Rusty
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Yes, and I'm pleased. I'm sure you guys thought it would never happen. 
Not only is it hard to do but is DIRTY, with decades of dust et al in there. But, it kinda needs to be done as I don't think a hole in the floor or carpet will help it sell.
I'm thinking about moving the matched boots for the t-case and transmission shift levers from Rusty to Dad's truck and putting the factory t-case boot from Dad's on Rusty. That way the ones on Dad's truck would be matched, but the downside is that the t-case boot on Dad's doesn't have a trim ring and just comes up through the carpet so the carpet needs to be cut neatly. The ones on Rusty are cheap aftermarket, but they have a metal trim piece around the outside, so go down on top of the carpet.
Thoughts?
I'm thinking about moving the matched boots for the t-case and transmission shift levers from Rusty to Dad's truck and putting the factory t-case boot from Dad's on Rusty. That way the ones on Dad's truck would be matched, but the downside is that the t-case boot on Dad's doesn't have a trim ring and just comes up through the carpet so the carpet needs to be cut neatly. The ones on Rusty are cheap aftermarket, but they have a metal trim piece around the outside, so go down on top of the carpet.
Thoughts?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
The 1982-1986 trucks didn't have the trim ring either, so just make sure it's a close fit and you'll be fine.
I will admit, getting the shift boot into the hole in the carpet is a nightmare as well. Even though it's a square shape going into a square hole, it kinda acts like a square shape going into a circular hole.
I will admit, getting the shift boot into the hole in the carpet is a nightmare as well. Even though it's a square shape going into a square hole, it kinda acts like a square shape going into a circular hole.
Thread Starter
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
The 1982-1986 trucks didn't have the trim ring either, so just make sure it's a close fit and you'll be fine.
I will admit, getting the shift boot into the hole in the carpet is a nightmare as well. Even though it's a square shape going into a square hole, it kinda acts like a square shape going into a circular hole.
I will admit, getting the shift boot into the hole in the carpet is a nightmare as well. Even though it's a square shape going into a square hole, it kinda acts like a square shape going into a circular hole.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
You know, I never thought about putting the boot through the bottom. That's probably how it's supposed to be done in the first place.
It's easier to flex the rubber boot through the carpet than it is to flex the metal support through the carpet.
It's easier to flex the rubber boot through the carpet than it is to flex the metal support through the carpet.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 4
So, Gary, it's time for the million dollar question. You touched on it before in the other thread I think, but I'll see if I can't plant that little bug back in your mind again.
You gonna keep KRusty?
You gonna keep KRusty?
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Thread Starter
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Around here the hunters, of which there are many, look for trucks like this. They want them to start and run well. Quiet so it won't wake all the game, and four wheel drive and good tires so it can get in and out of the leases. Should be fairly easy to sell.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Can't justify two 1980-1981 trucks? What in the world does that mean? 
If I ever strike it well, I want at least three different 80-81 Ranger trim trucks in my driveway.
Some people collect Mustangs, I collect 1980-1981 Ranger Trim F-Series trucks.
If I ever strike it well, I want at least three different 80-81 Ranger trim trucks in my driveway.
Some people collect Mustangs, I collect 1980-1981 Ranger Trim F-Series trucks.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I currently have 2.5 of them: Dad's; Rusty; and Brownie, although he's actually an early-build '82, so doesn't really count. And, I don't have anywhere near all of him as he's been a donor to many other trucks - his DNA is spread far and wide - even to Australia, come to think of it.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,575
Likes: 5
From: Broken Arrow , OK
You need a rough truck to drive to the trading post out there in Podunk Gary. When the Native Americans try to jack you for your hydes that are supposed to be traded for your provisions let them beat up the rougher truck instead of Dad's. Rusty can handle the arrows and spears better than the other.
Thread Starter
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
You need a rough truck to drive to the trading post out there in Podunk Gary. When the Native Americans try to jack you for your hydes that are supposed to be traded for your provisions let them beat up the rougher truck instead of Dad's. Rusty can handle the arrows and spears better than the other.
By the way, did you see my note in one of these threads re coming down on Thursday? Bringing a tailgate, or maybe two, and the t-case. Can you give James a heads-up? Or, send me his # again?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I currently have 2.5 of them: Dad's; Rusty; and Brownie, although he's actually an early-build '82, so doesn't really count. And, I don't have anywhere near all of him as he's been a donor to many other trucks - his DNA is spread far and wide - even to Australia, come to think of it.
Thread Starter
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Well, you guys keep saying that without pictures it didn't happen. So, here they are. Rusty is, as the line from one of my favorite musicals (Starlight Express) says, "scattered in a million rusty pieces down the track". Well, maybe not a million, but certainly over a hundred if you count all the fasteners in the baggies.
As you'll see from the To Do list, which is getting looooonger, I'm ready to pull the engine. But, that won't happen for a bit as we have plans for the next several days. You'll just about have waded through all of this by then and be ready for the next installment.
As you'll see from the To Do list, which is getting looooonger, I'm ready to pull the engine. But, that won't happen for a bit as we have plans for the next several days. You'll just about have waded through all of this by then and be ready for the next installment.