Making this a better tow truck

I picked this truck strickly for a tow truck. I needed the four wheel drive because a lot of the areas I go to in it always has nasty parking areas. So far I have done all the typical maintance but it still needs better pulling power for long hills.
1984 F150 with 31x10.5x15 tires 8.8 rear axle and 3?? gears (factory stock)
Would higher compression help?
I have a line on a set of headers and aluminum intake manifold.

PS. I am pulling a 1,600lb sxs on a flat trailer.

Carburated In line 300 6 with 4 speed manual transmission

Not a bad looking little project Jones. What kind of intake have you spotted? Years ago, I helped a buddy put an offenhauser 4bbl intake on a 300 6cyl and a Holley 390 cfm on it. I could tell a pretty good improvement over the stock intake and carb. I thought it was money well spent IMO. His truck had a lot of smog crap on it that we discarded as well. The 'ol 300 sixes are a tough reliable engine,should serve you well for towin your side by.

It is an 4bbl intake, not 100% on the manufactuer probably a offenhauser. I'd like to upgrade the ignition system also, being that I travel all around the state.

Right now I am borrowing a 1999, 4.2 V6, manual 5 speed, F150 and it can't maintain 70mph on the interstate in 4th gear pulling hills.

Check your gear ratios those six cylinder trucks often have a 3.08 gear and lugs the crap out of the trucks, also which 4-speed do you have the granny low t-18 or the 3-speeed overdrive(looks lke a toploader). I would recommend installing either a 3.55 or 3.73 set of gears front and rear which will help power and milage(at least it has on the ones we have done). If you can get the 4bbl manifold and a header that should help alot also.

Here is how my vin broke down.
PAINT 2E: Light Canyon Red

BODY CODE DD4:

D = Knit and Vinyl bench seat.
D = Red Color Interior
4 = Back of Cab code, Styleside pickup.

TYPE F141 = "heavy" 1/2 ton (4x4)(6,050–6,500 GVWR max)

TRANS A = NP435

AXLE H8 = 3.08 L/S 8.8" FORD

VIN
1 = USA
F = Ford Motor Company:
T = Truck (Complete Vehicle)
E = GVWR and Hydraulic brake system: Class E: 6,001 to 7,000 pounds
F = F-series
14 = F-150 4x4
Y = 4.9L 300 6 cylinder Gasoline engine
7 = Check digit
E = 1984 model year
P = Michigan Assembly Plant
A11545 = Consecutive build number

I'd look at a 5 speed upgrade, if you can find a complete set-up. Ignition, header and exhaust and let'r eat.

I respectfully disagree with dfree a 5 speed with those gear would be fine if your only on the interstate doing 80 mph. The np435 is also a granny 4 speed and with those gears you probably need to use 1st to take off. In my opinion I would upgrade the gears to 3.55's and make the upgrades to the engine. 1st gear wont be needed very often but being unsynchronized its a pain to down shift into any way.

I rarely use 1st gear, I want to say first is 6.19:1. But, I don't want to get rid of it, I love the ole transmission. I've taught my self how shift without using the clutch with this transmission and yes down shifting into 1st is a no-no!

Hows some info., go to top and click store and your engine.
http://www.cliffordperformance.net/

One thing I can't decide on is if I should use a adaptor plate with 2bbl Weber or 4bbl holley. I'd rather use the 4bbl holley because I know nothing about a Weber.

I'd try the weber they are simple.

I would try the intake,carb and header bolt ons and if that's not enough power TURBOCHARGER!!!!

Later Mark.

IMO, I'd opt for a set of 4.10 gears.

3.55 with the 4spd header and carb then maximize the jetting in the carb timming and ignition. 500cfm Holley or 500 cfm 2bl will work fine . If you go with the 5spd 3.73 but 4.10 would be best. Used this set up a lot in the older UPS package cars with the 300 six .

I'm with Whitefield, put at least 3.73's in it, and 4.10's would be best. That engine has decent tq, but a good gear will help a bunch especially with the 31's.

Sounds good, I look around and see what the prices run on the different sets.

If its for business use.... I'd concentrate on things that effect fuel ecomony and not get to obsessed with "Pulling Power", But hey thats just the business side of me talking.

If you want something with power, why buy a 6 cylinder truck to start with ????

Yes, I want the best fuel economy for what I need. I hope that if the engine starts running more effeciant it will pick up power and a little better mpg.

I have picked up a earlier 80 model carburetor, old style points distributor and HD exhaust manifold. As this truck is a carb feed back with TFI ignition and running in limp mode. Hopefully it will pickup some power and fuel mileage.

My project truck started out as a EFI 6cyl/5spd with 3.08 gears (If memory serves) and at 65/70 it sounded like a piston would come out oof the hood any moment and gas mileage sucked! Ran great with plenty of torque even at 167000 miles but needed a bigger motor...

Back again,
Truck is running great, fuel milage picked-up to 14mpg and muds ok. Of course I'm bored with it now, I looked into some performance upgrades for the 6 cylinder but I don't see it being worth the time and money. I do have a complete 460 sitting in the shop, the only problem is it had 0-10lb oil pressure through out the rpm range.

The only items I need are;
Bellhousing (np435 to 460)
Flywheel
Headers
intake manifold
Oil pan
water pump
Timing cover

The main part I need is the bell housing.

You'll be mud racing with us in no time!