Hi, I have owned many Ford Trucks and I love them and I love this forum. I have my eye on a 1979 F100 Shortbox with a 351 engine that is mechanically sound and a 4 speed NP435 transmission. I don't know much about either the engine or tranny, so I was curious if that was a good combination. The truck definitely needs new interior work and minor body work but definitely needs paint. But I can score this truck for $600 or $700 bucks... do you think its a good buy? Any tips on that year and that engine and tranny would be appreciated. Thank you.
Please respond asap for I am dying to get me another Ford Truck!
Rusty

 

do you know the last 6 digits of the VIN# by chance ?

 

No, I don't but I have just emailed the seller to see if he can get it for me... as soon as he does I will post it on here. Thanks.
Rusty

 

The reason being that up to DJ0001 the 79 was just like a 78.

The braking system improved slightly on 79's built after November 1st 1978.

Had I known of the subtle differences in May 1978 I would have waited until Nov that year to buy my New truck

 

The tranny has the granny first and is basically bullit proof. The 351 is a good motor. It was put in many trucks, and broncos. I dont know too much on the engine, i had the 300. other than that it sounds like a pretty good project to have.

 

that is way to much to pay for anything.. now go to the dealer and buy a new superduty for 50000K


ray

 

Well put greythorn! For a running truck,,,, for 6 bills,,, you are almost MANDATED by man-law to purchase it! Is it the 351M, I have the same combo in my 77, wonderful low end grunt, about 12mpg, will run all day long.

 

DO NOT buy this truck
tell me where it is and I will take care of the problem
only thing better would be if it had a 460

 

For decades ..."Granny" gear has always been "1st gear."

It doesn't mean anything else except "a slow driver"..

 

What does this mean????

 

Its up to you wheter you feel its worth it. Do a very thorough inspection on the truck. Bring with you a piece of white paper, a flashlight, a magnet, and a mechanics mirror. While typing my first reply I had a nice list of things to check for, I hit the wrong combinations of buttons, the page reloaded, I lost it all. Now you get the cliffs note version.

Check for any cracks, rust, leaks. Get under the truck, use the mirror and flashlight.
Check the eng/trans fluid for the proper color, and correct smell. Wipe the dipstick on the paper, and look for any metal flakes.

you can use the magnet to check for bondo.. If it doesnt stick, chances are it has bondo.

Check the fluid levels in everything. Radiator should have coolant in it, the inner fins should look clean.

Look at belts and hoses. Belts should not have excessive cracking,and should ride in the grooves correctly. The hoses should feel firm, not hard, sticky, or smooshy. Hoses typically go bad from the inside out. Gas lines should all be replaced every few of years, including the top of the tanks, whether they need it or not.

Turn the steering wheel lock to lock, listen and look and feel. Look at the tires for odd movents, listen for weird noises, and feel for anything odd. Hold the steering wheel at the center, watch teh tires, and gently move the wheel back and forth. If the wheel moves, and the tires dont, you have issues.

Check the rotors and pads. The rotors should have about an inch of material, and should have about the same on each side. Pads should have 1/8 of material bare minimum. Look at the brake hoses for cracks/leaks. rear axle, look for darkness around the drums. Fluid means either a wheel cylinder, or seal.

Look at the suspension/frame for cracks, worn bushings, missing/broken bolts, esxcessive rust and anything else looking out of place.

Look at the truck long and hard. this list is not everything, I can keep going for days, but just look look look. A good deal can look good, untill youve bought it, and now have a money pit.

When you take the test drive, the truck should drive perfect. No jerkiness, no odd noises, no wierd vibrations, no odd smells. Any flaws should be noted and presented after the drive, to help lower the price of the truck.

Good luck!

 

Well sounds like a nice truck you live once so if you want it buy it consider it that f100 and shortboxes are quite hard to find now if in good shape

 

Buy it - even it it has problems the parts are worth more than you would pay for it.

 

Thank you for all the help! I realize the truck is a steal at that price pretty much no matter what... but I really wanted to know if that was a good engine and tranny and I heard nothing bad, so I will probably buy it. I am excited to make it a nice hot rod pickup. What can I do to the 351 to make it really fast? Thanks again.
Rusty

 

You can do lots of things to a 351 to make it faster...the question is how much are you willing to spend on it haha.

Start with the basics...aluminum intake...headers....and a carb. After that...new aftermarket aluminum heads..the list goes on.
-Chris