I've been lurking around here for the past couple months and decided to join.

About a month or so ago I started to get the itch to get an older model 4x4 and do a pretty complete rebuild keep it forever and maybe let my son drive it some.

I like the look of the 70's model fords so I am pretty much certain that is what I am looking for.

I have a company truck that I use for most everything, but I do bale and sale about 2000 spall square bales of hay a year, plus pull a gooseneck trailer with a tractor some. I will drive the truck around my property and hunting but nothing that will demolish a paint job or the body.

I must have power steering, manual trans., and A/C.

Since I will do some pulling with it should I start with a f-250, instead of a f-150, or f-100? I can add towing springs to either of them. Does anyone on here know what the difference is between the models (i.e. brakes, cooling, weight ratings, etc..)

For now I will probably look for one with a 4-speed trans, long term goal will be to put a 6-speed in it.

I want at least 500 ft. lbs. of torque, what engine should I look for considering availability of aftermarket support and cost of build. I am really leaning toward finding a truck that I can buy and drive, to give me some time to build a 460 to put in it, if so what engines (if any) will use the same bell housing as the 460?

My long term plans will include frame off, maybe some brake upgrades, definitely a built engine, probably a 6-speed tranny, a few inches of lift (enough to run 33"s), aftermarket gauges (custom dash), straighten up the body and fresh paint (probably orange or red).

What I don't want to do is start off with one model when another one will better fit my needs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

You need to do your own research. Start at Wikipedia and then Fordification.net. Order catalogs from LMC, NPD, Dennis Carpenter, and Mac's and the differences btwn the models will be evident. Refer to the hyperlink compilation sticky at the top of the forum thread list.

I don't think any of us has the time to spoonfeed the rather basic info being requested. The internet provides a plethora of information if one takes the time to use it.

Respectfully, HS.

 

Yes, start with an F250 or 350. As for the powertrain, if you seriously want to build a 460 I hope you aren't concerned about mileage.
I would start with a 76-up, that way you'll get front disc brakes, 73-75 4WD came with front drums.
If you're going to be doing some serious trailer pulling, I would consider a 5.9 Cummins swap instead of a 460 You'll get torque and decent mileage.
With 4WD either one will have to be swapped in. The 460, while it's a Ford was never offered by Ford with 4WD (not until 1983) and the frames between the 2 and 4WD are different so you can't use 2WD mount towers.
Also, Ford didn't offer an F350 w/ 4WD until 1979.
As for the A/C. Consider getting a truck without factory A/C and installing an aftermarket unit. There are several companies (Nostalgic Air for one) that sell really nice, complete in-dash units. That evaporator box that Ford uses takes up a lot of room in the engine compartment.
73-77 4WD trucks use a linkage style power assist steering. While this system is "okay" and works well when everything is good, it's getting very expensive to work on and parts are getting harder and harder to come by. The 78-79's use 'integral" power steering similar to the 2WD models.

 

Get something for that itch like a 79 4x4 F250..... lol. You need to spend a lot of time using the advanced search option on here and get to doing some reading and get smart, like we all have done.

Find a 78/79 F250 4x4 with a 351M/400 motor with a NP-435 4 spd and NP-205 transfer case on the Craigslist and go from there.

"Must" have a/c really....ok there will be one out there with it, but more $$.

78/79 will have the better design p/s set up, p/b (front disk brakes).

F250 will handle that small amount of hay and hauling work just fine.

351M/400 auto trans or standard trans bell housing will bolt up to a 460.

What is the closest big city to you in the Alabama craigslist?

I am a Craigslist guru (IMO) and I'll find you. lol

 

I like trucks from California. Here's one... 1975 Ford f250 custom highboy 4x4

Texas, http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/cto/4585489004.html

David

 

Perfect, that was exactly the information I was hoping to get. Looks like I'm on the hunt for a 78-79 f250.

Great to know about the better steering and brakes, I will probably look for one without A/C if an aftermarket unit will work better.

Their are no cities close to me really. I'm willing to drive 4-5 hours to get what I'm looking for so I should be able to find one.

I'm putting my 2009 tundra up for sale shortly so I doubt I will actually buy much until after it sells unless I find a deal.

 

If you can locate one with factory air, go for it.

2 of my 3 have OEM air, that works just fine.

Well what is the nearest big city to you that is listed on here?

craigslist: alabama - classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

 

Montgomery is an hour north, Dothan is an hour south, auburn is about 2 hours NE. I just found this ad on craigslist. Gonna ask him some questions and see what happens.
1978 & 1979 Ford 4x4

 

That looks like a deal (2 for 1) and just what you are looking for.... or if you are rich a hell, here is one already done.

1979 Ford F-250 4x4

 

http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/cto/4571311404.html

My thoughts about these trucks in California, they are up on craigslist for a loooong time because of gas mileage and getting tougher to smog, so im sure you can get the price lowered.

 

Thanks jkl, the OP is in ALABAMA, that's way east of you, nice truck though.

 

You're welcome, bro, lol.

Seems as though it costs about $1100 to ship coast to coast. Maybe that makes sense if there is less body work/frame work, etc.?
Idk, just putting in my penny.😃

 

So you are saying I/we all in the mid west and east coast need to come to Cali to go rust free truck shopping huh? lol

 

Who? Me? Lol!

David

 

$1100 shipping for rust free is really a great deal. I have been looking for some rust free fenders/doors for my Bronco. Everything in junk yards is worse than what I have and they still want too much $ for them. I am leaning towards aftermarket and worry about fittment when I get them. Hopefully I can find a supplier that isnt a heathen chinee speakee dinky dau.