whats the scoop ?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 12
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whats the scoop ?
Howdy, new here, great site!! I just bought an 86 f350 crew cab dually, (460,auto,120k well maintained and garaged, all the toys) and im looking for any advice or opinions as to what what to expect when i pick it up. i posted in the truck buyer section looking for specs, but i figured id try here for info on weak points i should be on the lookout for, known issues, and possible upgrades or "must do's" to ensure i get good performance and long life out of it (besides normal maintenance.) Mostly, i bought it for occasional towing of a 36' fifth wheel. its already got a goose neck hitch, so its all set for heavy hauling except for a hitch change there. ill have to check to see if it has a tranny cooler though, were they standard equipment?
ill be picking it up in a week or so,bought it sight unseen (i know, but after talking with the owner several times, i thought it was worth the risk) and im trying to get a head start and a better idea of what ive gotten myself into..
any thoughts, info or advice is appreciated..
thanks...
ill be picking it up in a week or so,bought it sight unseen (i know, but after talking with the owner several times, i thought it was worth the risk) and im trying to get a head start and a better idea of what ive gotten myself into..
any thoughts, info or advice is appreciated..
thanks...
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 65
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From: Ripon USA
whats the scoop ?
Before you add the fifth wheel hitch, check out the conversion adapter to turn your trailer into a goose-neck. They sell them at camping world online. Not too expensive, and easy to install. It mounts onto your existing king pin.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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whats the scoop ?
Thanks guys, appreciate the welcome and the tip on the converter. It defiinately looks like a viable option. Im a little leary about hooking up my big trailer to that little hitch ball though,
but i guess it just takes some getting used too. might even be easier to hook up on inclines... 
but i guess it just takes some getting used too. might even be easier to hook up on inclines... 
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 353
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From: South Dakota
whats the scoop ?
>Im a little leary about hooking up my big trailer to that little
>hitch ball though, but i guess it just takes some
>getting used too. might even be easier to hook up on
>inclines...
I believe those little ***** are rated for more weight than a fifth wheel set-up. I don't remember for sure, but most of the gooseneck hitches are rated for 30,000# or more, depending on make. Most of the fifth wheel hitches I've seen are rated for 25,000# to 30,000#. But it depends on the kind of ball you've got, but I'm sure it can handle a fifth-wheel.
>hitch ball though,
but i guess it just takes some >getting used too. might even be easier to hook up on
>inclines...
I believe those little ***** are rated for more weight than a fifth wheel set-up. I don't remember for sure, but most of the gooseneck hitches are rated for 30,000# or more, depending on make. Most of the fifth wheel hitches I've seen are rated for 25,000# to 30,000#. But it depends on the kind of ball you've got, but I'm sure it can handle a fifth-wheel.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
whats the scoop ?
Mad Maverick,
Welcome to FTE!
I can give you a few things to chk out on that 460! and chassis.
1)460's in and around that yr had problems with exhaust manifolds
Cracking and leaking(metal gaskets between heads)warping.
2)also watch out for valve recession,some early heads did't have hardened vavle seats in them.for using unleaded gas.
3)These engines are carburated, fuel mileage can be a real pain,
7-10 at best and I kept mine tuned up every year new plugs ,wires cap rotor,air filter,power valve in carb.
4)Chk the rear pinon seal, on these trucks was a common leak
5) Chk center driveshaft support bearing.
6)Also 460's tend to run hot with the orignal thermostat in them
a tip use the thermostat for a diesel of the same yr its rated same temp but has a higer flow rate keeps the 460 about 20 degrees cooler
If you need the P/n let me know I have it somewhere.
7) get the bigest auto cooler you can for your tranny.
Good luck with your truck
Rich
Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville
Welcome to FTE!
I can give you a few things to chk out on that 460! and chassis.
1)460's in and around that yr had problems with exhaust manifolds
Cracking and leaking(metal gaskets between heads)warping.
2)also watch out for valve recession,some early heads did't have hardened vavle seats in them.for using unleaded gas.
3)These engines are carburated, fuel mileage can be a real pain,
7-10 at best and I kept mine tuned up every year new plugs ,wires cap rotor,air filter,power valve in carb.
4)Chk the rear pinon seal, on these trucks was a common leak
5) Chk center driveshaft support bearing.
6)Also 460's tend to run hot with the orignal thermostat in them
a tip use the thermostat for a diesel of the same yr its rated same temp but has a higer flow rate keeps the 460 about 20 degrees cooler
If you need the P/n let me know I have it somewhere.
7) get the bigest auto cooler you can for your tranny.
Good luck with your truck
Rich
Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Wow, 7mpg..:-staun
i figured it wouldnt exactly sip fuel, but man, my 30' winnebago gets better than that..oh well, dems da breaks..the truck also has an alternative fuel system (lpg) so maybe ill save a bucks on gas there, at least when im hauling. And for a truck that appears to be in excellant condition(its been garaged and everything), besides a few scratches and a bit of seat wear, i cant complain at all for $3500...Obviously ill be in the dark on quite a few things until have posession of the truck, but these tips will really help.
do you think a tranny shift kit will help with the economy any? im not sure what the settup is , or the gearing, but i know its all stock.
thanks again, i really appreciate the tips..
Eric
i figured it wouldnt exactly sip fuel, but man, my 30' winnebago gets better than that..oh well, dems da breaks..the truck also has an alternative fuel system (lpg) so maybe ill save a bucks on gas there, at least when im hauling. And for a truck that appears to be in excellant condition(its been garaged and everything), besides a few scratches and a bit of seat wear, i cant complain at all for $3500...Obviously ill be in the dark on quite a few things until have posession of the truck, but these tips will really help.
do you think a tranny shift kit will help with the economy any? im not sure what the settup is , or the gearing, but i know its all stock.
thanks again, i really appreciate the tips..
Eric