The truck was on its last breathes, as good as free scrap. But its my first vehicle so I chose to keep it and overhaul it. I am super stoked on it, been saving and buying parts for three years, so I decided to share with you guys since you can relate to it.
Its an 85 F150 XLT/Lariat. Ext Cab, Longbox, 2wd.

I have essentially everything I need except interior 'accessories' like alarm and stereo as I made sure to buy everything to get it mobile.

New Box sides and tailgate, cab corners, cowl hood, billet grill and new headlight bezels. I am also getting rid of the larger mirrors it came with for 71-73 mustang racing style paintable 'bullet' type mirrors.
New euro headlights (allows interchangeable bulbs), park lights, taillights and cargo light for a fresh look.
And finally changing the two-tone paint scheme to one tone.

The 351W/C6/3.00gears are being replaced with a well built 460, tremec tko 5 spd (fifth gear ratio of 0.68), and 4.11's.
Aluminum rad, traction bars.

I've already been running my wheel/tire combination so that will be the same.

I'm away for school so it is hard to make progress, but over holiday break, the engine is mostly assembled (no picture), and the frame will be blasted in time for my return.

Its basically a project where its my first vehicle and I want to keep it, so if I liked anything or wanted anything, I saved up and went for it. No short cuts.
As progress comes I'll try and update with enjoyable pics.

 

I wish I was as patient and organized as you. I still have my first vehicle. A 1963 ranchero. It sits in my dads field with a redneck safety jack in the front.(A tree growing through the gravel pan and grille.) I think when it gets high enough off the ground, in about ten more years, I'll do the v-8 swap.

It sounds like you are on the right track, good luck.

 

Okay, we're gonna need some pics!

 

check ebay and craigslist for stereo stuff got mine for nearly nuthin!

 

Get a bed-full of sand bags, so the tires will get some traction.

 

There was still some problems getting the fasteners I needed so I didn't get my engine built up that last trip home.
I worked on prepping my frame for blasting - took off anything boltable and filled in any holes you'd see in the rear wheel well for a little extra bonus.

 

Hi displacement4me. I would like to follow your progress on this project as I am currently overhauling a 1984 F150 4x4. It currently has (what i believe to be) a 302 motor with what looks like a Tremec 5speed transmission. I have stripped the truck down to the frame and I am working now on dismounting the engine and trans.

I have not begun to figure out what parts and accessories i will replace yet. You seem to have your project very well planned out. I am thinking that i might replace the 302 with a 460 that i have. The transmission will have to be replaced since i discovered that the bell housing has a massive crack in it.

I am particularly interested in your idea of replacing the mirrors. I really dont like the big mirrors on these older trucks. Do you have any information on how to install the mustang mirrors you mentioned? I would really like to know how to do that.

Anyway, good luck with your project. Can't wait to see some more pics. I am hoping to post some pics of my own later this week.

84dtrucker
---------------------
84 F150 4x4, 302, reg cab, longbox

 

For the mirrors, their angle has only been checked so far, and it looked good. It should sit nice and horizontal. I still have to play around with their location now that the larger mirrors are gone and my vent window interference.

 

A few others have asked for details. I don't have access to the papers, but off the top of my head, in case you are interested:

'78 block from a continental:
magnaflux & bored 30 over
all internally balanced
stock crank and rods at 10 under, polished

JE forged pistons

Edelbrock
Performer RPM aluminum heads, assembled(95cc)
Performer RPM air gap intake
Victor aluminum water pump
Performer carb, 800cfm and switching to manual choke
Performer fuel pump
1" carb spacer

ARP
12pt stainless fasteners
headbolts
carb studs

Milodon
8qt Oil Pan and extended pickup

Melling
HV oil pump

Comp Cams
Extreme Energy 4x4 cam, 270/278 duration, .554/.574 lift
Roller tip rockers
Double gear timing set
Pushrods
Lifters

MSD
Pro Billet dist.
6AL ignition
Blaster 2 Coil

Mcleod
Street Twin clutch kit
Modular bellhousing for TKO

Fluidampr
neutral balance dampener

Ford Racing
Aluminum valve covers and breather
wire looms
stamped aluminum oval air filter assembly

L&L
billet 4-sheave crank and 2-sheave water pump pulley
A/C, alt, P/S, motor mounts

L&L nickel plated headers and collectors, true 3" duals.
X-pipe kit with cutout extensions, Doug's Headers knife-style electric cutouts.
Flowmaster Super 44's, with Flowmaster stamped rolled-edge polished tips.

Wilwood
Hydraulic clutch kit

Hellwig
Front and rear sway bar kits, 1 1/8" for both

Autometer
Sportcomp tach w/light, oil pressure and water temp full sweep gauges



I had a problem with some of the ARP fasteners, so this is the progress I have with the engine until its sorted out.

 

OK, you have my attention now....

 

oooohhh shiny stuff....

 

Yes, you are right. Its new what did you expect. Its not like its from the 'Polished' lineup

 

Summer plans for working on the Ford got sidetracked but I completed my engine, bought Currie axles and DJM 3"/2" lowering components. Things should be back on track soon - I hope !




The frame is still awaiting sandblasting, but that'll be the next step. And yes thats my cab on rollers in the background.

 

Looks nice , good build thread , want to follow this ,,,, Lew

 

YOU'RE GONNA PUT THAT IN A TRUCK?!?!?!

Its WWwwwwwaaaaaayyyyyyyy too pretty to even take out side!!

If it was mine ... I'd lose the wife ... and put that in bed next to me to keep me warm at night!