Hello! New guy from middle TN here. Been creeping around the forum for a little while but i'm in need of some help.
About a year and a half ago my grandpa gave me the truck I grew up driving on his farm, a 1990 F-350 dually with a flat bed and the 7.5L gas engine. It had mostly been sitting for a year or so before he gave it to me and it has been mostly sitting since I've had it, just starting it every now and again because of some issues it has that I didn't have time or (mostly) money to address. But now its time to bite the bullet and fix the beast. Only problem is, I don't know much of anything about fixing a truck. I guess I'm just looking for some direction.

Truck runs well, and the only thing keeping me from driving it is a stuck brake (I think) on the front passenger.
I think the fuel lines and filter need replacing, they have been spliced quite a few times. Truck squeaks and creaks alot too so I'm assuming the suspension needs a bit of a 'tune up'? Probably new exhaust too. Pretty serious leak.

Just want it to be road worthy so I can use it as a work truck for the time being. I can manage the more simple tasks myself but brakes and such I will probably have done at a shop.

Any advice on things to check or have checked or anything you would automatically replace would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Heres a picture of the truck from this morning

 

Welcome to the forum! I can tell you right now the 460 is a beast of an engine that you will hopefully enjoy. As far as the brake goes, I have no idea what could cause that so hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge can help you there. You also mentioned changing the fuel filter, It is a pretty easy/cheap job and you can do it no problem by yourself. Just make sure to pick up a ford fuel line disconnect tool, it should be around $10 bucks at your local auto parts store. My 460 has 89,000 on it and about 2000 miles ago it was really starting to lack acceleration, so I changed the filter and it fixed that. The filters on these trucks get pretty dirty when you consider how much gas is going through them at 10-11 mpg. Also I would change the cap, rotor, plugs, and wires assuming it has not been done recently. Also it wouldn't hurt to flush the coolant and change the oil. As far as suspension goes make sure you take a look at the tie rods and make sure they don't have any play. How many miles are on the truck?

 

that machine looks ready to work for the next 25 years; well worth learning how to fix. you tube, and this website here, are your friends.

 

My 460 has over 270K on it still runs great no noticeable oil use or leaks. Is on its 3rd E4OD trans tho.

 

brake could be a collapsed rubber hose going to the caliper, or a stuck caliper.
both are easy to repair.
to test the hose, jack up the wheel. try to spin it. remove rubber brake line from caliper. if fluid comes out under pressure and thee wheel then turns, the hose is bad. if the wheel still will not turn with the hose off, the caliper is bad.

 

Sweet, thanks guys. Truck has about 90,000 miles on it.

 

Youre in luck man. The 460 is an easy engine to work on and very forgiving. Give it a good tune up. Pick up a Haines or Chilton Manual, Use this forum, and Youtube they are great resources. Give it a good tuneup and put some cleaner in the oil before you change the oil.

 

The calipers are prone to stick and the rubber hoses are prone to clog up. I have put 2 sets of front calipers and 1 set of rubber lines on my '87.

That is a great looking truck, and a 4x4 too. Keep that truck and be proud of it.