Hello fellow orange addicts!
Just purchased another project. As the title says, it's a 1977 Ford F150. Although it's not orange, (it's been contemplated
) these particular year range of trucks have a special place for me since my first vehicle was a 79 F100. This one has the 300 L6, with 4-speed granny manual, and 4x4. I know some of my questions would be better suited to post on Ford forums, but I figured with the knowledge, experience and excellent advice I've gained here for my tractor, there's bound to have been at least ONE individual who has some insight. My vision for this truck is to keep it as close to factory original as is feasibly possible. My plan is to use this truck for towing/hauling. My current truck (2006 Isuzu I-350, which is basically a Colorado) is pretty well maxed out on capacity, legally speaking, when towing my tractor on the trailer.
First off, the inverted Y steering system that is on the truck now is completely shot. I have about a half turn of 'play' in the steering... yes HALF! I refuse to drive it on the road until I get that sorted out. Scared the crud outta me when I drove it home. I know the drag link and tie rod ends need replaced. I'm not sure if it has an aftermarket lift or if it's a factory highboy. I intend to keep the ride height where it's currently at.
So, my question is this; provided I am able to figure out whether the current height is factory or aftermarket, would I be able to change the inverted Y steering system to an inverted T system, or should I stick with the original?
The inverted T system is factory on the 78-79 year models, so the parts are fairly cheap with little modification from my understanding. Also, from what I've already researched, the inverted Y steering system was only used on the 76-77 year models. Many of the forums I've read on this topic are for people wanting 4-12 inch lifts, and that's not the direction I want to go with this truck. What experience, if any, do y'all have in this department?
Second, the rust is pretty bad on the frame. What treatment options would y'all recommend?
I'll get some pics up when I get to my computer.
As always, thank you for any and all insight y'all are able to provide!
Just purchased another project. As the title says, it's a 1977 Ford F150. Although it's not orange, (it's been contemplated
) these particular year range of trucks have a special place for me since my first vehicle was a 79 F100. This one has the 300 L6, with 4-speed granny manual, and 4x4. I know some of my questions would be better suited to post on Ford forums, but I figured with the knowledge, experience and excellent advice I've gained here for my tractor, there's bound to have been at least ONE individual who has some insight. My vision for this truck is to keep it as close to factory original as is feasibly possible. My plan is to use this truck for towing/hauling. My current truck (2006 Isuzu I-350, which is basically a Colorado) is pretty well maxed out on capacity, legally speaking, when towing my tractor on the trailer.First off, the inverted Y steering system that is on the truck now is completely shot. I have about a half turn of 'play' in the steering... yes HALF! I refuse to drive it on the road until I get that sorted out. Scared the crud outta me when I drove it home. I know the drag link and tie rod ends need replaced. I'm not sure if it has an aftermarket lift or if it's a factory highboy. I intend to keep the ride height where it's currently at.
So, my question is this; provided I am able to figure out whether the current height is factory or aftermarket, would I be able to change the inverted Y steering system to an inverted T system, or should I stick with the original?
The inverted T system is factory on the 78-79 year models, so the parts are fairly cheap with little modification from my understanding. Also, from what I've already researched, the inverted Y steering system was only used on the 76-77 year models. Many of the forums I've read on this topic are for people wanting 4-12 inch lifts, and that's not the direction I want to go with this truck. What experience, if any, do y'all have in this department?
Second, the rust is pretty bad on the frame. What treatment options would y'all recommend?
I'll get some pics up when I get to my computer.
As always, thank you for any and all insight y'all are able to provide!
