Hi all,

I recently inherited a '73 Ranger F-350 1 Ton Camper Special. It's actually a family airloom of which I've been given the honor to restore. I'm a bit of a car guy though my knowledge with V8s/domestics is minimal. The truck has quite a bit of things that needs to be addressed, most predominately the engine. I figure if I can find more information about the truck and the <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/"><a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">390 </a></a>I can make certain that I restore the truck properly.

I've done plenty of searches before posting, and could not find some information I've been looking for. Here's a few starter questions:

- Engine Specifications - HP & Torque Ratings?
- Engine, Chassis, & Tranny Designations/Codes
- Platform Compatibility (2wd to 4wd possibilities)

I'm planning on taking the truck to a shop to have the engine checked out. Hopefully if the block is still good, I'll just have it fixed. If not, I've been tossing around options such as swapping in the 460ci w/ a 4-speed auto (if avail) if the block is shot.

If anyone could point me into the right direction for information, I'd greatly appreciate it. Sorry for the length.

Regards,

 

Infin,
You've got an "FE" motor. These motors are revered by most ford owners. The historical <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">428 </a>is from the same block. A direct substitution would be a 360, 390, 428. The <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">460 </a>is another family of motor and will cause you additional work to substitute.
What is wrong with your motor? Is it blown? Or does it run? Does it turn over or is it siezed? This will make a big difference if your going to "have it fixed".
In summary, the "FE" is a classic. There are many aftermarket parts available.
KingFisher

 

Did you try typing the words " Super camper Special" when you did your search ?


Try it there should be at least 5 threads with info.

Also, Please read this:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=102632

 

I had a feeling that they would be different. Though, considering that if I had to replace the engine, I figured I might as well upgrade the block. But seeing that the <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">390 </a>is a great block in itself, I will more than likely keep it. Thanks for the good information.

Quote:

What is wrong with your motor? Is it blown? Or does it run? Does it turn over or is it siezed? This will make a big difference if your going to "have it fixed".

The rod for the automatic tranny in the steering column broke, and I just got that fixed. Right now the engine actually runs. But there's a massive oil leak which seems to be coming from the back of the intake manifold. I'm hoping it's just a gasket problem. There's no coolant in the oil pan, so I'm assuming that the head is at least okay.

The exhaust collectors are shot along with the mufflers. One of the exhaust collectors has a crack in it, and possibly missing a stud.

There's a few other items, but small stuff that I can deal with later down the line.

Quote:

In summary, the "FE" is a classic. There are many aftermarket parts available.
KingFisher

Granted I'm new, I haven't really found much for the 390... But I think I'm in the right place to find out what I can do. I will probably be sticking with the block. After all, it is a family airloom.

Did the 390s ever come with 4x4?

Thanks again for the good information.

Regards,

 

Actually I have tried that search. Perhaps I set up the search parameters incorrectly.

I have read the "Descriptive Titles" post, and thought my original title was somewhat accurate. I will make an effort to label future titles better.

Thanks for the suggestions and tip.

Regards,

 

This is what I just found.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...der=descending

 

Yeah, it's working. Thanks again.

 

This is all I have on it in my library.



This one too.




Btw, You don't need to use the Quote.

We both know who we are talking to.

 

For info on the <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">390 </a>check out the FE engine forum.
332/352/360/390/406/410/427/<a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">428 </a>FE V8 Forum