1971 Highboy advice wanted
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1971 Highboy advice wanted
Been looking for an old truck to haul firewood, etc, and came across a 71 highboy 4x4 with rebuilt 390 and rebuilt 4 speed. I'll be going over to take a close look this weekend, and until then I just know that it supposedly runs real strong, except for a "noise" in the rear, probably bearings, and "it needs a new seat". Any advice, stuff to look for, points on the $800 or best offer asking price?
Thanks,
Clay in CO (formerly NJ)
Thanks,
Clay in CO (formerly NJ)
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by clay_in_co
Been looking for an old truck to haul firewood, etc, and came across a 71 highboy 4x4 with rebuilt 390 and rebuilt 4 speed. I'll be going over to take a close look this weekend, and until then I just know that it supposedly runs real strong, except for a "noise" in the rear, probably bearings, and "it needs a new seat". Any advice, stuff to look for, points on the $800 or best offer asking price? Thanks, Clay in CO (formerly NJ)
On sale day, 360's magically become 390's.
The engine code is the 4th digit in the VIN: H = 390 / Y = 360.
If this is an F250, it has a Dana 60 rear axle. More $$$ to repair.
Only F250 Regular Cabs made 1967 thru midyear 1977 qualify as highboys, not F100's.
Look for rust, especially where the cab meets the frame, front & rear.
If the front cab mounts are rusty, the cab will sag in the front which affects the steering.
Rebuilt engine/transmission? Ask to see the receipts for the work done.
Rebuilt engine may just mean valve seals, rebuilt trans may only mean one bearing was replaced.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jan 8, 2008 at 03:01 AM.
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I agree that rust is a major concern---particularly in the Cab Mount (aka Cab Tower) area. I posted a picture of what you want to look out for in my Gallery. I just had to replace the one shown. Also, even if the metal on the bottom of the Tower is sound, be cautious of the surrounding metal--as evidenced by mine. The bottom was sound but the surrounding metal rusted and caused the cab to sag.
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with the rearend noise. if it is bad and you want to just repaced the dana 60, any dana 60 from the highboys up to first half of 77(771/2 became the lowboy) will fit .spring pads same measurement. i have a couple highboys,and i put dana 70 out of a 1 ton 2 wheel . spring pads same , breakoff the dualwheel alignment pin,change rear u-joint,or swap yokes. even with the bigger housing,my driveshaft worked. also you will need bigger u-bolts, i beleve 31/2".you will be able to haul loads for a while with this rearend.most 2 wheel 1 tons dually's had the same frame measuement from spring to spring
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