ok, got the 68 Ranger, 390. Suspension is tired, gotta replace rear springs and front coils (already did shocks). Going to do front disc conversion as well. Hopefully this will tighten up the front end, but the steering box and rag joint would be next. Engine starts hard and runs rough at idle, stumbles of idle. It definitely needs a tune-up, and I should go to the bigger dist. cap to eliminate the 7/8 crossfire. Want to upgrade the ignition, but probably should check the distributor as well. While I'm at it, I'll bet the timing chain needs replaced, want to put in a double roller. We also have an exhaust leak, could get another log, or could try doubling up on the gaskets, but the truck has what looks to be cobbled up dual exhaust (one of the sides has a narrower pipe than the other) and glass packs - all of which is rusty to the point of disintegration, which should probably be changed at the same time. They run down the passenger side as the truck had the side rail auxilliary gas tank at one time. Oh yeah, carb (2 barrel, manual choke) should probably be re-done as well. I have already sealed the oil leak at the rear intake. The wiring is suspect as well, the neutral saftey switch needs adjusting (gotta wiggle the shift lever sometimes.

Keeping in mind that I want to eventually re-do the engine, what order should work this stuff, or does it matter?

I'm thinking
1) suspension / front discs
2) steering / rag joint
3) exhaust
4) tuneup / ignition upgrade (pertronics or MSD) including dizzy
5) carb
6) timing chain
7) wiring as it becomes necessary
8) engine rebuild

Then I can get into the interior - seat is disintegrating, doors need anti-rattle kits, new rubber all round, new gauge cluster, dash pad, yada, yada. And finnaly, off to the body shop.

Sounds like fun, no? ;-)

 

I'd start with getting it running good so when I got sick of working on it I could sell it for more than I paid for it.
Just kidding. But I personally would start with the engine work and move on to the suspension and steering and other aux. stuff. What good is a truck with brand new everything when the engine is on a stand getting built?
BDV

 

Since you mentioned the truck wasn't sitting level, I'd start with the springs. For the front coils, anything up to 79 with a similar size engine should give you what you need. As for the rear springs and possibly using ones off a newer truck or 3/4 ton, get out your measuring tape and compare eye to eye distances and widths. There is also the number of leaves to consider. I think the 73-9 rears are a little different but you can measure. Then I think a tuneup for a smooth dependable engine and a safe exhaust are important. The disc brakes, i-beams, springs and power steering gear (if you don't have it) could come off of any 73-79 F100/150. Check out the swap article in the tech section of this site. As for the interior, keep in mind that carpets up to 79 and bench seats up to 96 will bolt in.

mike

 

Bench seats out of any full size Ford will fit in like stock for this thing? I have a 70' 100 and I tried converting to buckets due to the driver side having NO support. Gave up due to needing fabrication for proper mounting. Are you sure about that?

 

Hi Jimmy,

I think if you re-read mk's message, he specified bench seats.

 

Pward,
I did catch that, I believe I have given up on bucket seats, and was resloved to trying to fix the bench seat. My truck is in much the same condition yours is in, I have just been working on the interior for now due to time/monetary restrictions.

 

Seats from 67-79 have the same brackets/sliders. You'll have to bolt the newer seats (80-96) to your original brackets, which is easy to do.

mike

 

Give the engine a tuneup, replace the distributor cap, and replace the exhaust. Fumes in the cab will kill you DEAD! Then do the steering so it's safe to drive. Don't be needing no accidentals, now.
Then do the springs and the interior.
This way your truck will be safe to drive while you work on the less critical items.