Ok lets start with the basics, I have a 1980 ford f150 4x4. auto tranny, 351 cleveland, running dual straights, 6inch lift, 3.55 gears, 33' TSL super swampers, and a carter afb competition series carb. What else do I need to make this truck better for the mud?

 

460,dana 60's 4.56 gears Lockers 40 inch Ground Hawgs cut
LOL

 

You know what I'd do Dave, I'd roll it like it is and when something breaks replace it with something beefier till it stops breakin. Just a thought.

 

I guess you use 4lo a lot, I was gonna say gears, it would definitely help you in 4hi. If you have the f150 diff's still, a couple dana 60's. I suggest checking out the 4x4 forum towards the bottom of the page. There seems to be some good info over there

 

You probably have a 351m, not a 351 cleveland. There is a difference.

 

most likely a 351 windsor

 

Not in a original 1980 truck. Speaking of which, I guess he could have a 351c, but it would have been swapped in also.

 

If you don't plan on going bigger than 35s the 1/2 ton axles will do fine for now. I would dump the TTB front end for a straight axle Dana 44, the 3.55s will probably do fine but you will need to run it in low range most of the time. The rear should be a 9", they're bulletproof don't worry about it. I personally would install 4.56 gears and a locker at least in the rear. If this is going to be an off road only vehicle you could go to a full spool or weld the spiders up... cheaper. A decent running 351 should get you by but you may find the need for more power, 460 is the only way to go. Assuming you have the 3 speed auto (C6) that is a good bulletproof tranny, it will take tons of abuse. Make sure your cooling system is working correctly, remember you're gonna be working this truck pretty hard you don't wanna burn it up. Make sure your battery is properly anchored down, try to waterproof the wiring under the hood as much as possible. Use silicone and dielectric grease on all your connections, you can get a jacket for your distributor cap off some of the 5.0 powered Crown Vics and LTDs. I would run a couple splash guards around the engine compartment to keep water from drowning the engine when you hit the pit. Run a closed factory style air cleaner housing and run the snorkel into the cab, this will greatly lessen the chances of water getting into the engine. And lastly keep an eye in your fluids for water contamination.

 

Ok, Pkupman82 but I really dont know what kind of transmission I have, how could I figure this out?

Guys I do Have A 351 CLEVELAND, we found it in a junk yard with 25,000 orig. miles on it and bought it for $200. (We know the owner quiet well)

 

Do you know what the engine came out of and what year it is?

 

I did't personally pull the engine but I was told it came from a 77' interceptor.

 

If your on a budget and the body doesnt matter, fender trimming is a great way to add clearence for bigger tires without added expense. If you are serious about mud, lockers and a straight axle are going to be on the list soon, although you can get buy with the ttb for a while but its going to break sooner or later. Bronco graveyard sells a bolt up kit for a straight axle 44 or 60 if you dont want to fabricate it yourself. Lots of things to think about.

 

well it wasnt an original motor if it cam out of a 77, cuz they made them from 70-74. does it have a 2 or 4 barrel carb? can you post a pic?

 

Yes, It has a carter afb comp. series 4 barrel carb I will try to post a pic tomorrow, but first of all how do you post it?

 

More than likely you have the C6 if it's an automatic. I don't think they put AODs in trucks in 1980, and I know for a fact the E4OD was not offered until 1990. What does your shift selection read? PRND21?