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FE Power Forums => Member Projects => Topic started by: NIsaacs on June 05, 2015, 06:23:09 PM

Title: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on June 05, 2015, 06:23:09 PM
Here is a video of my Stock Gas Puller with a 440/428. First pull of the new season. The track was too hard and dry for my tires to hook, note the slow ground speed. I have a set of 35" BFG/AT's that I took off before I added some power because I couldn't pull them, I think I need to put them back on now.

All the guys that I beat last year on the last pull of the season beat me this time, same tires different track. The engine is running good so I think it can handle the bigger tires now. Note the front fenderwell gap at the very beginning before I launch and after, the weight transferred good (1200 lbs) still spinning bad tho.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHabtNFaz1k (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHabtNFaz1k)

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: machoneman on June 06, 2015, 07:06:08 AM
Cool! What rpm's are you hitting?
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on June 07, 2015, 05:09:18 AM
Cool! What rpm's are you hitting?


I set the shift light for 6k and about the 75 ft. mark it lit and stayed lit to the end :)

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: cjshaker on June 07, 2015, 08:42:41 PM
Pretty cool!!
That track is definitely dry! There shouldn't be dust flying in the air ???
Sounds like it could really use those bigger tires now! It didn't even begin to bog that engine down :D
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on June 08, 2015, 05:38:27 AM
Thanks, it is running good, thanks to the little tips shared by you guys. My class is heavy (6500 lbs) so no weak sisters allowed ;D Logan, Utah is 4500' in elevation too.

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on June 08, 2015, 09:06:49 PM
I was in 2nd gear (c6) on this pull, light sled, muddy track and lighter class (5500lbs) still hit some serious rpm tho :)

https://youtu.be/qy9c6kUK24w (https://youtu.be/qy9c6kUK24w)

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: mlcraven on June 08, 2015, 09:31:05 PM
That has to be a serious test of engine and drivetrain durability!
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: cjshaker on June 08, 2015, 10:30:35 PM
That has to be a serious test of engine and drivetrain durability!

You ain't a kiddin it is!! Driveshafts, yokes, axles, they all take a beating! If it starts to hop, it's gonna break something in a matter of seconds. You better not be afraid of busting something or else you better stay home ;D

People always think drag racing is really hard on stuff, but truck pulling will find weak spots REAL quick.
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on June 09, 2015, 05:58:03 AM
This happens to be a Dodge Diesel, but you get the idea....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhXlZc7I3fw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhXlZc7I3fw)

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on June 24, 2015, 05:49:01 PM
My Vernal Utah 2015 pull. I swear, when the weight box hit the top and the shanks deployed I thought my motor was gonna run backwards! Lol

The bigger tires really seemed to help my traction but dropped my rpm down a bunch, the ground speed is there tho.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nne33lTMx0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nne33lTMx0)
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on June 24, 2015, 05:51:30 PM
My Burley Idaho 2015 pull. Not sure why I am getting some static in the audio.....

Nick


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wU-U5SCGY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9wU-U5SCGY)
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: cjshaker on June 25, 2015, 10:07:06 PM
Boy you were really cookin on that Vernal video! Ground speed is definitely good. That thing looks like it's pulling nice and the engine sounds real good and smooth. Nice job.
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on June 26, 2015, 06:10:34 AM
Thanks Doug, my brother and I both finished 1st in our class. He pulls in the Super Stock class (6200 lbs) with a '78 Ford w/400m of all things lol....The dang boat anchor gets it thou, Vernal is 5300' in elevation. He has been pulling the same truck for 35 years so he knows what works.

Nick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bRt2bzXj1s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bRt2bzXj1s)
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: R-WEST on July 27, 2015, 02:18:10 PM
Quote
People always think drag racing is really hard on stuff, but truck pulling will find weak spots REAL quick.
The guy who does my engines tells me the only thing harder on an engine than pulling is offshore powerboat racing. 

BTW - that is a seriously good sounding FE!!  8)
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on August 04, 2015, 06:36:07 PM
Thanks R-WEST, It is running good this year, 11 pulls so far this season. Going to Colorado Springs next week 6,000' elevation so I am going back to my 31" tires, I think I will need the power. I made some changes to my rear suspension and hitch that seem to work really well with the 35's so I am going to try them again.

Nick


http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQzvGLv2UDM
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on August 21, 2015, 06:06:50 AM
My pull in Colo. Springs last week, 310' 1st place finish :)

Nick


http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW9dtdqZEc0
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: turbohunter on August 21, 2015, 06:41:44 AM
Great truck Nick.
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on August 25, 2015, 06:15:20 AM
Thanks Marc, here is my Gillette, Wyo. pull, the video is a little dark but the audio is great!!

