PlumCrazy's F-1Fiddy Build

wyyup · Aug 12, 2014

Following this. I love the older body F-150s. Keep the updates coming!

PlumCrazy · Sep 15, 2014

Soo..it turns out the newer ZF trannies do not have the casting machined for the speedo cable since the newer trucks went to using the VSS on the diff.

I was going to machine the port into my cover...but I scored a rear cover and internals for $30 at the local yard. It was a big block trans, so the rest was no use to me.lol

Anyone need a ZF in a bucket?

FYI...these bastards are a lot heavier and not as easy to rebuild as the ole M5OD-R1.lol

Also picked up the old style one wire starter so I don't have to rewire my truck to use the newer solenoid.

I also drug this pile home. 83 F250 chassis. Has a Sterling 10.25, heavier leaves, and thicker frame rails (.225" vs my .185"). It was an IDI truck, so I need to figure out what to do about bolting a SBF into it. I may just try to snag another parts truck.lol I would to have an 80-86 CCLB SRW truck. I keep seeing the CC duallies foe under 2K...I may just snag one and convert it to SRW with my extra bed and this 10.25 I have...

My plan is to strip it down...POR 15 the whole thing, convert to ball joint using 92-97 beams and then swap my body over a weekend sometime.

Robert_1967 · Sep 15, 2014

on those shifter shafts, where the cuts are, is there a steel ball bearing that indexes in there, and if there is, is there anyway I can get you to send me a few of the balls, and springs???

Robert

posted using a 102" TV and a picture if Miss America.

PlumCrazy · Sep 15, 2014

Robert_1967 said:
on those shifter shafts, where the cuts are, is there a steel ball bearing that indexes in there, and if there is, is there anyway I can get you to send me a few of the balls, and springs???

Robert

posted using a 102" TV and a picture if Miss America.

There are detents for the shift rails held in by some tiny freeze plugs. I actually do not have any extra since they stayed with main case that I did not get.

Robert_1967 · Sep 15, 2014

OK, no problem, I'm helping a fellow restore a 74 Toyota FJ40, and the trans has indents in the shift rails, and we are missing one ball and spring.

Robert

posted using a Broken At&t CEO and red crayons

PlumCrazy · Sep 15, 2014

I doubt the ZF and FJ tranny use the same diameter anyways?

PlumCrazy · Sep 23, 2014

Sooo. As usual, I have changed plans....again.

I picked up an 83 250 chassis a while back to use for converting my truck to 3/4 ton, but I realized if I am going to go through all that work for a 250/350...Id rather have a Crew cab single wheel anyway.

So I decided to go different route. I want to keep the F150 as a DD, so I for no real reason I picked up this odd bird off of Nick.

Yes...it is an 8.8...a factory 8 lug semi float 8.8 from a LD 4x4 F250

Im going to do a "Heavy-Half" setup. Using the 8.8, 92-97 front beams with 78-79 rotors (to match the 1/2-20 studs in the rear), and a 3/4 ton leaves.

This way I can keep my rust-proofed, spotless frame, and not waste time putting an axle under it that isn't proportional to its capabilities any way. The 8.8 will bolt in and get me to 8 lug with larger brakes and 16s. Not to mention gears are cheaper (/I can use the 4.10s from the Ranger).

I want to drop the rear 4-5" at the same time to level it out as well....maybe bring the front down as low as I can and still keep camber in spec with cams and stock beams.

I also scored a column from a manual trans truck, cluster block off plate, and a bad ass bug visor (not sure if I will actually use it.lol)

With 8 lug axles, 3/4 brakes with Hydroboost, heavy leaves, 16s, and the ZF5 I think the truck should be a decent tow rig and still be a fairly nimble light truck to DD and have fun with.

PlumCrazy · Sep 23, 2014

On a completely unrelated note..

Does anyone want a FF Sterling 10.25? open with 3.55s and it comes with an 83 F250 frame setup for an IDI

PlumCrazy · Nov 17, 2014

Picture from a few weeks ago.....The ole 86 is kind of like the old grandpa farmer..just helps a little, but can't do much.lol Always wearing the neatly ironed plaid shirt and is ready for a nap after 10 min of work.

PlumCrazy · Dec 1, 2014

Only a few more pieces to ZF puzzle remaining. Just need a rear driveshaft setup and a flywheel (in the mail)

I scored this brand new 11" dual friction Centerforce cheap, so hopefully it has nice DD manners. I know its overkill for a stock 5.0, but I paid less for it than a cheapo from the local auto parts store would have run me.lol

nosferatu49426 · Dec 1, 2014

At least you know it shouldn't break.

PlumCrazy · Dec 5, 2014

Flywheel, seals, and pilot showed up for the ZF....

Running into trouble with the 11" clutch on the 5.0 flywheel now...there are no provisions for alignment dowels on the flywheel, and the pressure plate bolts I have are not shouldered to align the pressure plate. I ordered so ARP bolts, but if they are not correct I am going to look into machining holes for the dowels.

I ordered a few things for regearing 8 lug 8.8 as well. I think I am going to run 3.73s. That will get me to 2.83 over all in 5th which will get my RPMs down a bit from my current C6/3.08 combo.

I also found that both my exhaust manifolds are cracked. Trying to find OEM replacements...but Ill probably settle for Dormans.

Annnd.. Most importantly I bought this guy. Like 4 bucks at TSC at the checkout.lol Pretty damn detailed.

Robert_1967 · Dec 6, 2014

Whats the plan for the new 4$ truck??? 4x4 on 35"S???

Robert

posted using a Hoosier tire and carb cleaner.

PlumCrazy · Dec 17, 2014

Still not much progress in the garage...

I did put a new water pump on the truck. Upgraded to the aluminum "Severe Duty". I was relieved to find the weep hole was seeping and that is why my coolant has been vanishing little by little between oil changes.

I picked up an install kit for the 8 lug axle. I decided to go with a crush sleeve elim on this one too. Still looking for gears though. I pulled the drums to inspect...found that everything looks like new, even the drums slipped right off. I was disappointed to find that this axle is C-clip...I thought it was semi-float.

I also solved my clutch/flywheel dilemma. Since the flywheel had no provisions for alignment dowels, but it still had 3/8 coarse thread holes (OEM should be metric, but the Luk is SAE) I picked up a set of ARP bolts for some GM application and they have a nice shoulder and chamfered washers that are a good snug fit in the pressure plate.

036speed · Dec 19, 2014

Find a DD yet? So you can take apart your, um, DD?

PlumCrazy's F-1Fiddy Build

New Member

Well-Known Member

New Member

Well-Known Member

New Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

New Member

Well-Known Member

New Member

Well-Known Member

02/2013 OTOTM Winner

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Member & Vendor Upgrades

Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Amazon Deals