Baby FE build - 71 F-100

[mammyjammer]

I would start with the  track bar bushings and C- Bushings.

[My427stang]

They are all new, new poly c-bushings with 4 degrees roll back, new poly track bar bushings, new trunion bearings, you name it, its new with this build.  The only thing that I havent rebuilt is the steering box, although it was fresh when I put it away 18 yrs ago

The toe is way out, I just didnt get to it.  I also want to get a real measurement for caster and camber to determine if the c-bushings did what I want.

I will say though that the rear springs, despite new bushings and center bolts, are a stack of whatever I had at the shop 18-20 years ago. 

The main leaves are original to the truck, and one leaf (an add a leave for the lift) in each pack is new and match, but the rest are a combination of anything I decided to cut or match up from the scrap pile way back when to make it sit where I wanted or replace what I broke. 

I can't help but think that they are not only wrapping up badly, but wrapping up differently, because it clearly wanted to turn as the nose came up despite same sized tires and a solid link between the two spindles.

We'll get it, been through this truck so many times it isn't funny.  First time I drove it I was 12 I am 45 now

[Heo]

with much toe out it wanders like a snake
many frontends get more toe out when the
front rises and car want to follow the tire that
got the most traction for the moment

[My427stang]

Most of you probably saw this on the FE forum, but I am pretty happy with it so resharing

Rebuilt the mirrors, takes a steady hand to take apart a mirror, with heat, to replace all the hardware with stainless.  They came out nice though.

Back out to the shop to assemble the driver's side.  Coming together pretty nice I think!





After that is some minor interior work, get it on a front end machine and get some miles on it!  The 445 sounds REAL good, I am itching to take it on a nice long run

[turbohunter]

That thing is beautiful.
Well done.
Love the color, really love the engine.
How about a few more pics to really give us a tour.

Back a couple posts you were talking about your rear springs and some wrap.
I just put a new set of Deavers on my truck and am amazed at the difference.
No wrap and the handling is improved by leaps and bounds.
Here's the page of my thread on another forum so you can see them.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1071818-i-went-and-did-it-25.html

Again, awesome truck you have, congratulations.

[jayb]

Beautiful job, Ross.  I need a truck like that LOL!

[cjshaker]

That really looks good, Ross. The '67-'72s were the best trucks EVER produced. Maybe not for creature comforts, but for what trucks are actually made for.

The wrap up is so common on the 4wd. A long torque bar tied to the frame does wonders, is easy to make and would cost less than a new spring package.

I'm so jealous. My search for a good cab goes on......and on.......and on.....

[My427stang]

Well, I was bored yesterday and came up with a few videos to update the F100 and decided to revive this post from the dead 

First video is the 8.5:1 396 FE with an SM, 750, no head work, headers, 270H and 3 inch duals, Flowmasters, and no crossover for reference.  Ironically it sounds to be the meanest of the bunch, but was a pussy cat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOJu-q8YvQM

Second video is the first one I made of the 445, 10:1 compression, ported D2s, ported RPM, 282/236 112/104 .580 lift Bullet SFT, 3310, mandrel bent 3 inch, X pipe, and Jones straight through mufflers (like a Magnaflow)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgnbTb09UQk

Third video is how it is now.  No changes to above, but recently rocked the cam back a bit and lashed it much tighter, really liked it.  Just idling here, but gets a good look at the truck.  Sorry, time for a new cell phone, it just doesn't film very well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf3D5c9ZZfs

Decided to put it away for a bit and play with the Mustang, but next step for the truck is likely some suspension work, going to either 4 link it out back or adapt a more modern spring setup the allow a bit of squat.  Right now the only flex with the HD Special springs comes from the sidewalls

At some point I'd like to swap to a transmission that I can shift quickly, right now its a NP435, but we'll see, no idea yet on that one.

[Gregwill16]

Love the truck Ross! Reminds me of one I should've checked further into about 26 hours away from home in Idaho Falls. We went out to get my Dads Mach 1 and sitting in the back yard of an abandoned house next to the hotel was a rust free 69 4x4 short bed 4 speed that hadn't been moved in a long time. They are certainly one of the best looking trucks out there to fix up just as yours.

[KMcCullah]

Right on! One of my favorite threads woke up again.  I wish my sheet metal was half as straight as yours, Ross.

Did you get a noticeable seat-o-the pants feel from advancing the cam?

Edit: Forgot to mention... I took out 3 leaves from both rear spring packs the last time I raced. It squatted, hooked and left harder than ever before. But with ladder bars though. I like the 4-link idea unless there's some hauling/towing to be done.

[turbohunter]

Damn that truck is purty.

[My427stang]

Thanks guys!

Kevin, At the same time I did the changes, I also got the front end steering well and the seat redone, so I am driving it a bit harder than I did before too.

So, I am not sure I noticed a measurable difference with a 2 degree retard and the tighter lash, but it does pull very hard well past 5500 and I sure didn't lose anything down low.  I am not sure I drove it that hard last round.  In hindsight, I likely could have gone a little more cam and still been very happy, but it is already faster than an old 4x4 with 4 wheel drums should be

[Lenz]

Great looking truck Ross .  I had a short '72 4x4 360 4 speed, one of those vehicles we can all number that we shouldn't have let go.  I agree with Doug on the '67 to 72's, now that I'm back in the market it's a lot tougher to find the right candidate.