'77 Stepside

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Jul 17, 2011 | 01:49 AM

'77Stepside

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'77 Stepside

So I have posted pictures of my new '77 F-100 Stepside... but have numerous questions... Mileage is estimated at 123,800 roughly (due to the rollover speedometer.)

First, what is the recommended oil weight for the 5.0L V8 302C.I. "G" engine?
Also, how many quarts?

Second, my brake light is lit up on my gauge cluster... anyone heard of any problems that could cause this? (I have disc brakes on the front and drums on the rear, with a booster in the engine bay that shows no signs of a vacuum leak. (at the same time, my emergency brake does not work, so maybe that's why?

Finally, for this series of questions, the truck has an automatic, stock tranny from Ford... which calls for type "H" Transmission fluid. When searching around, everyone just recommends type "F" instead. Any Suggestions?

Thanks!
'77Stepside

Jul 17, 2011 | 10:46 AM

bamaf150

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Joined: Dec 2009

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From: Mississippi

My '76 owners manual says type F for the tranny and on the oil, there is alot of info here about the lack of zinc in modern oils, something the older flat tappet pushrod engines like ours need. Valvoline VR1 racing oil, Rotella or Delo 400 diesel oils all apparently have the appropriate amounts according to conventional wisdom here, or you can add a zddf (zinc + phos.) additive to the crankcase. 10w-30w or 15w-40w should be fine, its what my '76 owners manual reccomends for temps from 10 deg to 90deg

Jul 17, 2011 | 11:26 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by '77Stepside

My brake light is lit up on my gauge cluster... anyone heard of any problems that could cause this?
There's usually only one problem.

The truck has an automatic, stock tranny from Ford... which calls for type "H" Transmission fluid. When searching around, everyone just recommends type "F"

instead.
The people you spoke with are clueless! Ford began using a new ATF (MERCON) in 1977.

Welcome to FTE

The plastic "low brake fluid warning light switch" threads into brake differential proportion valve. Its threads develop cracks, brake fluid seeps out, the low brake fluid warning light on the dash comes on...and stays on.

F100/350 & Bronco: The same switch was used 1971/86: D1AZ-2B264-A.

1977 F100/150 302 has the C4 Cruise-O-Matic, uses MERCON, not type F ATF !! / Type F was used in 1964/76 C4's (1966/76 C6's).

1973/79 Ford & L/M Passenger Car; Truck Parts Catalogs: XT 2-QDX .. Automatic Transmission Fluid "MERCON" / 1977/ C4 & C6.

Jul 17, 2011 | 01:10 PM

tbear853

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Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 10,833

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From: The Shenandoah Valley

Welcome to FTE as well!

Quote:

Originally Posted by '77Stepside

So I have posted pictures of my new '77 F-100 Stepside

Where at?

Quote:

Originally Posted by '77Stepside

First, what is the recommended oil weight for the 5.0L V8 302C.I. "G" engine?
Also, how many quarts?

At 123,000 I'ld run 20W50 .... but that's me. It's at least 5 qts with filter if 2wd (6 at most). Drain oil, swap filter, add 5 back, start motor, shut motor off, wait a minute, check, add a qt if needed and then you''ll know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by '77Stepside

Second, my brake light is lit up on my gauge cluster... anyone heard of any problems that could cause this? (I have disc brakes on the front and drums on the rear, with a booster in the engine bay that shows no signs of a vacuum leak. (at the same time, my emergency brake does not work, so maybe that's why?

Likely the switch under MC that ND mentioned ...
... BUT I believe the bleeding of the brakes without useing a holding clip for the rod on the proportioning valve can cause the light to come on ...
... as can a broken or mal-adjusted switch on the parking brake mechanism under the dash.