Nick


http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQFfW7InJ3k
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: fastback 427 on August 25, 2015, 08:32:33 AM
That thing sounds gooooood! Doesn't skip a beat. We went to our state fair last month and watched my brother in law pull his dodge. His family is all dodge, we don't talk about it >:(  After watching a bunch of 120 to low 200 foot passes, the dodge guys got strangely quiet when a 69 f100 with a 572 385 series make a full pull, then kept going up the hill in a cloud of dust!  Anyway,  cool truck Nick,  like watching your videos.
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on September 02, 2015, 10:53:49 AM
You think this sled don't pull hard? All new fresh break in the weld, I now use a one piece forged drawbar :) Since this video was taped by my competition I am thinking I need to look in her purse for a hacksaw, she was focused on the hitch for some reason ;D ;D

Nick


ftp://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVxBj49RDV8
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: turbohunter on September 02, 2015, 11:50:47 AM
That was weird.
It was like someone pulled a pin and it fell out.
Really nice pull though.
The truck sounds great.
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on September 03, 2015, 07:47:28 AM
Thanks Marc,

Here is my Saturday pull, 1st place @ 310' they added some weight so we all pulled about 15' less than on Friday. Notice at the start the truck wanted to bounce some, the track was rough so I had to get out of it a little, it still pulled to 6000 rpm tho.

Nick

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwOxJGV_dNE
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: KMcCullah on September 04, 2015, 05:04:59 PM
I'm diggin' it Nick!  8) But damn.... you had to tow your ass off to make a few of the pulls! You live in northern Utah right?  One of these days I'll put some junk together and come pull with you guys. Vernal is only 2 1/2hrs away from me. 
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on September 05, 2015, 06:17:13 AM
Kevin, I live in Snowflake, Arizona 650 miles from Vernal, 1000 miles from Powell, Wyo. I have towed over 11,000 miles so far this season in 14 pulls.

I have been watching your "504" thread, what an awesome truck and power plant. That 504 would make an awesome puller!!

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: KMcCullah on September 05, 2015, 10:39:22 AM
I guess I assumed you were from northern Utah since some of your earlier videos were pulls in that area. But wow! You have towed some serious miles this season.

Thank you for the kind words. My truck is dealing with some identity issues right now. Anymore I think it would make a better puller than a mud racer due to its weight. Or build another motor and just retire it to the street maybe...
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: fekbmax on September 05, 2015, 02:17:21 PM
Awesome truck. I love seeing this stuff. I know its gotta feel good beating up on BB chevys and such with an awesome FE..
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on September 06, 2015, 11:06:29 AM
Here is a different view of my Friday pull, breaking the hitch, still ended up 2nd behind my brother, lol.

Nick


http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDRmBQ9dnts
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: turbohunter on September 06, 2015, 11:19:14 AM
Hah, looks like you were gonna pull that darn sled back to Arizona. ;)
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: KMcCullah on September 10, 2015, 07:33:01 PM
So.....just hit the eject button and head straight to the winners circle. Neat innovation there Nick. 8) Lol  I'm surprised the bowtie guys didn't jump on you and demand a safety DQ. Nice pull btw.
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on October 05, 2015, 09:00:18 AM
Won 1st place in Marana, Arizona on 10-1-2015, Stock Gas Class......oh yeah......there was only 1 truck...me, Lol

Nick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAl7Iywh-1s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAl7Iywh-1s) 
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: cjshaker on October 05, 2015, 09:23:32 PM
Scaring off the competition, Nick? ;D

Sounds really good and looks smooth throughout the pull.
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: Bolted to Floor on October 05, 2015, 09:53:13 PM
That looks like a lot of fun and the way the engine screams is sweet. Keep the videos coming. Good luck.
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on October 06, 2015, 05:49:26 AM
I think one of the reasons for the lack of trucks was the 107 degrees!! For some reason truck pulls have not caught on in Arizona and New Mexico, I have towed 12,000 miles this season just so I can pull. Another reason is, some pulling organizations are pro entry level/street class and some are not. This one is not. They only had 29 hooks in Willcox on Saturday, yet 9 of those were stock gas/diesel or 30% of the total show. We didn't even make the pulling results list on their facebook page, it's like we didn't exist. Sorry for the rant!

Here is my Friday pull in Willcox, Az. 1st out of 3 trucks.

