My 1994 F150 AWD project!

Guys I'm in need of some serious motivation...

I haven't touched my project and I don't know where to start. I'm afraid to start working on it because the trucks are running right no! I want to come up with a plan of attack but having difficulties! LoL  

What would be your plan of attack for a big block & transmission swap?

I don't want to turn 40 and not have this finished! I turn 38 before too long!

Holly Sh*t Batman   YOUR 38yrs OLD

Well you better just Give it all away because your just to old to ever finish it.

.......... GET OFF YOUR F--ING ASS AND GET IT DONE.......

Hobbs has a little buddy named tinny he can send up there to put a boot in your ass to get you some motivation

I know that sounds young and I'm over reacting but I really want to finish at least one car project in my life before I become parialiized from something happening in my back or some new priority flame up!

List of parts I have:
Engine
Transmission
Converter
Transfer case
Two trucks that run
Complete MSD ignition system
Headers
Torque converter
Carburetor
Fuel pump and lines.
My problem areas are:
Fuel tank, (how can I convert the factor rear tank to except a electric fuel pump?
Accessories brackets for the engine?
Shifter, mufflers, exhaust piping, driveshafts.
If I use the 94 that has been sitting for 9 years it need all new brake hoses, calipers, master cylinder, abs parts, steering parts, and bushings.
If I use the 84. I could just through a fuel cell in the bed, a simple acc brackets headers only etc. (basically a race truck compared to a street truck)
I really really really want a street truck. If I go race truck I can rebuild the 5.8 in the 94 and use it as a tow truck.
But!!!
I have fallen in love with the 300i6 in the 84 that I use for a hunting truck. I works great in low range low gear for creeping thru cut overs and hunting at night!

Sorry I know I'm rambling, I'm looking for advise and that aha moment.

I screw you up some more. Leave the old one alone. Sell the 94. Buy a 1973 to 79 running or not, as cheap as possiable, and put the BBF in it. Even better, come get my 79 Short bed 351W out the driveway, it runs suspension is built with 38.5 Swampers locker rear 4speed, NP205, wench, bla bla bla and I will sell it pretty cheap. I am like you and sick of these old trucks for now.

I feel like I've lost all of the confidence in my mechanical skills. lol

Can anyone just tell me what to do with the gas tank in the 94. It is a rear inside frame rail tank. Similar to the bronco. Does anyone make a tank that will bolt right in and allow me to use a -8 fuel line?

Between the two trucks you have, I would definitely leave the 1984 alone if you like it and everything is working good on it. On the 94 I think you can pull the electric pump out of the tank, and remove it from the sending unit assembly. You can then fab a pickup onto it with a sock filter and re-install. You might be able to use some of the factory fuel lines up to the front, but you will have to decide if that is worth while and they are to small for a healthy big block anyway. The Ford quick connects are a pain in the ass, and I would run a new hard line to the front and convert to hose clamps. You can run a return if you want, but if you don't, leave a way for the tank to vent on the new setup. I don't like fab work, and the 73 to 79, esp. if it was a original 460 truck, is just to easy, is why I suggested it.

I have all the fittings and lines to run aluminum line along the frame rail with flex line at the tank and regulator beyond. I'm using a edelbrock electric fuel pump that's suppose to support 700 or 800hp carbureted. Unsure if the fuel pump is strong enough to prime it's self that little bit of vertical line coming out of the tank.

For some reason I was thinking 97 single tank. I have a 95 F150 dual tank model also. Have fun,LoL. I would suggest converting/replacing the rear tank. The front tank is a pain in the ass to work around and only holds 14 gallons.

It is a single 19gal rear tank. You would think someone would make a drop in tank for a bronco that would work.

It should prime. If you are worried about it rig up a small container and try it. I used to pump out tanks with a Carter rig I used just for that purpose. I hate those Ford Quick Connects. Just did the filter the other day. Had two set of tools (disconnect), same size off on set would work, other no go. Fucked with the POS for almost an hour. Just thinking about them pisses me off. I do like the Body Style of those trucks, on the second one, first was a 93 I6, it was a good Truck.

We had that rear tank out last year to replace the fuel pump, sure looked like the 79 F150 tank, I bet they are close. Frame rails are both 37.5" on them.

I was thinking about buying a new factory steel tank and welding a sump on the rear for the fuel line to exit. (I currently have a 10 gallon aluminum cell in the bed) 1- 10 gallons doesn't get you very far, and 2- the bed is no longer functional.-----

I'm in the same dilemma right now with fuel system myself. If you are going to drive this thing a lot, make sure your fuel line routing is clear of the exhaust. Mine currently heats the fuel and in the summer in traffic, it will vapor lock w/ the dead head pressure regulator at the carb. My plan is to put a return style pressure regulator on and that should keep the fuel circulating and cool instead of just sitting in the engine bay getting hot!

You have a good bit of wrenching ahead of you! Do you have anything figured out on the motor mounts? Chad's 80 model had a 351M in it and the 460 just bolts right in.

