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I joined the Ford family over the weekend when I purchaded a 68 F100 that the first owner had modified for off-road use.
While I am no expert, it seems to have some unique modifications. Old school perhaps?
It needs a fair amount of TLC, but I am happy to provide it.
Now to rebuild my first transmission ever. I hope that Bad Shoe video is as good as I have heard.
Last edited by 68AZ; Jun 13, 2018 at 11:38 PM.
Reason: Added info
That is an 80's prerunner/Class 8 racer. It has ORD (Off Road Design-the double transfer case designers) raised I-beams for use of longer springs which increases wheel travel. It looks like 4 shocks are used upfront. The I-beams have steering stabilizers. The radius arms use the first poly-urethane bushings. The 9 inch uses a welded truss to keep from flexing and breaking. The leaf springs have strut rods to prevent spring wrap-up on acceleration. An example of 80's desert racing technology.
Wow. I knew someone here would know. It does have the double front shock option. Thank you very much for the education.
I was wondering if this was the hot suspension ticket of yester-year.
That's awesome! I knew there had to be old school pre-runner style kits for these trucks. If it were mine, I'd try and keep all the pre-runner parts. I think its cool to old school aftermarket stuff.
Welcome to the Forum. The PO (Previous Owner) did a lot of work on that truck. Looks pretty heavy duty. I think you got a lot of extras for the money of the truck.
Thanks for the welcome and I am seeing they did not cheap out on the modifications.
I am considering keeping all or some of the set-up, but I have some concerns. Can I add disc brakes in the front? Who can adjust camber etc.?
That will determine what changes are made. My mechanic says he has the machine for stock I-beam bending, but will it work for what I have?
And the axle reinforcing posed a challenge when I needed to change a rear tire. That may have to be modified no matter what.
I would leave it mostly as is. Probably remove 2 shocks up front to get a little smoother ride, and possibly remove the steering stabilizer if you're not going to be off-roading.
On the rear axle, maybe ADD some jack points, rather than remove that trussing. Or swap me rearends? Lol
I would leave it mostly as is. Probably remove 2 shocks up front to get a little smoother ride, and possibly remove the steering stabilizer if you're not going to be off-roading.
On the rear axle, maybe ADD some jack points, rather than remove that trussing. Or swap me rearends? Lol
The i-beams have the provision for dual shocks (a shock in front and back), but the center link prevents shocks from being used on the back side on the passenger side at least.
I bought it from the second owner and he said he bought a stock 68 center link for it, but it did not fit. As he gave me that part I will have to check it myself.
I may modify the trussing, but I want to keep as much as possible if I do.
Lastly, I really appreciate all the responses from everyone. I am not a stranger to classic cars, but this is my first classic truck and I have a lot to learn.
Just finished working on the truck for the day and I made a couple nice discoveries.
I was wrong about one shock being blocked by the drag link.
Also, it has an Edelbrock intake and 4bbl carb!
Add to that power steering and power brakes.
The only down sides besides the blown transmission is a hole in the driver's side floorboard where your heel goes, and a mess wiring wise for gauges and headlights.
You can get replacement floor panels, and find a replacement instrument panel-if you want. I guess the co-driver was suppose to keep an eye on the other gauges and not use the glove box. I think almost everyone on this forum has had a wiring nightmare under the dash.
The hole on the floor is a minor issue. I just hope the headlights still work. They had KC lights mounted on a Baja style type bumper. Initially I passed on the truck, but after a couple weeks I called him back and made a deal.
I joined the Ford family over the weekend when I purchaded a 68 F100 that the first owner had modified for off-road use.
While I am no expert, it seems to have some unique modifications. Old school perhaps?
It needs a fair amount of TLC, but I am happy to provide it.
Now to rebuild my first transmission ever. I hope that Bad Shoe video is as good as I have heard.
Might just be the lense on your camera, but that left axle and/or bearing sure looks broken to me. The top of the tire appears to be leaning inward.
Might just be the lense on your camera, but that left axle and/or bearing sure looks broken to me. The top of the tire appears to be leaning inward.
Interesting truck.
Thanks and I saw that too. Camera and angle are the culprit.
I checked the day after I took the pic. ☺️
In some ways I have been quite lucky with this truck, blown tranny and all.
And a BIG thanks to you and the other good folks on this site. I am learning quite a bit about these classics courtesy of your experience.
Thanks and I saw that too. Camera and angle are the culprit.
I checked the day after I took the pic. ☺️
In some ways I have been quite lucky with this truck, blown tranny and all.
And a BIG thanks to you and the other good folks on this site. I am learning quite a bit about these classics courtesy of your experience.
