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Just started a new project on a 1979 f150 4x4 that’s been sitting for about 15 years. Figured I’d start with the fuel system. Engine was running well when it was parked but the trans was toast. So I want to get the fuel out and check the tank before giving it a test fire and moving on to the trans.
Going to pull the bed tomorrow (been soaking in pb blaster for a couple of days). While it’s off I figured I would paint the bottom, paint the exposed frame, run fuel and break lines and replace the diff gasket. Anything else I should do while the bed is off that would be much easier?
I know I don’t have to pull the bed for these, but because I want to eventually to paint that I might as well start there.
Definitely won’t be a show truck but trying to get it to a good driver and extend its life.
Hardest line to replace in my opinion is the large fuel filler hose. Squirrel or other rodent chewed mine once, so the new is wrapped in thin stainless steel salvaged from old pellet flue pipe. The clamp at the tank is a bear.
replace rear shock absorbers
inspect correct any of the wiring for lights/fuel gauge
inspect/correct parking brake cables/springs/etc.
obviously inspect the u-joints since you'll be removing the driveshaft to do the diff gasket.
It'd also be a good time to rebuild the leaf packs. It's not that hard with the bed on, but it's much, much easier with the bed out of the way just in case you run into stubborn bolts .Pull them apart, clean and paint them and replace any bushings.
X2 on insp everything mentioned above and replace the leaf spring bushings. When they put the leaf spring hanger bolts on it was when the leafs were still off the truck. It is from inside to out. And with the bed off you can swing/flip the pack up and around to get the bolt out. Come reassembly time put the bolt "In" towards the frame and have the nut on the frame side. Incase you have to take it apart again way later.
Be sure to point all the screw ends on the hose clamps in a position where you can access them from under the truck when the bed is back in place unlike, the guy at the factory that puts everything together from the top before they install the bed.
Heres a pic with the bed off... Do EVERYTHING ya want now while not laying on your back. Fuel tank freshen up, hoses, e brake lines maintenance, shocks, thrid member gasket, brake lines, and etc...
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