So I just acquired a 1973 Ford ranger F100 2wd. I was told it has a 390 motor and the previous owner wasn't sure what the transmission was, but it is an automatic. It was a great deal I traded my wife's 98 Honda civic for the truck and also got 1000 cash to help with needed repairs. I have experience working on cars from my restoring my first car, a 77 mustang, but I was hoping to be able to open a dialogue for any insights you guys might have on the problems, and the list is plenty but I'll only post my top three right now.

So first problem on my list is that tranny leaks oil a lot. I was told it was front seal so I bought a new seal and will be replacing it this weekend.

Second problem on my list is that it has been stalling randomly. It drives great most of the time but occasionally it will begin to sputter and die, sometimes it will start right back up and other times it takes 5 - 10 minutes of it sputtering before it will finally start and stay running smoothly. I make sure the tranny fluid is always in that perfect zone so I wouldn't think it would be related to the tranny leak. I've narrowed it down to possibly being the distributor, carburator, or fuel pump, but don't know for sure.

Thirdly is that there is a clicking noise that comes from the front right of the car. I hear it mostly when I'm coming to stop prior to braking. Once I push on the brake it stops clicking. So this one has me completely stumped. I'm guessing it has something to do with the brake but wouldn't know where to start, I replaced my mustangs drum brakes to rotor so I haven't had much experience with them and all my searches have only pulled up issues with drum braking clicking as they are braking not prior.

Anyways I'll throw up some pictures soon and I look forward to discussing my plans and hearing what you guys have done. Thank you all in advance!

 

Welcome FTE,
always good to see new members and new to us trucks,
You're definitely in the right spot for solutions to your problems,

first recommendation to you is join your local chapter,
second give your truck a thorough cleaning to understand where your leaks might be coming from, check the essentials,BRAKES ( yes they're kind important) fuel, oil, transmission fluid level brake fluid level, then start with a basic tune up plugs wires cap rotor. then carb rebuild ( sounds like your accelerator pump might be going) check for vacuum leaks, another cause for stuttering.
As far as your front end noise make sure suspension is good ie, nothing loose or hanging down

Third and very important to us is PICTURES...

 

2x.. fluids filters and a carb rebuild to establish a baseline. Consider replacing all the vacuum hoses. Otherwise do a very careful inspection.

Suspension... Jack up the corner and spin the tire. Does it click? Also look for a nail in the tread or a separated belt on the tire.

My Mustang used to 'pop' when I applied the brakes. Turned out that one of the brake pads' ears wasnt bent correctly and it sat loose in the caliper. Took it apart and hammered on the ear to tighten it up. FIXED.

 

Double post...Got interrupted by a GF.

 

I appreciate the input! I've been having difficulty in trying to navigate the site, how do I find and join a local chapter?

 

It's very simple,
At the top left hand corner of the page under the FTE header there is the word "forums" click on it, scroll down to "Regional Chapters" find your State, click link, sent request to "Chapter leader" and call it a day......
slam, bamm, thank you ma'am.....

p.s you owe us some pictures....

 

HIO I'm sure the interruption was well worth it...

Tranny leaking: Not a big fan of replacing input output shaft seals without rebuilding the tranny or at least a good inspection and replacing all seals. The typical rule is if one seal goes out in a major component, the other seals are right behind it in failure.

 

Thanks for reminding me about the pictures I totally would've forgotten! I've taken to calling her 'Old Blue'

 

Looks like the snowy "Wasatch Front" in the background.

 

Welcome to the forums and nice truck!! Cant remember if 73 had the Duraspark ignition or points...but if its Duraspark then you probably need a new ignition control module. Random shut off is a classic trait of a failing Ign box. Otherwise proceed with a good tune up as others have mentioned.

 

DuraSpark electronic ignition introduced in 1974, but not all vehicles came with it until 1976.

 

I dig the wheels... gonna have to look for a set this year.

Install a Pertronix module if still running points a condenser. Bulletproof.

 

Cool truck! Welcome to FTE.
Ansen Sprints, ETs, slotted mags, whatever ya call em...they just look so right on a dentside Ford.

Good advice here. As for your clicking noise, I'm gonna rule out a bad CV joint . ...just my .02. You're gonna have to put it in the air and check everything. Could be something simple like a bulged tire w a broken cord...we'll keep our fingers crossed for that.

Reps thrown your way.