Top 10 upgrades
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 60
Likes: 8
From: Oregon
Top 10 upgrades
I will be at work the next 48 hrs, but am interested in what the FTE elders have to say about the top 10 upgrades our truck need. I have some ideas such as the 3g alternator, Saginaw power steering pump, and an auxiliary fuse block, but really want to hear what those in the know have to say, so please send it!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,895
Likes: 2,372
Change for the sake of change isn't necessarily an upgrade. and in my opinion if I didn't want a classic I'd buy a newer pickup they're better in every way.
I prefer the term " acceptable upgrades. " that includes,
Radial tires
Base/clear paint
Sanden compressor conversion
integral steering conversion
OD transmission/ gear vendor
that's all I can think of
I prefer the term " acceptable upgrades. " that includes,
Radial tires
Base/clear paint
Sanden compressor conversion
integral steering conversion
OD transmission/ gear vendor
that's all I can think of
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 60
Likes: 8
From: Oregon
I get you 440, and agree. I love my truck, but if there are simple things we have learned in the past 40 years that can make it even more awesome I want to know. I am not into creating a 1978 shell on a 2022 frame but rather looking for more fun things I can do to her as I love to tinker in the shop and make things better. Another thing I thought of since posting the first time is a complete American Auto Wire rewire project.
Thank-you for your comments!
Thank-you for your comments!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 209
Likes: 61
I view "upgrades" on classic vehicles to be improvements in safety, comfort, appearance, performance that you have a hard time noticing.
Most upgrades could also be just maintenance. New door weatherstrips and window seals are a huge improvement over 35 year old ones.
Sound deadening and heat insulation.
Did floor, roof, doors on my F350 and it is now as close to tomb quiet as it's ever going to be.
Cooling system.
Larger aluminum radiator (painted with black rad paint), high flow water pump and a fail safe t-stat.
Performance cam.
Doesn't have to be some crazy lumpy race profile to make a difference.
Brakes.
I have not done this but I hear good things about converting to hydro-boost. To most of us it would certainly stick out as not factory but not by much.
Fuel injection.
These systems are pretty stock looking. I would love to do this. Hesitant though as I have duel tanks and rear one I do not want to mod for fuel return. Thinking I could fuel return into the filler pipes?
Most upgrades could also be just maintenance. New door weatherstrips and window seals are a huge improvement over 35 year old ones.
Sound deadening and heat insulation.
Did floor, roof, doors on my F350 and it is now as close to tomb quiet as it's ever going to be.
Cooling system.
Larger aluminum radiator (painted with black rad paint), high flow water pump and a fail safe t-stat.
Performance cam.
Doesn't have to be some crazy lumpy race profile to make a difference.
Brakes.
I have not done this but I hear good things about converting to hydro-boost. To most of us it would certainly stick out as not factory but not by much.
Fuel injection.
These systems are pretty stock looking. I would love to do this. Hesitant though as I have duel tanks and rear one I do not want to mod for fuel return. Thinking I could fuel return into the filler pipes?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,895
Likes: 2,372
Have to agree there, replacing a 360 with a 390,410,428 is an acceptable upgrade . just like replacing a 335 series with a 385, it's been going on since 1977 so it's acceptable.
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,844
Likes: 2,612
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Ventshades
XM
Speakers
Seat
'78/'79 steering if it's a '77 back & Red Head or other premium box
Steps
Gun Rack
Hitch Reciever
Brake Upgrade
I've read good posts on it, considered it, but remain very pleased with the F-350 booster / master cylinder and larger bore T-bird calipers version, and just run stock size rear wheel cylinders as the larger ones were lock up prone on a hard stop, especially so if the road is wet. I have not yet converted to SS braided type hoses.
Oh yeah ... Cruise Control and Wiper Delay ...
XM
Speakers
Seat
'78/'79 steering if it's a '77 back & Red Head or other premium box
Steps
Gun Rack
Hitch Reciever
Brake Upgrade
Oh yeah ... Cruise Control and Wiper Delay ...
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Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,253
Likes: 5,815
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Well here is maybe some help on the modes you are going to undertake. And maybe some modes you did not think about.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20013315
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20013316
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20013315
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20013316
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 530
Likes: 89
More power for things like accessories. Winch, lights, large stereo amplifier, etc. Probably mostly noticed at idle as it'll produce more power with the engine at idle compared to the stock alternator. It'll keep your headlights from dimming under a heavy load I suppose. I don't have one on my F100 or my Bronco, but neither of them have accessories that would require a larger alternator.
I don't know if the internal regulator on a 3g would be considered an upgrade, but it'll allow you to have one less item (external regulator) bolted down in your engine bay.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 781
Likes: 18
From: East Texas
My 3G is a Motorcraft also - from a 92 Taurus. 130 amps (stock on our trucks was ~60 amps). With all lights on (headlights, fog lights, rear lights), wipers on and radio on, I measure 14 volts at the battery (engine idling).