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i just bought a 55-f100 that sat in a farm for over 20 years. i got it to turn on it smokes a little but runs smooth, it has an auto transmission. it has the 239 v-8. i guess my question is should i keep this motor set up or go to a 302/460 set up. this will be a daily driver. i just want something that will be reliable. i know i will have a lot of questions later on but i figure i get the powertrain going first. also i am highly mechanically incline and have lots of tools so i dont mind doing the work myself. i just need good guidence since i have never did an older vehicle. thanks in advance.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 96
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From: Columbus, ohio
Leave the engine & trans alone for now. Enjoy your running truck while you
learn more about it. Put some time & money into steering, brakes, tires,
suspension, etc.
If you do swap engines later your daily driver will not be a driver for a while,
so you have to factor in some down time. In the meantime you can get more ideas & info on what you want your truck to be when it's 'finished'.
learn more about it. Put some time & money into steering, brakes, tires,
suspension, etc.
If you do swap engines later your daily driver will not be a driver for a while,
so you have to factor in some down time. In the meantime you can get more ideas & info on what you want your truck to be when it's 'finished'.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 433
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From: Breckenridge, Minn.
Welcome to the board. Those that hang out around here are pretty knowledgable and willing to help in any way. I would have to agree that you should drive the truck for a little while to find out what needs work and give yourself some time to see what is out there for options. You can develop an engine while driving the truck and make the swap when ready. Good luck with the truck.
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2006
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i am about to do the brakes, it has drums at all corners, i had a 64' fairlane when i was in school and it also had drums which worked fine, should i stay with drums? i want to keep it as original as possible, but of course safety comes first.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Riverside, So Cal
I agree with what has already been said. I drove mine for a few years before going into the drive line heavily. The experience gave me a lot of good ideas and that saved a ton of money and time.
FWIW, The 302 is a dependable engine with lots of aftermarket and stock parts easy to find. It is a bit underpowered if you want a hot rod, but as a daily driver, it is a good choice.
The guys that all run 460's will tell you the honk!! Tons of torque and performance...lousy gas mileage. They also are relatively easy to get parts and accessories for.
A 351W (or 351C) might be a good compromise for around town power and good freeway cruising.
Good luck.
FWIW, The 302 is a dependable engine with lots of aftermarket and stock parts easy to find. It is a bit underpowered if you want a hot rod, but as a daily driver, it is a good choice.
The guys that all run 460's will tell you the honk!! Tons of torque and performance...lousy gas mileage. They also are relatively easy to get parts and accessories for.
A 351W (or 351C) might be a good compromise for around town power and good freeway cruising.
Good luck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by cruzin55f100
i am about to do the brakes, it has drums at all corners, i had a 64' fairlane when i was in school and it also had drums which worked fine, should i stay with drums? i want to keep it as original as possible, but of course safety comes first.
Vern
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 433
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From: Breckenridge, Minn.
If you are going to do the brakes you might consider power brakes. The old manual brakes had a tendency to fade when they warmed up. The old truck I am starting to work on has drums and manual brakes. The donor truck has power brakes which I will be transfering across. You didn't see disc brakes on vehicles until 69 and not all trucks had them until the early 70's. I know you can get conversion kits and it makes a great addition for stopping with disc brakes. Good luck.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
Welcome! All good advice!
I'd also recommend paying close attention to the steering gear. The steering gearbox is the weakest link. If your's is tight, thank the powers that be and be sure to drain it and fill it with fresh lube. If there is a lot of freeplay or binding start deciding what route you want to take to fix it, you can rebuild or replace the box with a rebuilt one, a fairly pricey option that leaves you with safe but still "armstrong" steering, or possibly upgrading to power steering. check out this article for the various options: https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...60_Trucks.html
I'd also recommend paying close attention to the steering gear. The steering gearbox is the weakest link. If your's is tight, thank the powers that be and be sure to drain it and fill it with fresh lube. If there is a lot of freeplay or binding start deciding what route you want to take to fix it, you can rebuild or replace the box with a rebuilt one, a fairly pricey option that leaves you with safe but still "armstrong" steering, or possibly upgrading to power steering. check out this article for the various options: https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...60_Trucks.html
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
If you have no experience with drum brakes you should know that if you drive through water they will temporarily become ineffective. The trick to avoid this is to keep your foot on the brake while going through the water. This keeps them hot so the water will boil off right away. (This alone makes a strong case for changing over to disks.)
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
I like Mid Fifty www.midfifty.com if you don't have one of their print catalogs, get it immediately! It has a wealth of info besides parts.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Originally Posted by 59flatbedford
well it sound like your truck is all origanal so why not keep it that way.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,970
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Welcome to the board!!
Very good advice so far. I highly recommend driving it for a bit before starting anything major. The reason for this is that when you fall into one of those terrible ruts that befall each and everyone of us, you can look back on the good times you had in the truck. Trust me, it helps.
Now that you found this site you will always have helpt to get you through the tough spots also. Everytime I get down and out about the truck there is someone here to offer words of encouragement, merciless teasing, and general smart-alec comments to get my motivation back.
Glad to have you
Bobby
Very good advice so far. I highly recommend driving it for a bit before starting anything major. The reason for this is that when you fall into one of those terrible ruts that befall each and everyone of us, you can look back on the good times you had in the truck. Trust me, it helps.
Now that you found this site you will always have helpt to get you through the tough spots also. Everytime I get down and out about the truck there is someone here to offer words of encouragement, merciless teasing, and general smart-alec comments to get my motivation back.
Glad to have you
Bobby
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