1988 F-350 Build Thread
 

Okay, so I've got an '88 F-350 regular-cab long-bed. It's got a '73 460 in it. I probably should have started this thread a while ago, but I'm going to give a brief bit of what I've done then get on to what I'm still doing.

This is what it looked like when I got it. Had a hard time finding a straight older F-350, but finally did (March 2012):
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=123417



Since I had it I've:
Rewired the Duraspark 2 ignition system because it was a bit of a spliced up mess... (October 2012)

Installed a class 4 trailer hitch. (January 2013)

Put on Bully aluminum steps. (May 2012)

Installed a small backlit tachometer on my "A-piller." (October 2012)

Installed a midship 19 gallon fuel tank because the original one was taken out. Also put in a low pressure selector valve to switch tanks from the original dash switch. (January-February 2013)

Installed a low pressure fuel pump on the frame so that I don't have to crank the engine to prime the carb when it's been sitting. The pump does not stay on while the engine is running. Just uses the mechanical pump. (May 2013)

Serviced the rear brakes. Bled the system through with new fluid, installed new wheel cylinders, and adjusted the rear drums. (March 2013) One of the wheel cylinders was leaking badly:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=129043




Ran a relay off of the driving light switch to run accessory lights. (March 2013)
Grille lights:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=131493

Floorboard LEDs:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=131494





Took out all of the interior and put in sound dampening material and insulation in the truck. Put in 1 to 2 layers of dynamat type material everywhere with 1 to 3 layers of insulation on top. (December 2012)
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=131498






Installed a 3" body lift which put it to this height with 33s (April 2013):
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=128143


Then I got some different aluminum wheels, and ordered up some 37" tires (May 2013):
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=130335



Lifted the bumpers to match the body lift:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=130549
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=130334
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=129983



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Now for future plans:

Just picked up a rebuilt '71 460 for the truck. Bored .030 over, big cam, ported D0VE-C heads. Runs on high-test pump gas or race fuel. Will hopefully be going into the truck in about a month. Need to clean up and paint the engine fully. Might replace the oil pan gasket since it looks like it has a slight leak. Might end up using a high-torque starter for it if I have any heat issues with the stock starter.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=131335



Also want to:
Upgrade to a higher output alternator (current 2g alternator is 60 amps...)
Add roof lights
Add backup lights
Replace tailgate (few dings & a dent) & door (got dinged recently right on the body line...), & get the truck repainted
Add a power steering cooler
Replace leaking tranny cooler with larger unit
Replace front pads and rotors
Paint in a roll-on bedliner
Put in A/C (had A/C with original 351 engine)

New ideas will pop up every day...

Lookin good Collin.:-X22 Its cool to see the whole evolution of the truck so far. Love it with the new 37s, looks great. Those LED lights under the dash look awesome, I am thinking about doing something like that to mine sometime. Great job on it so far, can't wait to see what you have in store for it in the future.

Nice truck!

Thanks!

Yeah, I just saw them in Autozone one day when I was there for something else, and picked them up to try them out. Just little LED strips with a 3M sticky backing. Work really well. They were only like $15 I think.

Honestly, I liked it with the 33s better.

What makes you think the engine is a 73'?

It's out of a 1973 Lincoln Continental. Was swapped into the truck 15 years ago by a PO.

Originally came with a 351 in the truck.

The 33s were okay. Had a good stance with them. Really wanted to be higher though. Seems like it may look better with 14" wide or wider 37s, but they'd rub the springs and be louder... I really like how quiet and nice handling these 37" Goodyears are!

Are those military tires? I'm thinking about doing a super duty SAS(d60 front) and running these 35s I have with 16.5s and then getting military tires when they wear through which won't be long. I love the way your truck sits as is and I think it was good on 33s. You should get a shot of it doing some work or something for us fanboys lol

Yep, they're 37" x 12.5" x 16.5" Military GoodYear MT's. I'm really liking them so far. They have great road manners, and they're pretty quiet on the highway.


Thanks! And, I'll get some pictures of it doing work soon hopefully for you!

Impressive list of accomplishments Collin. :-X22

Subscribed, to see what you do next.

It is now carb?

Yep, here's a current engine pic:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=123422


The '71 460 should be a fairly easy swap since I've got the platform already. Hope to get it in at the end of June or early July.

Absolutely LOVE this truck!

Wow, you have done some nice things to your truck. It is always good to see a super clean body bricknose. Most are beat-up. Looking good.

sweet build thread subscribing for ideas and to see how this comes out. I like the lights in the grille.
Trav