What do I do with it now??







Possibly the lowest optioned XLT Lariat in existence. It's an 86 with the 302, auto, 2wd, no tach, no a/c, am radio, manual windows and locks, it has cruise control but it's aftermarket. 180,000km and runs like a top.

I have been helping out an old couple down the road this last week. Fixing around the house and did some work on his minivan and he told me to just take the truck. I offered him some cash but he refused so I will just pick up some groceries and lotto tickets for them instead (scratch and win bingo ftw! lol)

Now the problem is what do I do with it? I cant just turn around and sell it, besides I got a real passion for the 80-86 pickups. I dont see a point to doing up a 302 for a truck so I wont even discuss modding it at all.

Would an 89 351W use the same wiring? I have one in the driveway with really low km, that would make roasting the tires easier. I have a 2wd ZF5 kickin around too so I could toss the slush box... Have an edelbrock intake and the goodies to convert it to carb if I wanted.

I also have a 66 t-bird 390HO with a c6 that needs a home, that could make for some fun on the street, I have an aluminum intake and headers for the FE and a spare 10.25 with 4:10's

I could dig up a carb'd 460 easy enough but if I go big I would rather it be with something different like the FE. Besides then I would need to find a tranny to fit it.

Another option is to do nothing with it and give it away to someone in need of a truck. Probably the most reasonable option so I will try to avoid it.


What does FTE recommend?

 

Send it to me if you're just giving it away...

Honestly, if it runs like a top, I'd just enjoy it as it is. Not everyday do you just get a free truck that actually runs and is street worthy.

People like to knock the 302s, but mine's still running 30 years later. Sure it might not light up the tires in stock trim, but the 302 was good enough for Mustangs.

 

Jack it up at the ashtray and replace everything around it!

 

x2

I would use it as is until either the AOD or the 302 let go, then do the swap..........meanwhile I would slowly work on everything else.

 

Take off them running boards !
Get some wheels

 

Take off the running boards, head ache rack, and the bed rails. Fix up the paint a bit, replace the wheels and bam!

 

I presume it's the EFI 302? Those are pretty good runners and with 3.55 gears in mine I got 13-14mpg around town in mine and 19 on the highway. It also hauled 1,960lbs of scrap metal with no real issues. For a 150 that's pretty good IMO...

Run it till it doesn't run anymore.

You say you have an extra 4.10 rear? Swap it in, take off the running boards and drive it till it dies.

 

Looks like its got some body cancer. If I were you I would make sure its running well, take off those silly running boards and USE the heck out of it. If you just don't need it or want it part it out or give it to someone close by you know who needs a truck.

 

Its a long way and a lot of expense from BC to Texas for a $500 truck.

 

looks like a solid enough truck to clean up a bit, and drive the wheels off of. Once something breaks, THEN look at engine swap ideas.

I swapped a 390 into an 81 F250 once, it requires a buttload of work and notching the frame rail. i wouldnt recommend it. I would, however, recommend contacting me about selling that 390 intake, im looking for one.

 

That is one rough unit. Looks like it needs Every body panel replaced. Are you looking to get into that big of a project?

 

Rough lol its honestly in pretty decent shape for a B.C. truck, 90% of this era trucks have turned to dust already.

I know the 302 is reliable but I also know it's going to be underpowered in a 3/4 ton. I have my powerstroke for doing truck stuff which is why I was considering putting more power in to it to play with. If it were a 4x4, an f150, or brown I would be more inclined to keep it. Still on the fence, maybe I will just put plates on it and drive it around a bit, see if a good idea comes to mind.

I know of a 2wd 84 F150 351HO/auto. Body is in the same condition and carb needs a rebuild but I could probably swap her.

So many projects so little time.