my first ford
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2008
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my first ford
hey guys whats going on, im pete and this will be my first ford. i generally hate fords because i think there crappy trucks and cars, but the old fords are the only ones i would trust, plus they look badass. ill be picking up a 79 f350 ranger xlt. maybe a camper special. it has an 8ft bed too. engine is a 400 paired with a 4speed, dont know which one. its got some rot but not bad for a ny truck and it only has 90,000 miles. i will also be the 3rd owner.
now my question is, whats a good tune up for this motor? i mean i know the basics but is there anything special you need to do or maybe change something sooner than later. all it really needs right now is a rebuild on the carb and what i would suggest a full tune up. but thats all it needs. cosmetically the trucks not in that great of shape but nothing a little work cant fix. now for some pics. i only have 2 atm but will have more this weekend.
now my question is, whats a good tune up for this motor? i mean i know the basics but is there anything special you need to do or maybe change something sooner than later. all it really needs right now is a rebuild on the carb and what i would suggest a full tune up. but thats all it needs. cosmetically the trucks not in that great of shape but nothing a little work cant fix. now for some pics. i only have 2 atm but will have more this weekend.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 1
From: Goliad, Texas
welcome to FTE!
that's not a camper special. a camper special for 1978 and 1979 would be an F350 regular cab and would have a 140" wb.
to kinda "wake up" that 400 get a 4 bbl carb and intake, replace the exhaust, and get some headers. that will be a start.
not a good way to start off your reputation say Fords are crappy, but everyone is different. remember this is a total Ford site.
take off that camper and it will look pretty good, otherwise not a bad truck.
that's not a camper special. a camper special for 1978 and 1979 would be an F350 regular cab and would have a 140" wb.
to kinda "wake up" that 400 get a 4 bbl carb and intake, replace the exhaust, and get some headers. that will be a start.
not a good way to start off your reputation say Fords are crappy, but everyone is different. remember this is a total Ford site.
take off that camper and it will look pretty good, otherwise not a bad truck.
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Junior User
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ok let me rephrase, im no trying to bad mouth ford. i mean not at least the old ones. all i hear from any ford made in like the 90's and up have had problems so that discourages me. but these old fords are like rocks and wont die too easy.
and thank you dr. dirt, quite helpful, for now ill do the basic tuneup rebuild the carb and make a less restrictive exhaust. i needed something for the winter, and i know the old fords were tough trucks. where are the rot problems on this truck, because i heard that inside the cab by those little windows. i really like this truck btw, maybe it will change my mind on at least the older fords.
and dont worry, i want to take that cap off ive never liked the look of them. what color do you guys think i should paint it, im thinking that maroon color it has now without the 2 tone.
and thank you dr. dirt, quite helpful, for now ill do the basic tuneup rebuild the carb and make a less restrictive exhaust. i needed something for the winter, and i know the old fords were tough trucks. where are the rot problems on this truck, because i heard that inside the cab by those little windows. i really like this truck btw, maybe it will change my mind on at least the older fords.
and dont worry, i want to take that cap off ive never liked the look of them. what color do you guys think i should paint it, im thinking that maroon color it has now without the 2 tone.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 93
I agree with that
"that's not a camper special. a camper special for 1978 and 1979 would be an F350 regular cab and would have a 140" wb."
Dr.Dirt What are you trying to say here ? I have a F250 supercab/camper special with 155" wheel base
"that's not a camper special. a camper special for 1978 and 1979 would be an F350 regular cab and would have a 140" wb."
Dr.Dirt What are you trying to say here ? I have a F250 supercab/camper special with 155" wheel base
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2008
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First off...what brand vehicle hasn't had their share of problems. Secondly welcome to the site. Next...dollar for dollar a cam will do more for an engine than anything else. On top of that, as Dirt said, a good 600-670 cfm 4bbl carb/intake combo, headers and exhaust. Next, the worst rust problem areas for these rigs are floor pan, cab corners and rear fender wells.
PS...all Fords rock, just some more than others. Nuff said.
PS...all Fords rock, just some more than others. Nuff said.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 672
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From: near Liverpool, England
Don't you know not to come on a FORD Forum and 1st thing Bad-mouth FORDS 
.....next, you may not now get near as much help as you would like at all.....the words are already in Black type, can't erase them now!! .... but, just because I believe everyone has their faults, I'm sure U will wisen up, welcome to FTE from 'across the waves' mate 
.....next, you may not now get near as much help as you would like at all.....the words are already in Black type, can't erase them now!! .... but, just because I believe everyone has their faults, I'm sure U will wisen up, welcome to FTE from 'across the waves' mate
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Junior User
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Don't you know not to come on a FORD Forum and 1st thing Bad-mouth FORDS .....next, you may not now get near as much help as you would like at all.....the words are already in Black type, can't erase them now!! .... but, just because I believe everyone has their faults, I'm sure U will wisen up, welcome to FTE from 'across the waves' mate
.....next, you may not now get near as much help as you would like at all.....the words are already in Black type, can't erase them now!! .... but, just because I believe everyone has their faults, I'm sure U will wisen up, welcome to FTE from 'across the waves' mate 
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 754
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From: southwest Wisconsin
Here you are on a Ford truck forum even thou you "hate" Fords and you "hate" Powerstrokes.
Please leave the hate behind. I chose to own Fords because I like and prefer them, not because I "hate" Chevys or Dodges.
Please leave the hate behind. I chose to own Fords because I like and prefer them, not because I "hate" Chevys or Dodges.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Just wanted to say welcome to the site, and nice score on the truck. I agree with Dr. Dirt, I think if you take off the camper shell it will look a lot better. But there have been times I wish I had one, like hauling in the rain. Plus you don't have to tie stuff down when you have a shell. Maybe take it off but hold onto it in case you need it.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2008
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no no your misunderstanding, i hate ford drivers, they seem to give a bad name to fords, and the powerstroke engine is not made my ford. it is a navistar engine and i think it sucks. just because i hate the powerstroke does not mean i hate the ford truck. and fmc400, i agree that it will better with the camper off, but i will keep it, sounds like i might need it in the future for any reason.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2008
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and to add, who cares whether or not i dislike fords or powerstrokes, that is just my opinion, just the same as if you dislike imports or chevys. who cares were all here for one reason and thats to find other ford truck owners and share our knowledge with others. it shouldnt matter whether or not i hate or love the ford truck. im here to learn about this truck and to teach others too if i can. i wouldnt be buying this truck if i really hated fords imo. thank you for the few that actually gave me some advice or normal comments and not just the oh you hate ford but your on a ford site.
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 947
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From: Spokane, Washington
Well to be honest...how many of us do you see going to other enthusiast sites and the first thing we post is "I hate X." So yeah it was a stupid thing to do. So yeah, we're gonna care. So get your attitude straight learn your place and ropes for now, and I'm sure most guys will let it die, and forget about it in no time. You're not the only one to have a turbulent first post and you won't be the last. So if you have any more questions, start a new thread and ask them...but I would recommend not bashing Ford again on a Ford site. And you can edit your posts, you just have to have 25 posts first, and do it within an hour of posting. I suggest you settle down, or you're gonna get some folks not wanting to help you on the new project that you have that you've admitted that you need to learn about. So shut your mouth, stop the snide remarks, read, learn and be a productive member.
BEN ahahah this is what i thought when I got done reading your post
