Hi,

Well after a bunch of work the old 77 F600 359, 4 speed, 5.83 diff is now shortened to a 9' bed and has a whopping gooseneck setup on it. It has also done several 600 miles plus per day trips and one round trip of 1700 miles. It's still leaking oil at the back of the oil pan. I do have it minimized now.

It pulled the 12k trailer with no problems except that I was down to about 10-15 mph on a couple of very steep climbs. 6-7% get me down to about 25-30. Part of that problem is the heeeeuge gap between 3rd and 4th. With a two speed diff I probably would be able to hang on 30-35. Coming down hill is great. With the F250 diesel I would keep it at 10 mph, but with these brakes and the jordan controller handling the trailer brakes, I feel very comfortable at 45mph down the 6-7 % grades. could probably still go a little faster, but I don't see any point in pushing it.

NOW FOR THE QUESTION::: Is it possible to buy new steering wheels for these things??? It's a manual steer. The wheel is 20" and has a 3/4" bolt. One spoke has broken. I'm going to take it in and see if it can be welded, but I would feel better with a new one. I'll also check the junk yards but they are few and far between up here in northern arizona.

Has anyone swapped a 460 for the 359??? Or a V-10???? Sure would be nice to have the six speed transmission.

Thanks for any help.


Jim

 

Look for old school buses. Here they are plentiful as they are scrapped after 5 years.Brian

 

there is a place here in Salt Lake City that Deals with large truck and I found there web page http://www.hendersonwheel.com/ give them a try good luck

John Workman
76 F250 Crew Cab

 

Thanks for the info.

It takes me awhile to get back because I have very limited access to the internet.

I'll try the place in Salt lake and check out flagstaff as soon as my little truck gets up here.

Jim