1978 400 c-6
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1978 400 c-6
I bought a 1978 f-150, 400, c-6, supercab, 8ft bed truck about 1 year ago. Since then I have: rebuilt trans, replaced carrier bearing, straightened drive shaft, replaced drag link, alternator, battery, and front brakes.
The trucks runs perfectly. I haven't done any work after all the initial stuff and haven't had a single problem. I've put over 10,000 miles on it since purchase (almost all highway) many of which were carrying my stuff to college (1,200 miles from my home).
I know from the records kept by the previous owner that the truck has nearly 250,000 total miles although I do not know if the motor has ever been worked on. It does not burn or use oil, I usually add no more than 1/2 quart between changes (4-5,000 miles).
My question is- what are some trouble spots that I should look in to? The truck has been fantastic already, but I'd hate to be stranded on a long trip. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Christopher
The trucks runs perfectly. I haven't done any work after all the initial stuff and haven't had a single problem. I've put over 10,000 miles on it since purchase (almost all highway) many of which were carrying my stuff to college (1,200 miles from my home).
I know from the records kept by the previous owner that the truck has nearly 250,000 total miles although I do not know if the motor has ever been worked on. It does not burn or use oil, I usually add no more than 1/2 quart between changes (4-5,000 miles).
My question is- what are some trouble spots that I should look in to? The truck has been fantastic already, but I'd hate to be stranded on a long trip. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Christopher
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Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 34
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1978 400 c-6
I'm on my 2nd old ford truck and the problems that i've had that have been common to both are:
power steering, steering shaft coupling, and main bearings (oil pressure). Judging from the posts on this forum, these are all pretty common mechanical problems. Other common body/interior/electrical problems include: gauges(ammeter/oil pressure sender), dim headlights, rubber visor tips, vent window seals, and cracked plastic door panels. Judging by the age of your truck I'd also look at your ball joints, cooling system, and suspension bushings.
(phew!)
power steering, steering shaft coupling, and main bearings (oil pressure). Judging from the posts on this forum, these are all pretty common mechanical problems. Other common body/interior/electrical problems include: gauges(ammeter/oil pressure sender), dim headlights, rubber visor tips, vent window seals, and cracked plastic door panels. Judging by the age of your truck I'd also look at your ball joints, cooling system, and suspension bushings.
(phew!)
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
1978 400 c-6
Chris, the biggest thing you have a 22 year old vehicle that you are driving on long trips. I would change the oil a little more frequent. I now have extended to 3000 miles. Keep the oil changed and the fluids checked, hoses and belts changed every 4 years, and relax and enjoy the trip.
My guess is the engine has been rebuilt to not use more than 1/2 qt. in 4000 miles. I have never had an engine to get that.
John
jowilker
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
My guess is the engine has been rebuilt to not use more than 1/2 qt. in 4000 miles. I have never had an engine to get that.
John
jowilker
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
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