Hi all

I'm new to this forum, I just picked up a 1969 F250 and wondering if the community here could help me troubleshoot an issue. Driving in reverse I don't have any issues, but when trying to drive forward the truck will move a few feet and then suddenly lock up. Here are the symptoms:

Truck:
1969 F250
360CI
NP435 Trans.

Known Issues:
- Clutch needs to be replaced
- Brakes seem to have issues (No parking brake and the drums struggle to hold the car)


Symptoms:
- Clutch makes noise when depressed (Most likely a throwout bearing of some sort)
- Car will drive in reverse no problem
- Driving forward the car will suddenly stop after approx. 6 feet
- Once the wheel has locked up, gassing it a bit more causes the front left wheel to drag across the ground
- After driving backwards and forward a few times the wheel finally unlocks and seems I can drive like that for quite sometime (all while the clutch is slipping)

This truck has been sitting for 8 years unattended to, I'm excited to get it going!

 

Any vehicle I bring hope that old gets a brake job and it sounds like yours need attention. Get it up on jack stands and get the drums off. You will probably find some things very evident. Don't forget new brake hoses too. And also check the parking brake cables to make sure they aren't frozen up.
If it doesn't need new drums you can do it all yourself for under $300 if you buy online from RockAuto. Have a competent shop turn your drums and make sure they aren't out of service limits.

 

Thanks for the reply WillowBilly. I think I'll start with the rears first since I have to park the truck on a slant therefore a parking brake is critical. What I was wondering though is if the front left wheel locking up like it is could be contributed to something other than a brake issue. The only plausible things I can think of contributing to this is:

• Front Axle issue (but I would think it would impact both front wheels)
• Hub issue (Currently has old Warn hubs on it)
• Brake locking up (but not sure why the front left wheel would move backwards, but lockup going forward )

Since I'll be in doing the brakes, is there anything I should consider replacing while I'm in there other than bearings etc...?

 

Since I'm new to this forum, thought I would share a couple pics of the new ride!


http://youtu.be/nLR1T8M_ktM

 

After brake hoses get so old, they collapse internally creating a one way check valve. I would guess that is your culprit.

 

So I was able to limp the truck into the garage and take things apart. Turns out the auto adjustment had locked the shoes into place against the drum. I took everything apart, inspected the bearings etc... Interestingly the drum is in great shape and stamped with "FOMOCO" Either the truck has insanely low miles or the previous owner replaced parts with original equipment.

I threw on a new brake hose, ran a new brake line, painted the backing plate, replaced the old hardware and the wheel is now spinning like a champ. Now it's time to move to the back brakes.

Thanks for the tips everyone! I'm excited to bring this truck back out of retirement!

 

You only did one front wheel?

 

For the issue in this posting there was only 1 wheel giving problems, but the whole truck is going to be re-done. So far I have:

- removed trim
- Replaced rubber and steel brake lines
- Replaced all fluids
- Gutted the interior
- Re-sprayed the bed (removed rust and did some minor body work)
- Purchased a replacement gas tank
- Purchased headers and new Summit racing mufflers
- Purchased all new brake hardware (Shoe/Drum replacement is pending inspection of the other corners. So far the front driver's checked out fine as well as bearings etc...
- Purchased new Skyjacker shocks (8000 Nitros)

More to come. Hoping to do a resto mod.