New Truck
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: St. Louis, Misssouri
New Truck
I am the new proud owner of a 1987 Ford F-150. This truck has a 300CID L6, which I understand has LOADS of low end torque - perfect for towing. It is also equipped with a 4-speed stick shift with a granny low. The rear end has 3.55 gears open. It has dual tanks 17 front and 19 rear, I believe.
This truck has been rode hard several times. From the looks of the stance, I would say that the bed has been overloaded several times and the weight has been allowed to sit for a long period of time. So I am looking into replacement rear springs of a slightly heavier rating.
Also, the clutch chatters on take off which leads me to believe that the clutch disc may be contaminated with oil. I hope I don't have a main seal leaking.
I am also thinking of putting in a headliner. I will need to invest in some ceiling insulation to get rid of the clang sound when I close a door.
I am also thinking of changing the exhaust over to a dual outlet header system with a passenger side dual exit.
Maybe change the wheels and tires over to more modern 16 inch type. These will fill the wheel wells a little more and give it a more muscular look.
Anybody else have any ideas?
This truck has been rode hard several times. From the looks of the stance, I would say that the bed has been overloaded several times and the weight has been allowed to sit for a long period of time. So I am looking into replacement rear springs of a slightly heavier rating.
Also, the clutch chatters on take off which leads me to believe that the clutch disc may be contaminated with oil. I hope I don't have a main seal leaking.
I am also thinking of putting in a headliner. I will need to invest in some ceiling insulation to get rid of the clang sound when I close a door.
I am also thinking of changing the exhaust over to a dual outlet header system with a passenger side dual exit.
Maybe change the wheels and tires over to more modern 16 inch type. These will fill the wheel wells a little more and give it a more muscular look.
Anybody else have any ideas?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 3
From: Conway, South Carolina
If you ceiling liner is falling out, you could just take it out. You might like it better.
Also, sounds like the door clan is from the door striker/latch being wore out. There should be rubber around the striker.
I had a 1987 just like yours, but the 4.9 was blown and EEC fried, so I dropped in a 302 with a 2bbl. Mine actually had two broke motor mounts, when I took out the 4.9.
Also, sounds like the door clan is from the door striker/latch being wore out. There should be rubber around the striker.
I had a 1987 just like yours, but the 4.9 was blown and EEC fried, so I dropped in a 302 with a 2bbl. Mine actually had two broke motor mounts, when I took out the 4.9.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: St. Louis, Misssouri
New Truck
From the looks of things, it never had a headliner in it. There is no evidence left behind. How did you manage to blow a 300? Those engines are known to be pretty bullet proof.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 3
From: Conway, South Carolina
Bought it like that. Supposedly (according to the PO), he was driving on the interstate, and the engine overheated, and he continued to drive until the next exit. Then he said he fixed it, then the EEC went out. So the EEC went out, and He either blowed a head gasket or cracked the head, so I just pulled it.
Plus I had a 302HO outa a 1985 Thunderbird with 35,000 originally miles. So I just dropped in the 302.
I got it for $500. It had a lift, sitting on 35" tires, and no rust.
I miss the truck sometimes.
Plus I had a 302HO outa a 1985 Thunderbird with 35,000 originally miles. So I just dropped in the 302.
I got it for $500. It had a lift, sitting on 35" tires, and no rust.
I miss the truck sometimes.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 197
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From: north carolina
exhaust isn't really worth doing on these trucks because it won't sound good like you are looking for.. headers maybe but just leave the stock exhaust.. it really isn't worth it.. mine is an 88 5 speed.. pretty solid.. some minor rust.. just haven't had the funds to do what i want quite yet.. great thing is there are tons of these trucks at my local LKQ junkyard.. going to snag a bed when i come up with an extra 200$..
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 309
Likes: 1
Congrats on the new truck! That is a great drive train setup. I suggest opening up the exhaust with a 2 1/2 pipe and free flowing muffler. EFI manifolds flow very well and you will not notice much of an improvement with headers. Headliner and wheels is a preference. Personally I would run factory Alcoa's and no headliner. Have fun!
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From: St. Louis, Misssouri
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I guess I will look into a Cat back setup for the exhaust. Also, I found a 6 leaf spring pack for about $180 and a 7 leaf pack for about $200. They are from St. Louis Spring. They are the premier builders of springs. They can wind any kind of coil you need or build any leaf pack for any application. they are a bit pricey, but well worth it.
I would like to find a 5 speed for it to try to improve fuel mileage a bit. it's not as bad as my old F250 with a 460, but any improvement helps.
And what about the 16 inch wheels and tires? Will they fill out the wheel wells enough to look better?
And, of course, I need to find a bed with less rust in it. Mine has the factory installed rust around the wheel arches and lower panels.
I would like to find a 5 speed for it to try to improve fuel mileage a bit. it's not as bad as my old F250 with a 460, but any improvement helps.
And what about the 16 inch wheels and tires? Will they fill out the wheel wells enough to look better?
And, of course, I need to find a bed with less rust in it. Mine has the factory installed rust around the wheel arches and lower panels.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: north carolina
you can get the mazda 5 speed.. they are known to last forever.. they aren't the best for towing but you could tow lower weight.. i think its the size of the tire not the size of the rim that makes it look good.. i like having stock lift and tons of tire packed under the fender.. looks aggressive
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 3
From: Conway, South Carolina
If you're going to do a 5 speed swap, go with a ZF-5. They last forever, and are very very strong. They are found behind 4.9's and 5.8's in f250's and f350's. They are even found behind diesels, but they have a different bolt pattern.
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