Hey all!
I am new here and was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.

I am a Ford truck lover from way back, but am not a great mechanic and I am just getting my first project truck. Got big plans! :-)

But I need some info...

What I want is a 70s crew cab 4x4....73 to 77...ish

I am looking at those years based on various recommendations, but mostly because I am told that 1977 was the last year they made these without ANY computers in them.

I am looking for a computer-free truck to start with. Is 1973 to 1977 the only range I should be looking at?

Thanks!
Dave

 

IIRC 1980 was the first year where computers controlled the fuel/air mixture and ignition timing but that was on California half-ton models.

1984 began the Feedback Carb on the 49-state models, an interim step between carburetors and fuel injection.

In 1986, EFI was optional and became standard in 1987.

At least on the 300 I6 and 302 engines (and I think also the 351W 2V); 351W 4V and the 460 engines remained DSII for a few more years.

Of course, that's all related to fuel/air & ignition, IIRC there were computer controls for various engine-control solenoids and such in the early 80s on the smaller engines.

To my knowledge, none of this stuff existed on 70s trucks.

Now, if you're considering electronic ignition (DSII) to be a computer and you want to not have not even that, you have to go further back in history to somethin' like the early/mid 1970s.

 

Hey thanks for the reply!
At risk of displaying my ignorance here: I don't really know enough about the electronic ignition system in these beasts to know if that is a factor.
If we are talking about a simple circuit to turn over the starter that is not a problem. But anything with a semiconductor chip in it is not good....
Based on what I hear you saying though, there might be years into the 80s, depending on where the truck was from, that might also qualify?
Sounds like a 1975 or so is my best bet....but someone told me I might want to upgrade the power steering in that case...

I really appreciate the feedback...thank you. Of all the decisions I am going to have to make on this thing, the initial purchase is the hardest.

So....a little more detail if this helps.

I am a computer geek by trade, and my mechanical skills are limited to being able to change the brakes on my old bug. (but plan on learing lots!)

Inspired by great photos and stories from this site and others, I have put together a "dream truck" list. Would love any input on this list.

Starting from zero here, so please forgive my ignorance--I don't even know if all the options I want are possible.

Starting with an old, computer-free F-250 4x4 crew cab...

Drop hitch for towing a boat
460 engine
Upgraded radiators?
Don't know enough about gear ratios to decide...
Dual tanks
Big front hitch winch.
Snowplow
Sliding rear window
Utility/Ladder Racks on the top
Badass spotlights :-)
Large in-bed fuel tank
35"tires
Missle launchers, smokescreen, minigun, etc, etc ;-)

Any input much appreciated!
Thanks!
Dave

 

The solid state ignition module has a couple power transistors in it, but that's it. It's not a computer. It's simply an improvement over mechanical breaker points. If you're wanting to avoid the term "computer" as it's commonly applied to electronic fuel injection, etc; then you're safe with anything in the 73-79 generation.

Some trucks do have control boxes for items like cruise control, EGR, etc; but these are referred to as "amplifiers" and not computers because all they really do is translate the signal from one signature to another. But there's no centralized unit that ties into everything, like you'd find in a later model truck.

By the way welcome to FTE!

 

AHHH......new info...
The magic year is now 1975...
That's the break point for the emissions laws here in Colorado...
Thanks for the input guys!
Does anyone know offhand how a transistor would fare, say, if hit by an EMP?

 

Agreed. An ignition module is NOT a computer. To be hammer and chisel simple, you're looking for a points distributor truck. 1974 or 1975 was the last year I believe. Points suck and there's a reason we haven't used them in 35 years. Electronic ignition is far superior. You want a newer truck with no computer? Check this out, a 1993 Diesel with a 5 speed manual trans has no computer either. If you got the automatic diesel, you had a stand alone transmission control module. I'm not sure when the diesels went to electronic ignition, but my old '93 one ton was still mechanical injection.

 

EMP pulse will take out a transistor junction = No spark.......

 

IMHO the DSII ignition system is pretty good. Is it a computer?

I dunno.... Is a transistor radio a computer since it has electronics?

One is always free to go back to vacuum tubes (points & condenser).

 

If this happens, you will have far more concerns than your truck stopping.

 

Back in the mid-fifties Chrysler offered "electronic" fuel injection based on the Bendix Lectrojection system on their 300 series and a couple of other models. It used vacuum tube electronics and was so bad all the cars so equipped were recalled and fitted with dual quads.
Rambler also used the system on it's 1958 Rebel.

 

1975 sounds like the year I want...
I am told that the power steering in the 1975s can use some kind of upgrade or refit to "true" power steering? Supposedly makes a big difference?

I eventually will want to start swapping in performance parts...but for a starting point, I just want it to run start and run well.

With that said, are their any upgrades you guys would consider "Must Have" for a rookie planning his first supertruck?

I am not too concerned about looks yet...will hose the whole thing down with a primer for a while, until I decide what to do...but the role of this truck would be to tow a boat, act as a fuel tender for other vehicles, and be able to plow and winch obstacles out of the way. High fuel capacity is a must. I would also possibly convert the rear seat into a cot...
Treasure hunting/prospecting....and 2012 compliant.
Wow....I just discovered these little emoticons!
Thanks for looking!
Any thoughts welcome!
Dave

 

On a truck like my '78 with 400M engine and Duraspark ignition, it would not be hard at all (or terribly expensive) to put an earlier points style ignition and distributor. Probably wouldn't help the emissions if that matters.

If you find a clean truck in the later years, an option to consider.

 

Dave,

I'm not sure about the winch and plow combination...

As you probably know a winch is generally installed on a "winch bumper", which can be purchased or custom fabricated. Those are deeper than a stock bumper and would require some custom fabrication to mount the plow frame. I'm sure it's "doable", but to do it right could get spendy in a hurry.

Do all counties in Colorado have the same emissions laws? If not, do you know someone in an "emissions friendly" county that could help you with registration (let you use their mailing address)?

I own both a '73 High-boy and a 1978 F-250 4x4. I would say the '78 with its vastly better power steering, front disc brakes, electronic ignition, etc is a better all-around truck.

As an aside (and since you haven't bought one yet) I would further suggest you look for a rust-free truck from the desert southwest. There are several forum members that live out there and you might be able to get one of them help you find a truck. Depending on the member, that would have an added benefit of having someone with voluminous experience with these trucks inspect the truck for you and hopefully get one in excellent mechanical shape.

 

Blackfoot, hi!
Yes, I know what you mean about the bumper/winch combo.
I guess I will try and work out some custom solution to the "swiss army truck" dilemma once I find something. The words "custom bumper" really get my mind working though....what could I do with that! hehe...
I am thinking of this truck as a blank canvas...
Great idea about the rust--thanks!
I certainly would be open to vehicles from further southwest, and can travel to them if needed.
I was looking through the classifieds here...

Hehe...any of you guys out in the deep SW got a 75 crew cab 4x4 you want to get rid of? :-)

 

Looks like I need about 20 more posts before I can post in the WTB section...hehe