Seeking Advice
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
Seeking Advice
I have a few questions for all of you:
Should I find an 80-86 bed, or weld fender pieces on my 87+ bed?
Fix up my 302 or get a 351 instead? I would like this truck to do some off roading, but also have some street time as well.
My frame is a little weak in the back. Should I find a better frame or try to fix the one I have?
I would like to get a 4” lift with longer radius arms, but they are expensive. I've seen others make their own extended versions. Which option is "better"?
Also, through searching on here, I have found out most of the information on my Certification tag, but was unable to find out the DSO code (11), or the Type-GVW code (F152)
Thanks in advance!
Alan
Should I find an 80-86 bed, or weld fender pieces on my 87+ bed?
Fix up my 302 or get a 351 instead? I would like this truck to do some off roading, but also have some street time as well.
My frame is a little weak in the back. Should I find a better frame or try to fix the one I have?
I would like to get a 4” lift with longer radius arms, but they are expensive. I've seen others make their own extended versions. Which option is "better"?
Also, through searching on here, I have found out most of the information on my Certification tag, but was unable to find out the DSO code (11), or the Type-GVW code (F152)
Thanks in advance!
Alan
Last edited by 4x484150; Jan 23, 2012 at 02:30 PM. Reason: added information
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
F152 has two meanings:
1981/83 = F150 2WD Pickup, 5,800 lb. GVWR
1984/88 = F150 2WD Pickup, 133" wheelbase, 4,900 lb. GVWR
DSO 11 = Boston, MA (location of original ordering/purchasing dealer)
My opinion about your other questions is "it depends" as I haven't seen it.
80-86 beds in decent shape are hard to come by, especially where you're at.
Can you weld & fab? How "weak" is the frame in the back? What about at other places on it?
Most people like the 351W.
Don't know anything about lifts or lowering or radius arms or any of that jazz, mine's a one-ton 4X4 used as a work truck.
1981/83 = F150 2WD Pickup, 5,800 lb. GVWR
1984/88 = F150 2WD Pickup, 133" wheelbase, 4,900 lb. GVWR
DSO 11 = Boston, MA (location of original ordering/purchasing dealer)
My opinion about your other questions is "it depends" as I haven't seen it.
80-86 beds in decent shape are hard to come by, especially where you're at.
Can you weld & fab? How "weak" is the frame in the back? What about at other places on it?
Most people like the 351W.
Don't know anything about lifts or lowering or radius arms or any of that jazz, mine's a one-ton 4X4 used as a work truck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
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From: Florida
Welding new wheel arches onto your bed is much cheaper than finding an entire bed.
However, keep in mind that the 80-86 bed curves differently above the taillights than the 87-91 trucks, and that the 80-86 trucks have an indentation on the tops of the bedsides. To do the swap right, you will need to get the complete bedside panels, which will be as expensive as finding an original 1980-1986 bed.
However, keep in mind that the 80-86 bed curves differently above the taillights than the 87-91 trucks, and that the 80-86 trucks have an indentation on the tops of the bedsides. To do the swap right, you will need to get the complete bedside panels, which will be as expensive as finding an original 1980-1986 bed.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: South Carolina
I can weld ok, but I'm looking to practice at a freinds place. He works at a welding supply company, so of course he has a nice welder.
The frame- on one side of the back, a previous owner bolted and welded a steel plate on the out side, where the upper shock mount is. That side is also sagging, compared to the other side. Some of the cross members have holes in them, and I found the frame in the front had a crack in it (behind the steering box). My Dad and I attempted to weld in the crack, and worked well. I realize its not the best thing to do, but that was before I joined here.
My 302 just needs a rebuild in the lower end. I have done the top end already. I was looking for (maybe?) more torque and hp, but not needed.
My bed is very rust free, and in one piece, amazingly. I would just rather have a complete 80-86 truck, you know? Like Chris said, it is hard to find around here. Very frustrating. Thanks for reading my rambling!
The frame- on one side of the back, a previous owner bolted and welded a steel plate on the out side, where the upper shock mount is. That side is also sagging, compared to the other side. Some of the cross members have holes in them, and I found the frame in the front had a crack in it (behind the steering box). My Dad and I attempted to weld in the crack, and worked well. I realize its not the best thing to do, but that was before I joined here.
My 302 just needs a rebuild in the lower end. I have done the top end already. I was looking for (maybe?) more torque and hp, but not needed.
My bed is very rust free, and in one piece, amazingly. I would just rather have a complete 80-86 truck, you know? Like Chris said, it is hard to find around here. Very frustrating. Thanks for reading my rambling!
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Engine is shot, frame is shot, needs a new bed. How is the cab for rust and the tranny? That's the only 2 things left. I believe I would looking to buy a good donor truck with a good engine and frame. A 2wd truck will probably have much less rust and abuse, and it will have everything you need to fix yours back up.
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Elder User
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From: South Carolina
I laughed when I saw that post Dave. 
Engines not completely shot, I just want to get it in better shape. Cab was gone over 2 owners ago. Only surface rust. Tranny needs some work. (NP435) I'm looking at a parts truck that the owner says is mostly clean underneath, but I'll believe it when I see it. Its VERY hard to find something rust free here without the truck being really expensive.
Engines not completely shot, I just want to get it in better shape. Cab was gone over 2 owners ago. Only surface rust. Tranny needs some work. (NP435) I'm looking at a parts truck that the owner says is mostly clean underneath, but I'll believe it when I see it. Its VERY hard to find something rust free here without the truck being really expensive.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I'll remember that next time I see one of your questions like this probably won't remember, but it's a noble thought - the original response going through my head was "Buy a new truck" but I toned it down so as to not sound like a jerk. 
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I realize my truck isnt the best, and it needs quite a bit. I laughed because its true. I bought this truck as a project, to learn about how to fix things, so I wouldn't need to go to the garage for every little thing. Plus, my Dad had one when I was growing up. I loved that truck. So I wanted to get one like his.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I realize my truck isnt the best, and it needs quite a bit. I laughed because its true. I bought this truck as a project, to learn about how to fix things, so I wouldn't need to go to the garage for every little thing. Plus, my Dad had one when I was growing up. I loved that truck. So I wanted to get one like his.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: South Carolina
I've fixed all sorts of things on this truck, and while it need a lot of attention, it's not a piece of whatever it once was. These projects are long term, because the things I mentioned are not junk quite yet.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Broken Arrow , OK
Sounds like a lot of issues with the truck. If its what you want to do then fix it up. The 351 is always better for a truck than a 302. If the frame can be welded then fix it that way. If its bent then screw it. 4" lift will cause all kinds of problems with the TTB front ends. 3" is about as high as you can go w/o getting into a can of worms.
I think you need to find a donor truck to get all of the parts off of or swap them to it.
From what you are describing you have a truck that has the "everything" bad on it. Once you get into frame, bed, cab its a lost cause unless it was your grandpas truck that used to go fishing and hunting in or your dads truck whom died when you were a kid or something to that nature.
Go to the salvage yards and get a donor or keep checking craigslist for a broken down truck for cheap. I think you should be able to get a donor for under $500. Really I think a guy could get one for $200-$300 if he is patient.
I think you need to find a donor truck to get all of the parts off of or swap them to it.
From what you are describing you have a truck that has the "everything" bad on it. Once you get into frame, bed, cab its a lost cause unless it was your grandpas truck that used to go fishing and hunting in or your dads truck whom died when you were a kid or something to that nature.
Go to the salvage yards and get a donor or keep checking craigslist for a broken down truck for cheap. I think you should be able to get a donor for under $500. Really I think a guy could get one for $200-$300 if he is patient.