come from decoding the metal waranty plate thats located on the rear of the drivers door just below the latching mechanism.
More than likely your tranny is a C6, 351M's only came with a Motorcraft 2100/2150 series 2bbl carb. w/ electric assist choke.

 

X14HKCJ1752

 

X14HKCJ1752
X14=F150 4WD supercab pick up
H=351 cu in 2bbl V8
K=Kansas City assy plant
CJ1752=1978 model year consecutive serial number

 

"As original."

351M: 1977/79 F100/350 / 1978/82 Bronco / 1980/82: F150/350 & E150/350. C6 only A/T available.

351M: 1975/79 Ford/Mercury Passenger Cars. Could have a C4, C6 or an FMX, depending on the application.

C4 introduced 1964, C6 in 1966, FMX in 1969.

 

Wow guys thanks for all the info. Well, I drove her the hour long drive home and even stopped by the store for a few gallons of milk. She seems to be a good truck. I need to do some brake work on the front for sure. How much should it run me to do a front brake overhaul?
Well seems to have a Holley 4bbl... pretty peppy, not much throttle needed at all to get up to speed. The cab, as good as it looks, looks like it needs some major love. Cracks and rust are going to be my buddies it looks like. For a 4x4 that costed $1600 gonna say it sure seems worth it.

So big question today... Where should I be looking for cheap reliable brakes?

 

That's an oxymoron. The word "cheap" should never be in the same sentence with the word "brakes".
To answer your question, first are you going to do the work? That makes a huge difference in the cost.
Second, what's wrong with your brakes to begin with?
If you're doing the work yourself, go with NAPA for the parts. You don't need to go to a specialty/obsolete supplier. Parts are still readily available.
If you do just the front, minimum would probably be replace front pads , turn rotors, inspect and repack/replace front wheel bearings and seals. Also check EVERYTHING! Hoses, steel hard lines, master cylinder, calipers.