suspension problems and more
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2001
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suspension problems and more
I have a 1964 sidestep. I have put off working on it for a long time but I am finally getting into it.
One of the first things that I noticed was that the suspension is dead as far as I can tell. I looked at some new shocks today but I don't know how to check if my springs are any good. Above the front leafs there are springs that look like they were just slapped on there, are they even supposed to be there or can I just remove them.
Another problem that I have found is that my electrical is a little screwed up. The right side brake light is stronger then the left and when the blinker is activated they just start and stop working when they want. I tried following the wire back through, but it is hard to see or know where it goes. What would be the best way to redo or fix the wiring.
Sorry thats kinda long. Thanks
One of the first things that I noticed was that the suspension is dead as far as I can tell. I looked at some new shocks today but I don't know how to check if my springs are any good. Above the front leafs there are springs that look like they were just slapped on there, are they even supposed to be there or can I just remove them.
Another problem that I have found is that my electrical is a little screwed up. The right side brake light is stronger then the left and when the blinker is activated they just start and stop working when they want. I tried following the wire back through, but it is hard to see or know where it goes. What would be the best way to redo or fix the wiring.
Sorry thats kinda long. Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 571
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suspension problems and more
I'm wondering the same thing with the suspension, but as far as the wiring, have you thought about getting a painless wiring kit, and redoing the whole truck? I'll be using Painless Wiring when I start putting my '64 together.
PS, what engine do you have in that '64?
-Andrew
f250_64(No Email Addresses In Posts!), same for yahoo messenger
Nothing, and I mean nothing, stirs the soul, saying I'm a bad **** like lettin'em rip with a window shaking, fuel gulpin, carbon monoxide belchin, attention gettin, V-oh my LORD!-8!
PS, what engine do you have in that '64?
-Andrew
f250_64(No Email Addresses In Posts!), same for yahoo messenger
Nothing, and I mean nothing, stirs the soul, saying I'm a bad **** like lettin'em rip with a window shaking, fuel gulpin, carbon monoxide belchin, attention gettin, V-oh my LORD!-8!
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Freshman User
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suspension problems and more
I'm thinking about one of those full truck kits but I'm not sure if i'm up to that yet.
And I wish I could tell you what kind of engine its got. I thought I knew how to check but clearly not. It is a V8. If you could tell me how to check it out I would be way more then happy.
And I wish I could tell you what kind of engine its got. I thought I knew how to check but clearly not. It is a V8. If you could tell me how to check it out I would be way more then happy.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
suspension problems and more
Tyler, does it have a manifold pipe crossing over in the front of the engine, or the drivers side exiting front top, if so it is a 292 which is sop for that truck.
John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.
John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 571
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suspension problems and more
As far as the engine... is it original?, Does it have just one motor mount front and center?
Does it look like this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/3a650f90263bb3c4.jpg
(from the '64 Ford shop manual)
Or look like this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/3a65129133c19374.jpg
(pic of my own engine)
In the second picture, you'll notice that the distributer is in the back, and the engine has Chevy style exhaust. If your engine is stock, then it probably doesn't have the new style distributer cap, it's probably smaller. Also in the second pic, the air cleaner IS NOT stock.
This is a 292cid V-8, last used as the only v8 option in trucks for '64. Last used in cars, t-birds etc..., in '62.
This engine is easily identified by the distributer in the back, the chevy style exhaust with the front crossover pipe, and the fact that there are only 2 valve cover bolts, and they go straight through the top, one on each end of the cover. If I have not just described your engine, then it's not stock, and you're pretty much on your own.
sorry so long,
-Andrew
f250_64(No Email Addresses In Posts!), same for yahoo messenger
Nothing, and I mean nothing, stirs the soul, saying I'm a bad **** like lettin'em rip with a window shaking, fuel gulpin, carbon monoxide belchin, attention gettin, V-oh my LORD!-8!
Does it look like this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/3a650f90263bb3c4.jpg
(from the '64 Ford shop manual)
Or look like this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/3a65129133c19374.jpg
(pic of my own engine)
In the second picture, you'll notice that the distributer is in the back, and the engine has Chevy style exhaust. If your engine is stock, then it probably doesn't have the new style distributer cap, it's probably smaller. Also in the second pic, the air cleaner IS NOT stock.
This is a 292cid V-8, last used as the only v8 option in trucks for '64. Last used in cars, t-birds etc..., in '62.
This engine is easily identified by the distributer in the back, the chevy style exhaust with the front crossover pipe, and the fact that there are only 2 valve cover bolts, and they go straight through the top, one on each end of the cover. If I have not just described your engine, then it's not stock, and you're pretty much on your own.
sorry so long,
-Andrew
f250_64(No Email Addresses In Posts!), same for yahoo messenger
Nothing, and I mean nothing, stirs the soul, saying I'm a bad **** like lettin'em rip with a window shaking, fuel gulpin, carbon monoxide belchin, attention gettin, V-oh my LORD!-8!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 571
Likes: 2
suspension problems and more
sop John?? Thanks, again, for stealing my glory ;-) ya' beat me to it. It took me a while to get all the pictures scanned and posted...
Now, does anyone have ideas for the suspension problem?
-Andrew
f250_64(No Email Addresses In Posts!), same for yahoo messenger
Nothing, and I mean nothing, stirs the soul, saying I'm a bad **** like lettin'em rip with a window shaking, fuel gulpin, carbon monoxide belchin, attention gettin, V-oh my LORD!-8!
Now, does anyone have ideas for the suspension problem?
-Andrew
f250_64(No Email Addresses In Posts!), same for yahoo messenger
Nothing, and I mean nothing, stirs the soul, saying I'm a bad **** like lettin'em rip with a window shaking, fuel gulpin, carbon monoxide belchin, attention gettin, V-oh my LORD!-8!
