I know, this seems dumb, but consider the facts. I purchased my 74 f100 custom long-bed about 4 years ago. It had been a ranch truck and off the road for many years. About 100k original miles.Minimal obvious rust and completely checked out by a mechanic before purchase. Found out later it had a cracked frame near steering box. Fixed. New power steering and power brakes and master cylinder. Engine and trans good with exception of spotty carb. Many other additions made over the years including red head steering box couple of tires and much spit and polish. Somewhere along the journey I discovered extensive cowl rust. Definitely a holy sxxt. Yes the mechanic missed the cracked frame and cowl rust, but I acknowledge that would have been easy to do. The cowl rust was definitely the nail in the coffin.

Recently came upon this 73 f350 xlt supper camper with a bad motor. Seller almost gave it to me.. Great body, no rust and hardly any body damage. Not a fan of 140 wheelbase nor 8 luge wheels but I'm retired and plan to use it for upcoming projects and as a family resource for the kids.

I would appreciate any big picture or little detail comments you might share. I know the block is identical as well as the trans. The 74 came with a stock pointless ignition. The 73 apparently was given an aftermarket one. The 73 comes with 2 working fuel tanks although I suspect the rear tank has the burping problem I fixed in the 74. New truck also has a great location on the side of the bed for the spare. The new truck also has a much better interior with an upgraded radio and all gauges work. The 390 in the 73 does appear to be dead. Seller indicated he burnt it up although no water in oil nor vice versa. Turns over but wont start. Attempts have yielded knocking noises coming from bottom end. I will do a compression check but suspect it's probably history.

Since both motors are so similar I'm guessing I'll probably not lose much horses going to my 360 and someone may have an interest in picking up the body of the 74. Yes, I'll probably use the redhead box for the new truck. It is great. Sorry for the diatribe but I hope it helped understand the issues.

I welcome your comments........Roger

 

They should interchange at about the 95% level.

360s were SAE net 196/327 HP/TQ, pickup 390s SAE net were 201/376.

That would be '72 to the end of production.

Both will deliver the same miserable fuel economy.

 

Thank you. Any idea what the 5% will be?

 

Nope. Should be minor.