Hi I just bought my very first 4 wheel drive Ford a 1983 F150 with a 302 and automatic. It is going to be primarily a truck just for 4 wheeling for me. So I was wondering if you guy's could direct me to where to find out some things. Some basic stuff like what transfer case is in the truck also what kind of cheap up grades can I do to it ie parts from other Fords that will give me some lift or what ever you think might be of help. I would appreciate links to info to.

 

well, buckshots for the tires, those are cheap. A set of steel wheels off ebay would also be cheap, and a set of beadlock converters on those wheels would also go well. Just for starters I wouldn't go any bigger than 32's. If you can fit them that is. Tires are the biggest thing to give you a marked improvement in offroading capability, followed closely by suspension.

 

The truck came with a fairly good set of all terrian tires on it. A brand I have never heard of Federal Tires but they don't look to bad and should do for a while. What I was wondering are there any tricks for cheap homebrew lifts. ie On the Cherokee that I had owned you could use F150 front springs and get 3 to 4 inches of lift. and at the rear you could use Dodge Dakota rear springs and get about 3 to 4 inches of lift. The amount of lift depended on the condition of the springs that you used.

Also does any one know what transfer case is used in this truck?

 

Have you looked on the transfer case for a tag?

 

Not yet it's been raining here for most of the last two days. So I didn't crawl under it yet.

 

Get a Sawzall and a package of metal cutting blades and an extension cord. Then go buy two cases of beer. Then take that Sawzall and cut off everything that won't help you get through the rough country. Your truck will be two inches higher for twenty bucks worth of Sawzall blades and it's more fun than a day of wheelin!

 

Sounds like a great idea.

 

it'll be a bear to drive on the road, but yeah taht'll work.

 

Bdox.... I really like your approach to things,,,,,, simple straightforward destruction....

 

If I were going to use the truck for strictly off road, I would invest in a spool for the back axle and a limited slip, or locker, diff for the front. Lockers are finicky for the front, but removing the check valve from the power steering helps to steer it better. Definately the biggest improvements. Sams club sells a 7500 pound winch for about $240. The little inexpensive 2000 pound winch is good too. It can be attached to a tow ball in the front or rear. Many times it is better to winch out backward , along the way you came in. At the minimum a come along and straps to attach it to a tree. A high lift jack and other "unstuck" tools should definately make the list. How fast are you fourwheeling? For fast stuff, add better shocks. For crawling around, remove anything binding the suspension. Remove any sway bars, and even the shocks for crawling around. This allows as much suspension travel as possible cheaply. The faster you go, the more shock you need.

Skid plate everything! You can make your own skid plates or find factory ones in a junk yard. Buy the steel at a scrap metal yard and start cutting and welding.

Waterproof the ignition and air box. The higher the intake the better.

Check your frame where the steering box bolts on. Reinforcing it is a good idea. Reweld the spring mounts to the frame. I broke mine loose. The best u joints you can get. Manual hubs for better engine braking and more strength. Tow hooks attached directly to the frame, front and rear, for getting unstuck. A auxillary transmission cooler. I put in a transmission temperature guage in my truck. Extra cooling. The more the better. Auxillary electric fan.

A good set of spare parts to carry around. A ignition box, a coil, extra belts, hoses, oil filter (yeah, I drove a stick through mine one time), 2 spare tires, water can, fuel can, electric air compressor for reairing tires, tools, etc. A big box in the back to carry all the stuff. Bolt down everything. I even carry extra axles.

All I can think of for now. A lot depends on the type of fourwheeling. Are you by yourself or with other trucks? By yourself requires more unstuck stuff. If you haven't been stuck, then you haven't been anywhere.

 

If you are heading for dunes or beaches, get a 'Danforth' anchor. They store flat and are fairly lightweight for their holding power. When you are stuck in the sand and no rocks or trees or broken down chevys to hook onto, it is the only answer. Just bury that sucker thirty feet out and winch away. They dig deeper as the pressure increases. It's not as solid as a half buried Power Wagon but it provides enough hold to bail you out. I have used this device on the beach down in Mexico. I a mean beach with no road to it and a proportionate amount of traffic. Fifty miles from the roadway so no help likely. Saved me a long hike and a huge towing bill.

There are other and even better anchors but they are big heavy things that are really awkward to carry. A folding grappling hook is good too but not for sand. Great for rock and roots etc., but you need a big one to hold a truck.

 

Thanks for all the tips guys. I have done a couple of things so far. I made a spare tire mount, so the spare is in my bed rather than under the truck. I also made a mount for my high lift jack. I have two large ammo cans that I put locks on that I am going to mount in the bed to hod stuff like tow straps etc.
I appreciate all the ideas keep them coming.