The Amish Sawmill up the road just bought a 74 F700. Since they cannot "own" the thing, it will be "mine". I have not seen the truck yet - just photos - but LOOKS to be in decent shape, except for the wood on the bed. I THINK the engine is a 361, but not sure - what motors were offered that year? Also - any idea what size the bed is? It is a flatbed with a hoist. It is a 194 inch WB.


I will have more questions later!

 

For an F700, expect a 361 or maybe a 391. 2bbl or 4bbl carb? 391 were 4bbl only, 361 might have a 2bbl or 4bbl. Can't be sure of this info, but:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...d-a-391-a.html

As for the size of the bed, that would have to be measured. Beds were not OEM parts in '74. These trucks were sold as cab and chassis, and you would have your equipment put on after buying it, or as part of the deal, but it would not come from the factory with a hoist and bed. With that wheelbase, it could be up to a 16' bed if my visualizations and recollections are in this universe.

Check the cab for rust. Door bottoms, cab corners, drip rails, cowl, cab floor.

Brakes: Drums are not available except through extreme good fortune at a scrap yard or finding a donor truck. Shoes and other internals can be had at NAPA if you find some who knows what a medium truck is.

GVWR: 26001 and up means CDL. The sawmill may or may not qualify for the ag exemption, but since it's their sawmill and your truck, you may have some fancy footwork (as in running) to deal with. GVWR, VIN and trans and axle codes were on a warranty plate on the driver's door. Make sure the VIN matches the title.

Tires and wheels. It should not have widow-maker wheels, but may well have split locking ring wheels with tube type tires. Or Dayton wheels....

It could have a 2 speed rear axle, electric shift. Parts are available for the shift motor and that set up.

Carb should have a governor on it.

A great truck when new, it could still be one but you'll have to sort that out. Good luck.

 

I DO know that the tag says it is a 23,000 GVW....There are at least 6 of these trucks in the local (within 10 miles) area, still hauling and working. This one was used by a local farmer.
As for the Sawmill - I already have a deal going with them with an F350. The local LEO's know what the situation is for the Amish, so no big deal.
This truck also has the 5 spoke rims and the 2 speed rear. I haven't split shifted for awhile, but it shouldn't be a problem.


Any idea what size those tires might be? I won't see the truck physically until at LEAST the end of this week, maybe longer. Just trying to get an idea on a few things....

 

Any idea what size those tires might be? I won't see the truck physically until at LEAST the end of this week, maybe longer. Just trying to get an idea on a few things....[/Quote]


My 1975 F-700 has 9.00-20 on it.

 

900s sound right. You don't have to split shift. If you've used one before, you'll get the feel back. If it's a 5 speed, try, at low speed, to figure out if 4 hi is lower or higher than 5 lo.

 

There's instructions on my sun visor that says 5 lo than 4 hi than 5 hi. My 1985 F-700 is the same way.

 

Well - I FINALLY got the truck home! She runs pretty good, drives good, and the brakes work! All of the gauges work except the gas gauge, and all of the glass is in good shape. There IS an axle seal leak, though ....


Oh - the tires ARE 9.00-20.....Thanks!

 

The 4th digit of the VIN is the engine code. 1966/78 F500/880 FT V8 engines:

C = 330 2V Medium Duty / D = 330 2V Heavy Duty / E = 361 2V or 4V (1974/78) / F = 391 4V