I'm just trying to make sure I have all of my ducks in a row before I attempt to do this Duraspark conversion. I have an 86 F-150 I-6, 4 speed, 4x4 and someone has installed a manual choke to the current setup and it runs like crap at idle.

I have the control module and the wiring harness off of a 78 F-150 and I was just going to buy a rebuilt distributor for a 78 year truck ($50) and a coil ($22) for the same.

First of all, what else do I need? I have read that I need to get a carb off an older truck as well. The parts guy at O'Reilly's asked if the distributor was a one or two vacuum line setup. I'm not sure if I get a carb off of an older truck if that would make a difference.

I need a drink...

 

The distributor should have 1 vacuum advance.

 

Going with an older carb is correct. Best back up to an '83 or older carb and get away from the DFC...(Dreaded Feedback Carb.)

 

So what is the model of the carb on the 83 and earlier trucks? I was going to take a look at possibly getting a new or refurbished one to replace the feedback carb. What vehicles prior to 83 had the single barrel non-feedback carb that will bolt up to the 86 I-6 that I can look for in the salvage yard?

 

good question, I'm researching the same thing right now. Superred2 where are you finding your parts? I've been looking on Rockauto parts and ebay. So do we need with electric choke, wo elec. choke, manual choke, under 8500 gvw, with or w/o ac, etc. Let me know what you find out and keep me in the loop on what your thinking if you could, and I'll do the same. I've been checking on here daily. 1986 F250 I-6 300 4.9 manual 4x4.

 

Ebay... Item number: 260484435174

Or...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-ignition.html


PS.. I will be off-line, no email for a week or so, going camping beyond cell phone range...

 

with the one on ebay. Will it work for ac and what is the difference in the chokes? What is the difference in yf and yfa?

 

With the A/C it might need a higher idle setting during the summer due to the A/C load at idle.

You will/can use your current elect choke cap on this carb.
All pre feedback carbs have the hot air input from the choke stove on the opposite side, this is one of the reasons I havent swiched carbs yet, plus I am really cheapscape.

Not really sure on the yf/yfa difference, but i believe they are interchange able.

Last email... got to go pack.
Jim

 

AJ, I did a little checking and I think I found the ignition module at a junk yard and I'm going tomorrow morning to see if I can get it. I also got the wiring harness today off of an 80 model truck with a 302. It's not in the best shape so I'm going to check for one at another junk yard tomorrow. Maybe I can get a Carter YF off of an salvage truck as well and not have to spend $150. I'm going to get the distributor and coil from O'Reilly's Auto Parts. Then it's on to the A/C...

 

so what do we have to have. Engine Control Module, Engine Wiring Harness, Distributor, Carb, and a coil? All of these parts needed off of 1983 or older. Does it matter what years? Will they all be compatible if all are from different years?

 

Actually, the TFI coil should work just fine. The connections probably need minor alteration is all.

 

Alterations and me don't mix. It wouldn't work.

 

It depends...on whether the alteration produces more juice...or not.

 

so with a new coil, will the parts listed above be ok if they are from different years and be compatible. I'm going to try to find new parts but I'm sure something will have to come from the salvage yard. Something tells me I will have trouble with the alternator. When I went to autozone, they said there were 3 different alternators for my truck. Will I have a plug in problem? I don't want to get a new alternator too.

 

Not much difference if any with the different years until one gets to the DFC/TFI. The TFI coil will work with the DS2 ignition system but if you don't want to change ends on the wiring/connectors, get a coil that is DS2 specific.