Jon

Check this place out for all of your brackets and pulleys:

http://www.cvfracing.com/ford-429-460-brackets-s/24.htm

I have these.  They are a pain to adjust belt tension, but look really good.  If you are looking for ease of belt adjustment, then rob some brackets off another 460.  They will just look terrible.

---- As for a shifter, I have a B&M ProRatchet shifter.  I fabricated a stand for the shifter out of 1" angle that bolts to the floor.  It works nicely.  Chad has the ProStick shifter and it has its perks as well.



----Are your headers fenderwell exit?  If so, exhaust is going to be easy!  Short and exit right in front of the rear wheel opening.  I run Borla S.S. race mufflers.  They are pretty loud, but sound good.  I have my pipes ran as mentioned, and it makes for very easy removal when I want to run open headers.  Another option that I am considering is a very similar design only with electric cut-outs so I don't even have to turn a wrench to uncap the headers.


--- Jackson Powertrain can fix you up with some great driveshafts. What size joints do you plan on running?

http://www.jacksonpowertrain.com/

Hope some of this helps.
Jon

The truck has made it into the shop!

I think I am going to remove the front clip if I can get enough neighborhood kids to help. I will have to trim the inner fender panels to clear the fender well exit headers!

Now that I get to thinking about it. It shouldn't take long at all to get the engine - transmission installed. The wiring, cooling, fuel lines and acc brackets will take the longest.

It has been suggested that I buy a new fuel tank and have a stainless steel fuel sump made and brazed to the tank. Oddly the largest fuel tank I can find for this year truck is a 18 gallon tank. I had hoped that I could stuff a 32 gallon Bronco tank but after doing some looking I think it will be too tall. As the bronco floor board sits higher off the frame rails than the truck beds.

I plan to install a lift kit after the engine is swapped and running. So I. The back of my mind I'm trying to decide what direction to go with that. How high etc... I really really really want to run narrow 38's or 40's. (I know the axles won't stand a chance with 600hp and 600ftlbs and big tires if they get in a bind. But this is hopefully going to be a street / show truck. I'd love it if I could run 38's on a 6" lift. Might have to do the dreaded 3" body lift to make the tires clear.

That's all down the road.... First goal is to get it running like it sits.

That's on of the reason's I suggested the 73-79 Trucks. I am running 3" body on 6" axle lift with 38"s. The 9" and 44 axles are fine with a 351. With a hot 460 might need to upgrade the front to a Dana 60. Are you going to convert to a solid front axle?

Nope. That compares the wheel speeds for the ABS system. Those speedometers where electronic not cable drive. This would be the easiest way on the C6. Some guys use and old cell phone stuck to the dash, as a field expedient method. http://www.hotrod.com/features/gps-speedometers-and-electric-gauges-for-any-car/

The TTB front end is great when you leave it stock height.  When you lift it, you are looking for trouble.  The 38.5x11 bogger is an awesome tire, but if you can't clear it, the 35x10.5 bogger really hooks good as well.

Also, I've had great results w/ a dana44. I have broke several axle shafts, but now have chromoly and good joints and haven't had any problems. That's locked with a spool and 38" tires.

460bronco wrote:The TTB front end is great when you leave it stock height.  When you lift it, you are looking for trouble.  The 38.5x11 bogger is an awesome tire, but if you can't clear it, the 35x10.5 bogger really hooks good as well.

Also, I've had great results w/ a dana44.  I have broke several axle shafts, but now have chromoly and good joints and haven't had any problems.  That's locked with a spool and 38" tires.

IMO it's all about ground clearance between the ground and the lowest part of the axle. The 94 is going to be more about "looks" than crashing thru the bushes deer hunting. The 84 is all about crashing thru anything that won't kill me!

If I had a unlimited stack of money I would put a solid front axle and larger rear axle with portal boxes.

I feel your pain brotha!

One step at a time. My biggest problem is my shop isn't at my house. It's about 10 miles away and I'm never motivated after work to stop by and work...

I've been working on mine in some way or another since 2008. Trust me it gets old quick but I can see where it's going now.

Do yours in steps. Swap engine/trans and get running. Then upgrade axles, then this, then that. That's the advantage you have over me. Mine was a stripped roller when I got it and then I cut the cage out and changed up more stuff. So keep it in a driving state and go in small steps.

I'd get a local guy to weld in a sump. don't drop cash if you don't need to...

All mine needs is loading up and taking to the track! I have been one time all year and may not go back. I can't get motivated for the race track anymore.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-F-150-Custom-4x4-Short-Bed-/262039449191?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3d02c4ae67&item=262039449191 Wow somebody thinks an old Ford 4x4 is special. I better go fix her up some more?

So your saying your ADD is taking over again .....I saw this coming from 5 miles away

supervel45 wrote:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-F-150-Custom-4x4-Short-Bed-/262039449191?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3d02c4ae67&item=262039449191                    Wow somebody thinks an old Ford 4x4 is special. I better go fix her up some more?

that's a nice truck! I suppose you could buy a new truck for that?