Hi everyone! New here on this forum, but been reading a lot for a while. I have a 77 4x4 F150 that I'm going to lift (thinking 4" suspension with 34" swamper LTB's. I want this to feel more like a 3/4 ton when done, and wondering if there's any recommendations for shocks or other mods to make it able to have more weight on the body. Is it mostly just suspension to achieve this? Also, any recommendations for strengthening axels? thanks!! Jake

PS is the 351M worth keeping? I have a 400M in my other 77, new to the 351M in this one.. haven't heard great things about it from friends, family and coworkers

 

Yo, and welcome to FTE.

I can't recommend any shocks but a suspension lift is do-able. Keep in mind that if you add a leaf to the rear pack, you'll raise it about 3 inches. There are vendors out there (can't recall their names) that members have used...... I prefer - and have - gone to a local truck spring shop and getting a coupla leafs....put 'em in meself.

What are your rear and front differentials?

If you're going to raise the front as well, you'll probably need new (longer) brake lines - front and back -, mebbe some steering components and check the driveshafts for proper clearance and binding (front) and rear geometry....might need an angled shim between the pack and spring perches.

...And, there's no such animal as a 400M....just a plain ol' 400. The 351M is a good engine...has the same stuff in it as the 400 except the crank and pistons. The block, intake, exhaust, water pump, cam, etc, are the same.

 

Biggest differences between the 150 and 250 are frame thickness, rear axle (D60 vs 9"), wheel size and bolt pattern (5 lug 15" vs 8 lug 16.5") as original and springs.

The 150 is a nice truck and maybe best to enjoy it as a 150.

On engines, the 400 has 49 more cubic inches and more torque and power... always welcome. Also, the 400 has more and better aftermarket parts if you want to improve it some day. The 351 can be nice also... just need to work with what you have and budget.

If you are fitting big tires, gears matter a lot. Bigger tires need higher numerical ratios for decent performance. At least 4.10's.

 

Welcome to FTE, you must have NOT ridden in a leaf spring lifted 4wd F250, most ride like a buck board wagon. lol Stick with the F150 set up and the nice ride of the front coil springs.

If it feels like it has to much body float/roll add some front and rear sway bars. If you want to increase the carrying capacity add some rear air bag overloads.

Other wise you have to swap in a rear D60 and the 8 lug outers on the front axle and all that really does is give you the 8 lug bolt pattern.

 

Just how much weight are we talking about, really? Be honest. If you want/need an F250 then get an F250!

The heavier trucks have thicker frames, larger springs, heavier-duty driveline, better axles, better bearings, 8 lug axles (are your current wheels hub or lug centric?), bigger brake shoes, dual piston calipers...

You just don't bolt on some goodies to turn a F150 into an F250.

Anyway, the 351m and the 400 are the same block-the same basic engine. Different crank and pistons...and you can't tell them apart without measuring the stroke. They're both good motors for trucks-lots of torque.