First Truck of My Own

[M-39]

Drove home my first full size truck last night (I drove my dad's '79 f150 back in high school, but it is a great feeling to own one myself). It is a 1972 F-250 4x4 4sp with a 390 on 36" swampers. I hope it will make a good hunting/camping rig. The body is beat to death, but the motor and drivetrain seem solid. I figured it would make a good rolling project for the coming years. The brakes do not work well as they are very squishy, but I figured they were good enough to get home as long as I gave a lot of following distance. I was warned the tank had little gas in it as I was leaving with my wife following in her car. Needless to say, I ran out of gas on the interstate prior to finding a gas station. My wife continued on to get a gas can and gas,but, as we were in an unfamiliar area, got lost. I am happy to report she did find her own way back with gas and I was rescued (I am proud of her). I dumped a little more into the tank at the first station we came to and away we went. I made it a point to keep my speedometer close to 50/55 mph range, but not many people seemed to want to pass me. Shortly before taking our exit, I noticed the steering had become noticeably stiff. Upon reaching the bottom of the off ramp and turning onto the road, it was obvious the power steering had gone out. It took both hands on the wheel to muscle the truck around the corner which is difficult as shifting is required. Smoke was coming out from under the hood as steering fluid was bathing the exhaust manifold. I was able to get it into the parking lot at our apartment which is on a steep hill and, of course, has small spaces. I dare say, getting that truck into a spot with no power steering is a chore. While trying to straiten the truck out so I could pull into a parking place, the next hurdle of the little adventure reared its ugly head. I was somewhere in between making sure I was not too close to crushing the cars parked downhill behind me and attempting to muscle the steering wheel into position when the brakes sank to the floor and the truck began to roll backwards. In a panic, I stomped the gas and popped the clutch. Thankfully, no vehicles were directly behind me. The only damage was the tread on the back tires and my pride from the resulting park job. My wife later complained about my lead foot citing I never went less than 65/70 (this is above the speed limit through the city) the entire time we were on the highway. Apparently the speedometer was not adjusted for the tire size...ooops. It is a good thing I have Monday off of work. Hopefully, I can at least get the brakes taken care of. I am glad this forum and website exists. Through it, I feel I will be able to have the necessary resources to get this truck in good shape.

[bindernut]

these trucks have a way of making great 1st impressions, welcome

[fireguywtc]

from Texas!

[Mancar1]

Welcome aboard from Northern Ca. Enjoy your 1st full size truck.

[1970FordTK]

Welcome from North Carolina.

[MrMajestyk]

M-39

[Joshpow]

Welcome and congrats on the new ride. Lets see some pics sometime.

[flyboy2610]

Sounds like you had an interesting day!
We'll help you get it back on the road!

[tnbumper]

Welcome to the site! Congrats on your first bump. Glad you got it home safe. Do something nice for your wife tonight!

[forrestbump]

from SoCal. Great story!

[basketcase0302]

from choo-choo town.

That's a good story to tell your child when you hand the truck down to him/her!

[JL100]

from Alabama! You've found the best source of information for our trucks, and the best people. Enjoy!

[Archinto]

I am a mud nut, and I am sure everyone would love to see pics of your truck! Good find, sounds like it will be a blast to drive!

Welcome from AK