What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: USA
What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
My 77 F-150 4x4 with 8 foot bed is getting a new bed in the next few weeks. While I have it off there, is there anything else I should consider changing/cleaning/replacing that will save me trouble in the future?
I plan on putting a suspension lift on in the future too, is that something I should go ahead and do now or will it be just as easy later?
I plan on putting a suspension lift on in the future too, is that something I should go ahead and do now or will it be just as easy later?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Michigan
What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
Put in the lift with the box off. Replace the brake lines & fuel lines if it needs it.Ck for any rusted out brackets or loose rivits.
why not sand blast and paint the frame.
1979 F350,4x4,NP435,5:13 gears,Detroit locker in rear with hardened shafts,ABR in the front,L&L Ladder Bars,360 with 428 crank & rods,390 HP heads,Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch,MSD Ignition,39.5x18 Boggers,bucket seats out of a Lightning,& a Southern Body that is perfect.
1997 F350 PowerStroke 4X4,36 Inch Super Swampers, Strait Piped, Chiped, Propane Injected, LUK Clutch
why not sand blast and paint the frame.
1979 F350,4x4,NP435,5:13 gears,Detroit locker in rear with hardened shafts,ABR in the front,L&L Ladder Bars,360 with 428 crank & rods,390 HP heads,Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch,MSD Ignition,39.5x18 Boggers,bucket seats out of a Lightning,& a Southern Body that is perfect.
1997 F350 PowerStroke 4X4,36 Inch Super Swampers, Strait Piped, Chiped, Propane Injected, LUK Clutch
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 499
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From: Michigan
What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
It might be easyer to buy new rear spring shackles and bolts for the rear springs, that way you can just torch the bolts. They are the same as a 1997 F350 (not a SUPER DUTY) that is what I put on mine. Bought them at the Ford dealer.
If you wheel it hard you may want to move the mounting holts in the frame back, to avoid the cab & box making contact when the frame flexes.
1979 F350,4x4,NP435,5:13 gears,Detroit locker in rear with hardened shafts,ABR in the front,L&L Ladder Bars,360 with 428 crank & rods,390 HP heads,Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch,MSD Ignition,39.5x18 Boggers,bucket seats out of a Lightning,& a Southern Body that is perfect.
1997 F350 PowerStroke 4X4,36 Inch Super Swampers, Strait Piped, Chiped, Propane Injected, LUK Clutch
If you wheel it hard you may want to move the mounting holts in the frame back, to avoid the cab & box making contact when the frame flexes.
1979 F350,4x4,NP435,5:13 gears,Detroit locker in rear with hardened shafts,ABR in the front,L&L Ladder Bars,360 with 428 crank & rods,390 HP heads,Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch,MSD Ignition,39.5x18 Boggers,bucket seats out of a Lightning,& a Southern Body that is perfect.
1997 F350 PowerStroke 4X4,36 Inch Super Swampers, Strait Piped, Chiped, Propane Injected, LUK Clutch
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: texarkana, tx
What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
Ken2600 -
Don't forget about a kool Hellwig sway bar for the rear and a nice 40 gallon tank, while you have the bed off --- would certainly be a "LOT" easier then....unless all you do is straight ahead driving....
Don't forget about a kool Hellwig sway bar for the rear and a nice 40 gallon tank, while you have the bed off --- would certainly be a "LOT" easier then....unless all you do is straight ahead driving....
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 551
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From: USA
What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
I just replaced the gas tank about a month ago. If I had known I was going to find a bed this soon, I would have waited on that, it was a real pain.
I'll have to look into the swaybar. What benefit does that give me exactly?
I'll have to look into the swaybar. What benefit does that give me exactly?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: USA
What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
Knocks down some of the body lean in the corners. I have em front and rear in my '77 shortbed. It gets around corners pretty flat.
Gary
Gary
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: LA, CA
What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
First thing that comes to my mind is the fuel gauge sender, and the fuel filler and line hoses. Dropping the tank to do those was an education, but I kept thinking how much easier it would have been with the bed off!
Don't ask me I'm just here for the beer :+
Don't ask me I'm just here for the beer :+
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
When you add/subtract sway bars make sure you have a swaybar on the front b4 you add one to the rear. A swaybar on the rear only will make the truck handle "funny".
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
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What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
If I was taking my bed off I would try to sandblast the frame and
POR-15. The probably replace sender in gas tank and fuel lines, brake lines etc...Might be a bit more than you want to get into but how many times do you have the bed off ? Sure is nice to do that stuff "unrestricted" by the bed.
POR-15. The probably replace sender in gas tank and fuel lines, brake lines etc...Might be a bit more than you want to get into but how many times do you have the bed off ? Sure is nice to do that stuff "unrestricted" by the bed.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Newalla Oklahoma
What else should I fix/clean/change while replacing my bed?
When I had the bed off my 79 1 ton, I had new shock mounts made. The old ones rusted through. The new ones are bolted to the frame with grade 8 bolts in the old rivet holes. I also changed the mount style to use shocks with eyes at both ends. It was just a bolt welded to a piece of 1/8th plate. I cut triangle pieces to brace it and used a sleeve to fit between the bushing and the bolt shaft. Just as a note, put the bushing on then weld it and then put in the braces and weld them on. They have lasted through several "hardcore" mudding sesions.
Also, check the ground for the fuel sender unit. It is bolted to the crossmember in front of the tank. These tend to rust through. Just put a new end on and bolt it back in.
Also, check the ground for the fuel sender unit. It is bolted to the crossmember in front of the tank. These tend to rust through. Just put a new end on and bolt it back in.
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