Any updates on how the 4BT is working?

 

Well, today I actually got something done on the '85. Since the engine rebuild is on hold while the machine shop does their thing, I decided to replace the front shocks on the 85.

On my '63, the front shocks came 'tied' so they were collapsed a bit and easier to install. The Monroe Gas Magnums I got for the 85 were not.
Not to be discouraged, I got some masons twine and tied them down myself.

Right shock, top stud broke off on old shock but no big deal. Both new shocks went in fine, plenty of access without having to jack up the truck. Total time, about 30 minutes. That's including a break between sides to put a second coat of paint on the oil pan for the 4.9 build.

On that note; it's off to the shower and then a nap. Work tonight at 11 (it's my Monday..)

 

Checked the oil, adjusted the transmission modulator valve up 3/4 turn. Been doing poor mans body work to the tailgate. I'm pretty sick of applying body filler to a very shallow large dent and having to sand it back down to the point of where you started because it's a weird dent. I'll finish it tomorrow. Lost my patience with that.

 

Not much has changed other than replacing the belt, finalizing the exhaust, minor changes with the fuel return. Just a few 5-mile trips. I'm going to fill it up, and if it doesn't leak I'll put a few miles on it this weekend.

On a road with a 50mph speed limit it chugs along decently in 5th, even though the turbo probably makes almost no boost at that low of rpm. So if you're wondering if 2.75's are too steep, it's a no. I need to verify my speedometer though. I don't have a boost gauge but the 18cm housing isn't good for spooling. If I want to change to a better turbo I will need a different manifold or cut into my firewall, which I don't want to do.

 

I had some new exhaust mounted on my truck. Have a listen



1985 F150 4X4 LWB, 300 I6, Cliff 4 BBL Intake, Headman Headers, True Duals, Fake Flomaster 40 series mufflers.

 

Not much of a fan of 6 bangers, but that sounds pretty nice!

 

Painted the water pump today; same color as the lifter cover and oil pan - hammered finish black.

The block and head will be ford blue, and I'm thinking the valve cover will be painted the hammered black, with the 'Powered By Ford' logo in ford blue.

I think..

 

Got all of the front suspension off of the truck today, just have the lower ball joints to deal with. Any tricks to bust them loose? I have a ball joint press, but having a hell of a time getting them out.



Sent from my garage using IB AutoGroup

 

On ball joints, I've always just left the nut on the last few threads and whacked the joint with a hammer. Pops right out and nut keeps it from falling all the way.

That is assuming of course it's still on the vehicle.

There is always a pickle fork..

 

Went to the local self service junk yard and picked up a couple of sun visors out of a later model truck, the kind that have the clips to hold them in place. No more floppy, saggy visors. At least after I install them.

 

Now their's a good idea! I hate the floppy sun visors!

Sounds like another project for me

 

Sounds nice!

 

I will install them tomorrow and post a few pics of how it goes.

 

Finally had time and help to get the transmission out. Pita, but helped in diagnosis a little. Can't tell exactly where the leaks are from, but at this point it does not look good. Probably new head gaskets and rear main adjusted or replaced. Blah.

 

havent done much here, tried out my cruise control at 40 mph it works, unlike the owners manual saying 30 or 35 is the min speed. Doesnt engage unless your doing 40+.

I also loaded down some rocks in the back of the truck. Thinking about getting those spring helpers that the factory installed on some trucks that is a single heavy duty spring that contacts bumpers on the frame when you load the back down enough.

Also trying to figure out how to finally get my '56 home, now I have some room cleared out as the '88 Escort is gone now and now I have to deside what is the cheaper route, to either rent a car trailer with a winch from U-Haul, or get a tow truck to come out with a roll back and pick it up.