Howdy everyone,

Just bought a 1978 F-150 4x4 and in the process of tearing it down. When i built my jeep these forums were invaluable, so i figured i would pop into this community as well. The plan is to make this a daily driver. Im keeping it stock height...so the wife can drive it.




That keg is actually the current gas tank.

And this is where we ended day one.


You can see where the drivers upper shock mount was ground off. It was broken and it was so bad it actually rusted through the frame. Gonna break out the welder.

I started with the rear end becasue i needed the confidence boost .
Going to refresh the 9", POR-15 the frame, install a real tank, run new lines.

I have never rebuilt an axel, what are the mandatory replacements?

The leaf springs both had cracked leaves so it looks like i am in the market for that along with usable u-bolt plates. From posts i have found all the rquired parts from bronco graveyard, but if you in MO and you have some laying around please PM me.

Sorry for the long post, but im happy to be here.

 

in addtion its a 351M

 

Nice project, come on by Missouri chapter and make sure to stop by the monthly chat thread. Parts...we all got Ford truck parts.

 

Nice truck, I also have an orange one.

As for the axle, the only mandatory replacement would be the seals and outer bearings, IMO. Everything else I would replace as needed.

 

Thanks, hopefully i can post some pictures of the rear frame painted up this weekend and move on to the cab by next week.

 

Got hooked up with some parts today from an FTE member here in MO. Not much change over the weekend other than tearing down the 9" and watching the parts pile up.

 

Looking good, I spy a few parts that I use to own.....

Here is the leaf spring link. ATspring.com http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/

And copper truck. again.

 

The wife does like the copper, but you also really upped her red decision with your truck she saw. Now it's a battle she... And she alone must fight...

 

That is funny right there. Alan did an awesome job bringing that truck back to life, I can't wait to get it finished.

 

Looks like a nice one! Im rebuilding a '78 Ranger too, been repairing rust for the last couple weeks and still more to go. Here is the thread. Good luck!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...with-pics.html

 

Well i have been busy with work, but was able to do a few little things.

Got the 9" torn apart. The PO decided engine oil was just as fine a lubricant as gear oil... so i have that going for me. The third memeber is in pretty good shape. so just a little cleaning and inspection for that. Then replacing the wheel bearings, seals ect.


Im pretty loyal to NAPA, mostly for the "know how" that helps me out when i get stuck, but the parts they had for this were a little sub par in my opinion. The gasket fit poorly and the bearings are made in china (like eveything now adays) will be returning and getting some american steel.


Got the rear frame squared away (power wash, wire wheel, degreaser, etcher, POR-15, topcoat) As of now im not a fan of the Gloss, but we will see. So hopefully i will have the entire rear of the truck complete by the end of the month. (waiting on parts). Then i can move forward to the cab.


Ona side note my parking brake works again

 

Come fuel tank time have you ever considered a poly tank?

Replacement Ford Gas Tank | Polyethylene Ford Gas Tank

With or with EMS hole, and not to bad a price on their sending units either.

MTS COMPANY, L.C. - Ford Pickup fuel tanks

MTS 4250 Plastic Fuel / Gas Tank for 1973-1979 Ford pickup 19 gallon tank EMS hole on top at Gas Tank Depot.com

 

I have thought about it, considered it for the fact that i will have this truck forever and the poly tank wont give much of a problem, but rockauto has a 19 gal tank for 78 bucks and 6 dollar shipping, so i figure at this point by the time the tank needs replacing i will probably be doing the truck again.

Thanks for the links!

 

good job with the rear of the frame!

If you decide not to keep the sexy lady grill emblem, I will be glad to buy it.

 

Double the $ now and never have a tank rust issue again. Yes maybe a fuel sending unit will die later on, but your tank will not rust out.

If you do have to sale it down the road, that fact that you have a poly tank could be a plus in the reason to buy column?