Okay, my first post as a newbie. If I step on toes by doing something incorrectly please kindly tell me so I can make a mental note.

I just bought a restored 1966 F250 LWB stepside. Numbers matching Stock 352 / 3-speed in the truck. The engine HAS NEVER BEEN APART. The guy even gave me $10,000 - $15,000 worth of receipts from his repairs, paint, wood (in the bed) etc...

I bought it thinking I'd just drive it a bit and sell it. Now, I'm thinkin' about keeping it. I'm restomoding a '68 Mustang so pulling it to shows with this '66 Step side would be a hoot. Unfortunately, for me to keep it I will have to modify it a bit for my liking. THEREFORE, I need advice on the following things since I'm brand new to this whole Twin I-Beam scene! Plus, I never thought of owning a '66. I was always a '67 - " '71 fan.

1. Lowering the truck 3-4 inches. NOT in the weeds!
2. Automatic tranny that will fit the 352 engine.
3. AIR CONDITIONING!!!
4. Posting pictures of my ride so YOU TOO can enjoy it!
5. TOWING? The original bumper of course has NOTHING that you can attach a ball to. LOL!

There again - I'm not dead set on keeping it yet but I'm starting to like the idea. The truck is black and due to flaking of the two step paint I'm gonna have to fix some cosmetics. If I keep it I plan on two toning it with the bottom being black and the top being the primary color of the 'Stang it'll be hauling.

Anyway - any help or advice on the above mentioned topics would be helpful as I'm certain the members of this forum are wizards on these oldies but goodies.

 

Weclome aboard PACDaddy; sounds like a cool combo to have going down the road. The 352 FE originial auto was a Cruise-o-matic; i not aware of any other trans to directly bolt up; i'm sure others will repsond with the right answer. Also sounds like you got a smooth type rear bumper; Havn't seen one on a flareside body; I recommend installing a recevier hitch type bolted directly to the frame for towing..
As for posting pic's go to your User CP section and you'll see the edit gallery portion; you'll have to download your pic's and place them there. Check the Articles / specs section; under suspension as well as past post above lowering your ride height.
hope I help ya.

Mitch

Mitch

 

Much appreciation, CustomCab! You did help indeed. I'll get some pics up soon. By the way, are you saying that the 352 is an FE engine and not an FY engine? or are you saying that the 352 engine in the '66 F250 didn't come with a 3 speed? or are you saying I can find a cruisomatic that came in SOMETHING that had a 352 FE and it will work for me?

 

The 352 is a FE motor; along with the 360 390 etc; so I assume you can use a C-6 auto as well. I not 100% on knowing the right answer; just wanted to help you understand your options. The 352 came oem with either a Cruiseomatic auto trans or as you mention a manual 3 or 4 speed trans. If I understood your intial post you was looking at a automatic type transmission to bolt to your 352.

Mitch

 

Gotcha. I understand now.

 

There's acouple top notch guys who know the right answer; I'm just a shade tree mechanic, with alot of leaves missing. lol
Just post your question about transmission avaiable for a 352 and I'm sure someone alot smarter will answer your post.
I hope you are able to keep the truck along with your current project as well.

Mitch

 

Like I said...not 100% sure on the truck yet but getting closer. Keeping the '68 Mustang for sure. Also have a '68 Torino GT that is a little further down the list.

I'll post the tranny question by itself.

Thanks, again!

 

Cruso, FMX or C6 with the correct FE bell pattern is needed. Or an AOD with adapter.

Vintage has brackets now for the FE to add air and PS in a serpentine setup.

I have a steel bracket setup and under dash in my 69 with a 360.

If it is an FE it has been apart at some time in its life as they leak oil like no tomorrow....

Garbz

 

The C6 auto tranny is considered bullet proof, get a good class III or IV receiver hitch and you should have a pulling machine. There are several good choices for after market AC out there, look for a complete package.

Please enjoy putting your photos in your gallery using the suggested method.

What did you end up giving for the $15,000.00 parts?



John

 

Well, I got the truck for $3,500. Plus, I have to go get some additional parts he has for me to include a hood, two fenders and some original stuff he replaced on the truck but kept. It's a ride that needs some paint but is in excellent shape.

 

The receiver hitch to the frame is a fairly straightforward add. I added one to mine in an afternoon - it would have gone quicker had I had a helper, but holding the thing in place by myself upside down was sort of a pain.

 

You can hold them up with a jack.


John

 

My old floor jack didn't go up high enough. I've since replaced it with a much nicer one. Good idea though...

 

Welcome to FTE

Dunno if I'd wanna tow a Mustang or even a Torino GT with a CHEVROLET pickup.

Huh?

Your Ford truck is officially known as a Flareside, a Step Side is a (gasp) CHEVROLET.

 

Duh, Put a block of wood on the jack.


John