Nick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9-T6Rz7img (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9-T6Rz7img) 
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: machoneman on October 06, 2015, 07:51:29 AM
Wow, 107 degrees! You woulda' found me melted down into goop under the stands!
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on December 03, 2015, 05:02:15 AM
After 9 pulls out of 10 (I missed the Billings, Mt. Pull) I managed a first place in the Western Grand National Points Series for 2015 ;D I also pulled once with Rocky Mountain Pullers, 3 times with United Truck and Tractor Pullers and 4 times with AZ truck and Tractor Pullers for a total of 17 pulls and 12,000 miles! Here is a link to my last pull of the season 10-3-2015 in Wilcox, AZ. also a link to the points series, had a blast this year!  Nick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0DH8b1U4BI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0DH8b1U4BI)

https://www.facebook.com/westerngnpulling/photos/a.575907919207006.1073741828.495010073963458/708250215972775/?type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/westerngnpulling/photos/a.575907919207006.1073741828.495010073963458/708250215972775/?type=3)
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: Barry_R on December 03, 2015, 06:44:51 AM
One heck of a job!
Congrats!
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: thatdarncat on December 03, 2015, 08:01:39 AM
Awesome Job! And thanks for sharing the info and videos with us.
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: BigBlueIron on January 04, 2016, 03:07:13 PM
Good stuff! I am currently collecting parts for a very similar build for a Super Street class.  I have a few questions! :)
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on January 05, 2016, 07:08:56 AM
Welcome BigBlue!! Pullers are rare so I can use all the help I can get. You will find like any competition, pullers in general are close mouthed with their secrets, but I am an open book, so if I can help, ask away. 

Nick 
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: BigBlueIron on January 05, 2016, 10:32:21 AM
I have been around pulling a little, done a little diesel work stock and helped a good friend build a 9500# Limited Pro tractor from the ground up last winter, it was a blast, lot of hard work. Pretty cool with 1500hp and 3500# on the dyno tho!

Pullers are veeery tight lipped for sure.

I sent a PM, by the way your truck sounds great. Need more FE's pulling!!
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on January 06, 2016, 04:10:33 PM
I sent you a link by PM but I am not sure it worked and I can't retrieve to see, so here it is again just in case. I think this is a case of too low a stall converter for the application.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hXJ7DcZ15I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hXJ7DcZ15I)

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on March 09, 2016, 07:18:37 AM
I'm diggin' it Nick!  8) But damn.... you had to tow your ass off to make a few of the pulls! You live in northern Utah right?  One of these days I'll put some junk together and come pull with you guys. Vernal is only 2 1/2hrs away from me.

Kevin, just an FYI, Western Grand National Pulling Series opener is 6-10-2016, In Vernal, UT.

Here is a partial schedule, more to come.  https://www.facebook.com/westerngnpulling/photos/a.575907919207006.1073741828.495010073963458/771572732973856/?type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/westerngnpulling/photos/a.575907919207006.1073741828.495010073963458/771572732973856/?type=3)

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: bluef100fe on March 09, 2016, 08:23:33 PM
Here's a few videos of another FE powered truck puller... This is our Wisconsin "stock" truck class... Enjoy!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w6l6jREfvnQ

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wFKnsCv0aFo

Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on October 06, 2016, 05:54:27 AM
Update: Just finished the 2016 season with a win in the points series with United Truck and Tractor Pullers in the 6500 lb. Stock Gas class. 14 pulls total this year, 13,500 miles in 6 states and 3 organizations. Had a blast this summer with the 'ole FE, it just keeps on a tick'in.

Here is a link to my Winnemucca, NV. pull, 317 ft. 6200 rpm, it just laid down and pulled. The video is a little fuzzy with the setting sun but the audio is great!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFvRCzFGbgQ

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on October 19, 2017, 05:27:01 AM

After pulling all over for the past 3 years, I only pulled once this year. Went to a 2 day pull in Willcox, Arizona the first weekend in October. After sitting for a year, I changed oil, charged the batteries added new gas and went pulling. Managed a first both days. I have my big tires back on so only pulled to 5200 rpm but still runs good! There were 5 of the Isaacs clan at the pull with 4 Cummins powered tow vehicles and 1 Ford. Four of the pullers were Ford and 1 GM.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLH6Qh6d0QY

Nick
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on July 23, 2020, 05:15:17 AM
Haven't pulled in three years with the old truck.

Yarded the old Ford out of the weeds today. Cleaned out the rats nest, pulled the weights and weight bar off and removed excess junk out of the cab. Brake controller (Kelsey Hays), business band two way radio from my logging days, CB mounts and excess wires all over the place. Looks funny with the bumper back on.

Might see some 1/8 mile track action this fall. Local bunch has access to a remote, seldom used airport. They have been doing test and tune. The state still has a group restriction so only 10 cars and 50 spectators allowed for now. 

Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: turbohunter on July 23, 2020, 06:26:14 AM
It’ll make one hell of a street strip truck. ;)
Title: Re: 1975 Ford FE Powered Sled Puller
Post by: NIsaacs on July 24, 2020, 06:05:40 AM
It’ll make one hell of a street strip truck. ;)

Should be fun!

Got a good buy on 2 Napa batteries today. Group 24 marine/starting, 800 cca/1000 ca. They were having their fill up the bucket sale, you buy the bucket and any 3+ items are 20% off. I saved about $80 on what I picked up. They are for the Ford but are sized to fit the dump trailers ;D