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Sep 23, 2004 | 12:27 PM

muscletruck7379

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From: Harrisburg, NE

choices, choices

ok, in december there is an auction that is gonna have some ford trucks:

2 80's 250 4x4's w/ 6.9's and 4 speeds
1 81 350 4x4 (dana 60 front) on propane and 4 speed
1 73 350 4x4

it says that all are rough, but assuming that the rough is cosmetic and that they are in at least good mechanical condition, which do you think i should go for for my highboy? i really need a front axle that works, but if i had the diesel in it, i would be able to sell my ranger, which i bought for gas.

i also know of a 7.3/5speed combo for sale, they thought it needed an injection pump. but said it did run good. 600 bucks, if its still there.

Sep 23, 2004 | 02:49 PM

73Custom

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From: SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by muscletruck7379

which do you think i should go for for my highboy? i really need a front axle that works,

Do you mean you want a parts truck for a spare front axle for your highboy? If so, only the '73 has a solid front axle - the '80s 4x4s all had IFS which won't work in a pre '80 truck.

Keep in mind that not all diesels get good mileage. My father-in-law has a '86 F250 4x4 6.9 auto 4.10 gears that runs great with new pumps, injectors and fuel lines - but hardly ever gets more than 10 mpg going 55-65 on the highway. And gets very near redlining if you get close to 70mph.

Marty

Sep 23, 2004 | 07:41 PM

muscletruck7379

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From: Harrisburg, NE

nope, the one tons from the 80's had solid 60's w/ disk brakes, it was 250's and 150's with ifs.

my 73 snapped an axle in the dana 44, and considering that it is also closed knuckle and has drum brakes, the 60 would be a good upgrade.

yeah i do need to keep that in mind but 10 would be better than the 9 im getting

Sep 23, 2004 | 09:28 PM

73Custom

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From: SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by muscletruck7379

nope, the one tons from the 80's had solid 60's w/ disk brakes, it was 250's and 150's with ifs.

I stand corrected - I didn't know that. Thanks for straightening me out...

Marty

Sep 23, 2004 | 09:51 PM

91f250460

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From: Midwest

For axle parts I would suggest the 81 or the 73. The f-250's will be IFS and the old 6.9 diesels, although reliable don't rev very high or fast. They generally don't run above 65 mph very well and aren't all that fuel efficient compared to the turbo charged psd's.

T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147

Sep 24, 2004 | 07:41 AM

highboy1975

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From: southwest pa

hold up, im seeing a slight problem here. there was no 73 f350 4x4. is the 81 a dually? all the srw 1tons have seen had the d50 ttb setup in it. the only way the 73 has a d60 up front is if it was swapped in. IF the 81 f350 has the d60 up front, i would go for it because it would have discs. the stock axle in the 73 would be a drum front.