First dent
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First dent
I just picked up my first dent side. I have been looking a very long time for a swb 4x4. I ended up being able to buy the one that I grew up driving as a young kid. Clydes 74 was my grandpas truck he bought it new in 74. I am getting ready to lift it with a 4" rough county lift. I also bought a 77 f150 for the disc brake front end and power steering box. Is there any advice from you guys in dent side land on the best way it get the new front end under the truck. Here is a picture of the new truck. Thanks 
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Welcome to FTE.
Nice. I too have a shortbed 4x4.
I recommend ditching the 77's Y-style steering linkage and instead using the 78/79 inverted T-style linkages for waaay less bump steer and wear.
That drum Dana 44 can be updated with 76-79 knuckles, spindles, and discs so don't go dumping it just cuz it has drums.
Verify your gearing.
Use poly bushings and radius arm drop brackets.
What engine ya got? An FE? A 1976 is the only year half-ton 4x4 that uses a Ford/Thompson "pencil neck" PS pump and integral PS. Keep that in mind when ordering PS hoses.
To mount the steering box, I suggest sleeving the frame. One of the bolts will end up inside the crossmember.. the other two will exit at a contoured inboard side of the frame.
Alternatively, section the frame and weld in a 1/4-inch thick mounting plate with gussets and/or frame boxing plates.
Nice. I too have a shortbed 4x4.
I recommend ditching the 77's Y-style steering linkage and instead using the 78/79 inverted T-style linkages for waaay less bump steer and wear.
That drum Dana 44 can be updated with 76-79 knuckles, spindles, and discs so don't go dumping it just cuz it has drums.
Verify your gearing.
Use poly bushings and radius arm drop brackets.
What engine ya got? An FE? A 1976 is the only year half-ton 4x4 that uses a Ford/Thompson "pencil neck" PS pump and integral PS. Keep that in mind when ordering PS hoses.
To mount the steering box, I suggest sleeving the frame. One of the bolts will end up inside the crossmember.. the other two will exit at a contoured inboard side of the frame.
Alternatively, section the frame and weld in a 1/4-inch thick mounting plate with gussets and/or frame boxing plates.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2015
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When you say sleeve the frame are you putting plate on both sides of the frame. I already planned on boxing it were the pump goes. I have seen a few frames crack when they have just bolted the new pump on. The truck has a 360 in it right now. I have a 390 at a machine shop being bored out the heads are getting a valve job and hardend seats put in them. Also have a edelbrook intake and a 16903 cower cam waiting on my bench for the motors return. I have sanderson ff427 headers also but already put them on the 360. Had new 2.5" exhaust and 40 series flow masters put under it last week. Thanks for the advice I am sure I will be asking more question before I get done.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
By sleeving the frame, I mean to drill holes to insert 1/2-inch ID pipe and weld their collars.. it'll provide a flat surfaces formthe bolt to clamp on.
Your set up sounds thought out. Concur with your exhaust specs... you are well on your way.
Your set up sounds thought out. Concur with your exhaust specs... you are well on your way.
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