1977 F-150 XLT Ranger 4x4 Purchase
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,268
Likes: 2,563
From: Near Salt Lake City
All right, I’ll ask the first question while im sitting on my hotel balcony.
Prior owner had replaced the engine with a jasper 400.
When I shut it off after they delivered it, it kinda turned off but wanted to keep running for a couple seconds.
Is that a timing issue or possibly something else. Full disclosure I’m very, very far from an expert mechanic. Actually, I know hardly anything lol.
As always, I appreciate and value your insight!
Prior owner had replaced the engine with a jasper 400.
When I shut it off after they delivered it, it kinda turned off but wanted to keep running for a couple seconds.
Is that a timing issue or possibly something else. Full disclosure I’m very, very far from an expert mechanic. Actually, I know hardly anything lol.
As always, I appreciate and value your insight!
Give it a "drink of water"
That used to solve some dieseling issues on those old 400's
That will remove any excess carbon from the combustion chambers and the tops of the pistons
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 101
Likes: 46
From: NY
Hasn’t done it since the first day. Only gremlin it has is that it keeps dying out for about 5 seconds like it’s starving for fuel and once it gets over that she runs fine again. Guessing it’s a carb issue or the fact the fuel pumps up by the engine and not in the back.
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 66
Likes: 20
Hasn’t done it since the first day. Only gremlin it has is that it keeps dying out for about 5 seconds like it’s starving for fuel and once it gets over that she runs fine again. Guessing it’s a carb issue or the fact the fuel pumps up by the engine and not in the back.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 101
Likes: 46
From: NY
I had that same issue with that in my 78 but it has a 300. It would get fuel in the engine but it would roll over run, and die after about 3-6 seconds. Fixed this issue by adding an auxillary fuel pump between the tank and pump. That way it is primed and runs good. I would recommend that as it was the best 12$ I ever spent on my truck. It cold starts and runs no matter the weather. It also improved the responsiveness and noise considerably
Yesterday I turned it off while pumping gas and it did it as well. Maybe the issue is the pump up in the engine bay.
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 66
Likes: 20
You might have a hole in one of your tanks or an air leak. Either way, both are bad
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,825
Likes: 2,339
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Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,094
Likes: 5,756
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
The piece that is on the very edge is an aftermarket tailgate edge protector. Use to get them from JC Whitney years ago. LMC use to carry them.
https://www.lmctruck.com/accessories...79-rail-guards
Talk about it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-my-79-a.html
https://www.lmctruck.com/accessories...79-rail-guards
Talk about it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-my-79-a.html
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 101
Likes: 46
From: NY
The piece that is on the very edge is an aftermarket tailgate edge protector. Use to get them from JC Whitney years ago. LMC use to carry them.
https://www.lmctruck.com/accessories...79-rail-guards
Talk about it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-my-79-a.html
https://www.lmctruck.com/accessories...79-rail-guards
Talk about it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-my-79-a.html
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 101
Likes: 46
From: NY
Well, she’s going to the mechanic a week from tomorrow.
Fuel gauge isn’t working, water pump started leaking yesterday, Blinkers and dash lights fixes and the horn worked when we got her but isn’t now. Check timing and look over carb.
Then she’s heading to the other mechanic to upgrade the front discs and possibly do a rear disc conversion and redo the fuel pump situation.
One must upgrade is the rims. I would like to at least move up to a 16 or 17 inch rim and put on 33’s or 35’s.
My understanding is the rim just has to have to right bolt pattern to work?
I would love to keep Ford specific rims if possible but not sure if thats an option. I’m guessing thru the 90’s they were still 15 inch rims.
Fuel gauge isn’t working, water pump started leaking yesterday, Blinkers and dash lights fixes and the horn worked when we got her but isn’t now. Check timing and look over carb.
Then she’s heading to the other mechanic to upgrade the front discs and possibly do a rear disc conversion and redo the fuel pump situation.
One must upgrade is the rims. I would like to at least move up to a 16 or 17 inch rim and put on 33’s or 35’s.
My understanding is the rim just has to have to right bolt pattern to work?
I would love to keep Ford specific rims if possible but not sure if thats an option. I’m guessing thru the 90’s they were still 15 inch rims.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,094
Likes: 5,756
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Upgrade the front disks...like drilled and slotted rotors? Brembo calipers? Are you road racing the truck? If not then IMO that is just a waste of time and $ for a run arond town truck.
Rear disk conversion on a 9" can get $$, and you will probably also need a replacement proportionial valve. Like a Lakewood adjustable version might be one to look at. Also make sure the rear disk calipers (kit) they use, have a E-brake/park brake ability.
If you are really worried about the ability to STOP, research a hydra boost brake conversion/upgrade. Battle Born https://www.battlebornbrakes.com/fordbrakes
You can get about any style of rim for that F150 1/2 ton truck. The Ford 1/2 ton lug bolt pattern is 5 on 5.5. And yes moving to 16" or 17" rims will give you a ton more tire options.
If it is stock suspention, 35's will probably NOT fit, 33's will be a streach to keep out of the front fenders lip at times.
Rear disk conversion on a 9" can get $$, and you will probably also need a replacement proportionial valve. Like a Lakewood adjustable version might be one to look at. Also make sure the rear disk calipers (kit) they use, have a E-brake/park brake ability.
If you are really worried about the ability to STOP, research a hydra boost brake conversion/upgrade. Battle Born https://www.battlebornbrakes.com/fordbrakes
You can get about any style of rim for that F150 1/2 ton truck. The Ford 1/2 ton lug bolt pattern is 5 on 5.5. And yes moving to 16" or 17" rims will give you a ton more tire options.
If it is stock suspention, 35's will probably NOT fit, 33's will be a streach to keep out of the front fenders lip at times.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 101
Likes: 46
From: NY
The joy’s of old trucks. When I drove it Monday she developed a coolant leak around a bolt in the water pump. Went to start it last night and she started for a few sec then couldn’t get her to go after. Sprayed a little staring fluid in the carb and she started but was making a weird noise.
This am she didn’t wanna go either. Have an appt at the mechanics on Monday. Guess I’ll tow her over with my truck.
This am she didn’t wanna go either. Have an appt at the mechanics on Monday. Guess I’ll tow her over with my truck.