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Freshman User
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suspension problems and more
That is the exact engine!! Thanks alot. Ohh by the way you know what they say about pictures there like a thousand words so thanks again.
As you can tell I don't know much about my truck it's kinda sad. But I'm glad you pros are out there.
As you can tell I don't know much about my truck it's kinda sad. But I'm glad you pros are out there.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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suspension problems and more
has anyone got any ideas about what to do with the suspension?? I'm trying to get some pics put on but it is causing a fus. Should I just put on new shocks and if that doesn't make the difference then look at replaceing the leafs????
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suspension problems and more
What is the best lub. I can put in my steering box. I had to remove it for a cleaning and a tighting. I didn't know what to put back in it. It had some really stinky greenish stuff in it when I pulled it.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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suspension problems and more
>I have a 1964 sidestep.
>I have put off working
>on it for a long
>time but I am finally
>getting into it.
>One of the first things that
>I noticed was that the
>suspension is dead as far
>as I can tell.
>I looked at some new
>shocks today but I don't
>know how to check if
>my springs are any good.
> Above the front leafs
>there are springs that look
>like they were just slapped
>on there, are they even
>supposed to be there or
>can I just remove them.
>
one of the best way to examine your springs is to just eyeball them. If they turn downward on one end, if one side bends more than the other, or if the arch is uneven, they are bad. I once found info that told exactly what the arch of the springs was supposed to be, but I can't remember where. Maybe someone here might know where to look??
About the springs on the top- are you saying that someone aded coil springs? or are you saying it looks like you have an extra leaf or two? If there are coils there, they have been added (although I can't imagine how). if not, count the leaves. there should be 6 according to my books.
Nate
1964 F-100 Custom Cab 292 V-8 3 spd
1964 F-100 292 V-8 3 spd
1990 F-150 5.8L
Check out http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/fordpickups61to66fseries
>I have put off working
>on it for a long
>time but I am finally
>getting into it.
>One of the first things that
>I noticed was that the
>suspension is dead as far
>as I can tell.
>I looked at some new
>shocks today but I don't
>know how to check if
>my springs are any good.
> Above the front leafs
>there are springs that look
>like they were just slapped
>on there, are they even
>supposed to be there or
>can I just remove them.
>
one of the best way to examine your springs is to just eyeball them. If they turn downward on one end, if one side bends more than the other, or if the arch is uneven, they are bad. I once found info that told exactly what the arch of the springs was supposed to be, but I can't remember where. Maybe someone here might know where to look??
About the springs on the top- are you saying that someone aded coil springs? or are you saying it looks like you have an extra leaf or two? If there are coils there, they have been added (although I can't imagine how). if not, count the leaves. there should be 6 according to my books.
Nate
1964 F-100 Custom Cab 292 V-8 3 spd
1964 F-100 292 V-8 3 spd
1990 F-150 5.8L
Check out http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/fordpickups61to66fseries
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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suspension problems and more
above the front springs there are a set of coils. I think they call them over spring coils or something like that. What it looks like the person did was put the coil on a peice of metal and then welded it derectly to the shackle. They are all bent out of shape and have even been welded back to gether when they broke. I don't know what the person was thinking. But if I remove the springs is it going to cause a problem. If you still don't have an idea of what it looks like, think of a thick slinky welded to the top leaf and stretched to the frame.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
suspension problems and more
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 17-Jan-01 AT 11:53 AM (EST)[/font][p]Regarding your taillight electrical problems, it sounds like it may just be a poor ground. Have you tried running a test jumper wire from battery ground back to the taillight mounting bolts? I had this happen now and then on my stepside and finally just ran a permanent ground wire back to the lights. The problems had been intermittent failures, odd behavior (both lights flash dimly with one signal on), one lamp dimmer than the other, etc. Grounding fixed it permanently.
Take care,
Dan
1964 F-100 262 I-6 3 spd
1964 F-100 292 Y-8 3 spd
and, as Nate said:
Check out http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/fordpickups61to66fseries
Take care,
Dan
1964 F-100 262 I-6 3 spd
1964 F-100 292 Y-8 3 spd
and, as Nate said:
Check out http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/fordpickups61to66fseries
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
suspension problems and more
Tyler.
Those coil springs should not be on your truck. I suggest you cut them off, and take the truck to a spring and front end place and have the hangers and springs re-bushed and the springs re-arched. It really isn't as expensive as you might think and a job like that should probably be left to an expert because of the large nuts and u-bolts involved. Do the rear springs and hangers too while you are at it. You won't believe how much difference it will make in the way your truck drives and behaves on the road.
Also, there are two fittings that bolt through the axel that mount the bottom of the shock absorber. After almost 40 years they get really loose. Take them off and make sure they aren't wallowed out. This causes a lot of popping, grinding, and unusual noises in the front end. You will probably have to look around for the replacement parts but they came on everything from 61 to 64 with a straight axel.
You will thank me later
Skip4274
4everFord
Those coil springs should not be on your truck. I suggest you cut them off, and take the truck to a spring and front end place and have the hangers and springs re-bushed and the springs re-arched. It really isn't as expensive as you might think and a job like that should probably be left to an expert because of the large nuts and u-bolts involved. Do the rear springs and hangers too while you are at it. You won't believe how much difference it will make in the way your truck drives and behaves on the road.
Also, there are two fittings that bolt through the axel that mount the bottom of the shock absorber. After almost 40 years they get really loose. Take them off and make sure they aren't wallowed out. This causes a lot of popping, grinding, and unusual noises in the front end. You will probably have to look around for the replacement parts but they came on everything from 61 to 64 with a straight axel.
You will thank me later
Skip4274
4everFord