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Jul 26, 2012 | 11:05 PM

Storm_Dragon

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New to forums

New guy on the forums here but been a Ford owner, driver, and builder for 18+ years now. Anyway Im James

. Just recently aquired a 72 F250 Explorer. Needs some minor restoration work and the ultimate goal for this truck isnt known yet. 2wd 360 2v auto with 39xxx original miles. Seriously considering converting it to 4wd but may just find another toy for that. Fairly solid Texas truck thats just sat for most of its life. Far cry more solid than my 89 150 lol

Jul 27, 2012 | 12:06 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Welcome to FTE

Do not believe the miles shown on the odometer! 39K miles on a 40 year old truck is unrealistic.

The odometers of these trucks read to 99,999.9 then return to ZERO!

Crooked used/new car dealers and owners alike engaged in the illegal practice of rolling back odometers.

So, it could have 139,000, 239,000, 339,000 miles, or who knows?

Jul 27, 2012 | 02:30 PM

Storm_Dragon

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True

I wouldve thought the same thing had the interior been worn and ratted. I did some research and the mileage is verified with the state title departments both here and texas. Friend I bought the truck from bought it from the original owner in 97. All the guy used the truck for was to move his equipment around on his farm and every now and then a trip to town. Texas BMV title states it was tranferred in 97 with 38,837 miles not exceeded and my friend drove it home and parked it ever since. mileage no shows 39,963 and not exceeded. Youre right though its very hard to get an accurate discription of mileage on older vehicles and usually theyve been rolled over at least once if not more.

Jul 27, 2012 | 04:17 PM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

James, Welcome to the site & forum. Hacking a 2wd to a 4wd is a lot of work, not implying you are not up for it.

You didn't say what you wanted it for, but a 73-76 half or 3/4 ton might make a good chassis donor for your engine & sheet metal.

On the other hand as you noted a second truck may be a better choice.

Have fun with it.

John

Jul 27, 2012 | 06:21 PM

willowbilly3

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: Black Hills of SD

4x4 conversion is best done with a body swap onto a 4x4 chassis. The 76-79 F-150 works pretty good, not quite a bolt up but not overwhelming either.

Jul 27, 2012 | 09:14 PM

Storm_Dragon

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Thanks Guys

Thanks guys for the warm welcome. I think the best bet for me on this truck is to just leave it the way it is being 2wd. Got a good look underneath tonight and everything is just super solid and with the original miles on her it'd be a shame to take it that far apart. Ive got a little body work to do where its been sitting most of its life but the right play toy canidate will come around when Im ready. Ive still got my 89 to attend to as well and fire wood season is shortly approaching for me