Its time to start the restoration on my 1977 f150 that was sold to me as a great looking and running truck with no problems, HA! yeah right!

First thing is the steering box and shaft, both are shot but the shaft is moments from braking and killing everybody in front of this beast when it lets go.
ill be putting in a redhead steering box, according to the posts here they are the only way to go. we shal see.
while im waiting on parts im going to pull apart the inside of my truck to find out how bad it really is.... im scared lol.

I do need advice on my next project to take on.

engine
clutch
rear end
complete front end rebuild
trans and 205 case rebuild
complete D44 rebuild

in what order should i take on the restoration?

ill be posting pictures of everything soon.
i hope this will be fun and not a nightmare like everything else with this truck has been.

 

Front end rebuild assuming that components are worn to the point that safety is at risk.......Things that allow one to turn, or stop are more important than things that allow you to go. after that, start looking for good deals on whatever parts are needed, and take advantage of good prices

 

I bought mine for $500 with the assumption it would need pretty much everything, and I was right. It drives but not well. I'll be getting it home from my parents house soon so I can start the tear down and the first place I'll be starting is the brakes. Get it home, then yank the motor and refresh. Clean everything else up while the motor is out and see what else needs work.

 

First, sit down and decide what you want, a daily driver/work truck, a nice weekend fun truck, a boulevard cruiser, 100 pt resto. Go on, ya gotta be honest with yourself.
Next figure out what level of workmanship will be acceptable to you. Figure out what you can do yourself, what will have to be farmed out.
Once you decide what you want, set a realistic budget for what you want to do. When you do that add a good chunk as a contingency for stuff that you don't know about/can't see.
Once the work starts first order of business is make it safe. Brakes, steering, suspension, tires.
Next do what it takes to make it reliable. Engine, drive train.
Next, comfort and convenience items.
Last, and this is what people usually go for first, the appearance items, the stuff that makes it pretty.

 

2X with Mike.. have a plan and prioritize.

Here's some food for thought: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...p-by-step.html It's a full rebuild/resto ....do what's best for your particular situation.

 

i would think long and hard about money you will have to put into it, vs buying one in the shape you want it in already finished.

 

I still think no matter how much money you spend, it'll be better in the long run to build this one. If you buy another truck, you're buying someone else's problems again. If you build this one, you know everything under the truck is right.

First you get it stop and steer. Then get it to run. Then make it pretty. Then make it comfortable. .....at least, that's the order I go with.

 

X2...Mike pretty much sums it up. Pay close attention to his commenbt of "be honest with yourself".

One thing I would ad is to keep the truck running and on the road as long as possible. It is much harder to lose interest in a running project than in one holding empty boxes in the garage.

Roger Carter

 

Yup, at least crank her up and let her give you butterflies every now and then.. you don't want to pull The body and drive train all at once, take my word, a HUGE project all at once can need overbearing and make you hate it..

The guys here will definately help get you through it

 

Another thing to consider, is it even as bad as you think? Yes fix steering and brakes, safety first.

Do the motor/trans/t-case/axles need a complete rebuild? Usually not.

Be realistic (I struggle with this) does it need a ton of power, always go for the final products intended use.

 

Here's a photo album instead of posting a million pictures and loading up the thread.

http://s897.photobucket.com/albums/a...ktmorange/1977 f150 ranger

 

Sorry, the requested page does not exist.
Please check the URL for correct spelling and capitalization.

Link doesn't work

 

http://s897.photobucket.com/user/ibl...src=wap&page=1

How About This One?

 

That brought it up.. it seems to be a solid good looking truck..

 

Drivers floor board, exhaust, a few gaskets.

Does your front end have the steering off a 2wd?
It looks like it and if so that would explain it being scary going down the road.