I have a 1980 F-150 with the 300-6, 4spd/OD Manual and the Explorer package. It was the first new truck my folks bought and I am pretty attached to it. For the past 4 years it sat idle since I couldn't have it where I was working and Dad did not need it anymore.

This spring I got it up and going to help reduce my gas bill a little. Now the problems are starting.

1. I am getting plugged up gas filters about every 500-600 miles. Outside of completely removing the tanks are there any good ways to clean the tanks.

2. The truck has made a strange humming/vibrating sound from about 10mph up which I think is tire whine. The tires on it are pretty dry and were second hand Firestones from my grandpa's ranger so I am going to try and replace them in the next couple of weeks. The weird thing is the sound seems to go away when you touch the brakes. Do you think it is something other than tires?

3. The front brakes are sticking. Is it best just to completely replace them?

4. Lately if I really get my toes into the carb, like when merging into traffic, the truck will act like it is flooding itself then cough, sputter and choke along for a bit. The carb is a rebuilt Carter YF, but I am really having a hard time getting it properly adjusted. Do you have any advice?

5. This transmission/gearing has always been a weak spot for the truck. With the 273 rear it gets amazing gas mileage, but makes you hunt for gears until you are up to highway speed. Do any of you have any experience with this combination? Is it worth it for me to look into swapping out the gears and put in a heavier transmission?

6. The gas gauge will only come up to the E on a full tank for either tank. Does this sound like the ICVR to you guys? It worked fine for a while after I brought it home, but then suddenly it wont read above the E.

Thanks a million!
Bob

 

1. No - you need to clean the tank.
2. No - It's most likely tread seperation.
3. Yes - The disc are likely rusted - have them turned and new pads.
4. No - But this is most likely related to the gas tank problem.
5. No - Swapping the rear gears could be benifical;however, this is a job for a
mechanic with the proper tools. 3.08 gears would be nice.
6. No - But this is also most likely related to the gas tank problem.



Hope this helps - it's difficult to bring back a truck once its' sat for a while - but not impossible - just a little work and few tanks of gas.