54Hydro's Big Red

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Aug 2, 2018 | 11:36 PM

54Hydro

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 920

Likes: 20

From: Malheur Co. OR

54Hydro's Big Red

Hello all. I've been active mostly in the dentside and 335 forums until now. I decided that the '79 F350 wasn't going to be reliable enough for camper duty without a unreasonable amount of money. So I went looking for a '88-'97 F350 supercab longbed with a 460. Could not find one that was a 4x4. Then I found out how easy it is to solid axle swap F250s. That opened up a lot more options. I found this 7.3l for a bit more than I was looking to spend but I made it work. 1996 F250 7.3l 4x4 auto bone stock except the stereo. I will be stopping in this forum from time to time as I look to fix it to where I want it to haul a heavy '67 slide in camper. Right now I am doing maintenance items.

Aug 2, 2018 | 11:37 PM

54Hydro

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 920

Likes: 20

From: Malheur Co. OR

Aug 3, 2018 | 06:28 AM

97-psd

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,579

Likes: 837

From: knoxville, tn

Sharp looking truck. Welcome to the addiction. There are a lot of great guys here that are glad to help in any way possible.

Aug 3, 2018 | 07:15 AM

Jarrett Campbell

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 3,076

Likes: 21

From: Aransas Pass, Tx

Welcome! I'm looking forward to seeing the progress on the truck.

What maintenance are you hitting first?

Aug 3, 2018 | 08:30 AM

54Hydro

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 920

Likes: 20

From: Malheur Co. OR

Started with engine oil and filter. Then air filter. I have a fuel filter that I need to put on. Diff and transfer case service is next. I am watching the pick-n-pull for a kingpin F350 to pull the suspension from. I made a list of things to address including exhaust leaks, tires, trim pieces...

Aug 3, 2018 | 09:25 AM

Jarrett Campbell

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 3,076

Likes: 21

From: Aransas Pass, Tx

You might want to look into a trans cooler as well. Definitely wouldn't hurt!

Amazon

Fits right behind the front bumper, and keeps trans temps in check.

What oil are you going with? Also, an inspection of the old fuel filter can give a glimpse into how your injector o-rings are doing.

Aug 3, 2018 | 12:20 PM

54Hydro

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 920

Likes: 20

From: Malheur Co. OR

Already on the list (it is a page and a half list). Definitely want to give that auto every chance to survive.

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Aug 4, 2018 | 05:57 PM

427 fordman

Hotshot

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 10,408

Likes: 75

From: Plankinton, SD

Truck looks great man. Congratulations on the find.

Aug 7, 2018 | 12:28 AM

#10

54Hydro

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 920

Likes: 20

From: Malheur Co. OR

It's good from far anyway. Sticking with maintenance first. I'm going to do some digging through camping forums to see what others have done and get some ideas.