I feel the need to thank everyone on this site for sharing the information they have gained through their experiance. For the last few weeks, I have been rebuilding a 4 wheel drive F250 with a 351W. I can not tell you how helpful it has been to read and learn about this truck. I must admit, always was a chevy guy. I might still be, but I love building this truck.

First, let me tell you about this truck. It was used by me and others on a farm for the past 4 years. If you have ever seen a truck held together by duct tape and bailing wire, it is the truck. You know what though. Even with all the computer stuff. You know, the stuff some of us are scared of. It still ran. I mean i took this thing apart. Not one, but 3 of the injectors were broken. Wires frayed. snapped in two pieces.. the dang thing still started. Ran like a 3 legged goat, but it ran. That told me it wanted to live.

So I started this little project after looking at buying a new truck. I have to say, anyone who thinks they can not do something like this, look at this website and fordfuelinjection.com. The information you will learn will make you feel like some type of hero when it all comes back together.

So what have I done. I broke it down like a shotgun. I took it all the way down to the block. Compression was good so I saw no reason to go there. Heads had good valve seats and seals so no need to replace them. however to clean the heads and get it straight I took them off. It made it much easier putting on the headers on with no exhaust leaks. I replaced all the injectors. I rewired the conectors with new, as well as the Temp sens, and EGR conectors. This is not hard. Just use thin gauge saulder and a good iron and heat shrink tube. Take your time. There is no sense in having to find them after you put it all back together.

I was not an still do not trust the computer. I purchased an 02 sensor simulator and EGR simulator. I removed the AIR pump and all the other crap that goes along with the system. I do say crap for a reason. Simply put, Injecting air into the exhaust stream to lower emission was a great idea out of Detroit. But who where they fooling. I don't think one horse was gained, but I sure am glad I do not have to look at that mangled mess under the hood. By the way. a 94.5 inch belt is what it takes after you remove the AIR pump. It may save you some trips to Advance. It sure did me. learned that on this site. O yes. no law against doing that in NC.

The rest is just simple mechanics. Take your time when doing gaskets. Remember, any good air pump (which is what any engine is) should have and intake and exhaust. I put a KN kit in the front, and I have Headers with an X pipe to two mufflers in the rear. Running on the MAP system, the dreaded computer treats it just fine, and it has more than enough power.

Money wise, I put in about 1,000. Not a bad return for a truck I know will run another 100,000. Engine wise.. Hope that C6 holds up....

Next I am doing some suspension work. Tie rods are shot. It may need a U joint or two. Not sure about steering box. All I know, is this is a great site. Thanks to the people for sharing the knowlege.

I may have had it easy as working on this non daily driver truck. Patience is key.

As far as the chevy comment. I have owned Chevy, Toyota, and Fords. I have a fondness in my heart for my 8.1 litre chev. But dang this 250 ford is fun.. And My father in law has owned a couple of remarkable Fords. 85 250 diesel had well over 300K. My personal favorite. a 97 F150 with the 4.9. Literally this was one of the first of the new body styles to come out of the Ford plant in Norfolk. He had one way before anyone could buy this truck. Let me tell you. It pulled 10,000+ pound trailers out of dusty sandy muddy fields, and the only thing that ever broke was the stupid plastic fork that engaged the push button four wheel drive. And it only borke once in 200K miles.

Anyway, thanks again.

 

WOW what a post. Sure glad you was able to rescue the truck and get it running.