Hello:

I have a 1985 Ford F-350 XLT Lariet 2-wheel drive w/ 460 cu auto. I was wondering if there is anything I can do the current rear on my truck to atleast get the two rear wheels to spin. Currenetly, when I get stuck, I notice only one rear wheel spins.

Thanks for any help.

Coneynew

 

Coneynew, You pretty much answered your own question with your title "Locker" in rear ?.

Limited slips can be a bit pricey, but I'd go for it.

BTW, that's a pretty clean truck in your gallery.

 

Lockers are a bit awkwards on the street. They have a lot of backlash (Detroit) which leads to a clunk when you let off and step back on the gas. It's too easy to chirp the inside tire when cornering because it's the only one driving (on corners). In a shorter wheelbase vehicle like a Bronco it will tend to want to drive straight (not corner) under acceleration. However, when 4wheeling in dirt you can't beat them!
Limited slip differentials (LSD's) are a clutch pack differential which is much more forgiving on the street. They still allow for differential operation when cornering (not like a locker) but under power 2 wheels will spin.
The factory offering for your truck is what is called a " Power Lock" which is an excellent differential. I highly reccomend it!
They cost approx. $500 dollars from a gear vendor and it will cost roughly $200 to have it properly installed.
Good luck with you're decision!
Steve G.

 

Thanks Steve:

I think I will go that route. I know it still wont be as good as four wheel drive, but it will sure help out when pulling my horse trailer. Does it matter what gear ratio I have back there? I am not even sure what is in it now, but it sure can top 85 in a hurry then the RPMS are way up there, so I am assuming I have high 3's or poss even 4:11.

Coneynew

 

I am geting ready to re-do this truck. New paint and new black interior, all factory. I have collected all NOS Ford parts from everything from all the chrome and badges, to the new Ford tailgate. I have added almost all the available options. Have all the new interior trim pieces from dash to carpet to seat belts to door panels, etc. I am adding the rear cargo light and cab lights all factory NOS. Just trying to get my hands on a factory wiring harness for both doors to convert to power windowes and door locks. I'll also need the harness that runs from the fuse box to each door. This truck only some surface rust from the pain being scratched. There is absolutely no rot in the rear quaters and cab corners. Surprisingly since it spent it whole life in eastern pa. I am doing the interior all in black, but not yet decided on the exterior color. The 460 is still going strong even after 144,000 miles. Only thing major I have doens is have new intake manifold gasket and both exhaust manifold gaskets replaced. Not counting things like brakes, exhaust and new master cyclinder. I had a Holley 600 4bbl w/ electric chole put on.
I can afford a new F-350 ($38k+), so I decided to put a little money and re-do the truck.

also going with the Doug Thorley headers later in the spring.

Coneynew

Take care

Coneynew

 

Coneynew, sounds like a good plan.

If for some reason the Doug Thorleys don't fit right on your 55 F100 (460), there's always Sanderson Headers, witch are made specific for models like your 55 fitted with a 429-460.

http://www.sandersonheaders.com/

BTW, where did you get/look for all of this NOS for your truck?

Just curious.

 

Thanks:

I have not heard of Sanderson Headers, I'll check them out. I have been in touch w/ Doug Thorley and they have a model specific set that appears to not require any modifications to the truck, plus I do have have any CATS on the truck.

As far as were did I find / collect all of the NOS parts. Mostly through ebay. Once I find a part, I usually try to network with that person. I have a brand new set of factory body trim (the exact trim on my truck). I also use www.partsvoice.com. I have found brand new NOS items for my 1985, like those bumper inserts, digital clock, underhood light, etc. When I call those dealers, they actually said they actually forgot about half of this stuff. Let me know if you are loooking for anything specific, I am usually able to find just about anything.

Coneynew