I have a 1983 Ford 1/2 ton with a 351. When you first start the truck it idles fine, but when you put it in gear it wants to die. Has anyone had this problem.

Dean

 

My 81 f250 does this, but it runs fine after it warms up. I was told it's possibly the thermostat. Yours could also possibly just use some adjustment on the idle screw on the carb.

 

Do you mean when you put it in gear to "Go" it jerks and dies instead of smoothly taking off? If so, I'd start by looking closely at the vacuum lines for any leak(s).

 

And/or timing chain. Idles fine, but under load stalls?

 

Not just with Fords but I have had this happen when the fuel filter is dirty.

JGS

 

I mean when you first start the truck it idles fine but when you put it in drive or reverse (automatic) it idles down so much it will die unless you give a little gas. When you start drive it runs fine no loss of power or anything, just when you come to a stop it wants to die again. Could this problem be a choke plate sticking.

Dean

 

Sounds like a choke sticking or out of adjustment.
This was definitely a trademark of Ford when they were carbed motors.
It's fixed pretty easy.