New member from NE, 1979 F150 4x4 SB 351M

[dirtman69]

Hello All, good to be part of the forum! I've already found a lot of useful information so far.

Truck History: My uncle purchased this truck new in Oct. of 1978. It is a custom, standard cab short box. Well currently it is a flatbed due to the bed rotting out. The motor was rebuilt in 1984, pistons, rods, intake exhaust valves, camshaft intake Edelbrock Performer with a Rochester Quadrajet. Shortly after rebuild, my uncle developed cancer and died around1986. Another uncle had purchased the pickup and it sat for too many years and so began the downfall of the body. My father bought it about 2 years and did what he could do with the body. Motor has probably less than 15-20K on the rebuild.

Right now, my son and I are working on it as much as our knowledge takes us (which isn't very far) So currently I am trying to track main components, to see what I have to work with or on. I have most of the original paperwork, including the build sheet, but I am having trouble deciphering the factory codes. I don know I a 351M., 9" rear end not sure of the gears, I believe the ratio is 3:50. Transfer case I'm not sure about nor am I the axles.

so the main question is where do I start with the drivetrain? Since it's lower miles on the rebuild, but it's been more than 30 years since the rebuild, what should I be looking to refresh, rebuild, or just leave alone. It runs really well, the valve seals may have dried out, as after a long trip, I noticed a little oil had come out by the oil fill cap.

Anyway, any direction is appreciated.

Steve

[HIO Silver]

I suggest heading over to this site's sister site http://www.fordification.net for info. Decode the warranty plate attached to the rear face of the driver's door. Hopefully the door hasn't been replaced.

A 3.50 rear gear was typical. The front axle will be a Dana 44 prolly with a 3.54 gear. The .04 difference is acceptable when on offroad or in loose or slippery conditions.

At this point, learn about your truck and avoid fixing what isn't broken. General maintenance and repair is the order of the day until ya understand what the truck is all about. Just change the axle lube/gear oil along with all the other fluids and filters. Grab your grease gun and lube all the grease fittings. Inspect the brakes, give it a tune up to establish baselines. Do a hardware integrity check and test all electrical systems.. oh, buy a repair manual.

The t-case should have an aluminum tag riveted to the forward facing side. If it's a np-205 then you've got a'strong, gear driven unit. A np-203 is chain driven and isn't as strong.

[fireguywtc]

from Alabama!

[Mancar1]

Hello from Gerber, Ca.
Have fun with the truck.

[Madman]

Colorado!