I have driven past this truck everyday for the last year. It was just sitting in a field with a sign in the bed. After a little negotiating and a new battery, she is mine! Runs great. No idea what motor is in it. Some newer Ford V6. PO has no idea what it is, thought it was out of a Mustang. Any guesses? Overall for $1k i feel pretty good about it. This is my 1st Ford. Always been a Chevy guy, but I just fell in love with this truck...... This thing drives like a beast! It is nearly impossible to steer. There are some meaty tires on there. 31 x 10.5 on the front and 32 x 11.5 in the rear. Plan on going smaller really soon. Would like to get some steel wheels and moon caps. 5 x 5 1/2 right? What size tires should I get? Not sure if I am going to keep the paint how it is, or go satin black.
Hey cool! I just bought a 59 with 60 nose the other day...yeah mine has a straight 6 that needs rebuilt, has a header. the engine is in the bed. and yeah mine is hard to steer too! nice truck. if you ever make it thru oregon, come on by.
cool truck is that a 2.8 v6? why does it have to alternators? if it is they are oddball but neat motors my dad hoped one up in a mustang II with a cam and 4v intake
I wouldn't worry much about the body and paint until you get the wheels/tires taken care of. That should help the steering a bunch. Just my own personal way of doing things, but I generally start with wheels and tires, suspension and other chassis stuff first, then powertrain, then body/paint/interior. Cool truck - have fun
Yea thats my plan. Will smaller tires (205?) help with turning? Its a beast. Couldnt make it through the drive through today, and im not a wimp!
Actually, I think the thing would look best cleaned up, straightened up and painted in something like the original colors. A nice two-tone job would look terrific on that thing. Switch to a nice set of steelies with hub caps and maybe trim rings, tires of a more appropriate size, and you'd have something that would draw a crowd anywhere it went. As for the steering, if it's really that stiff, then smaller, original equipment wheels and tires will probably help, but don't neglect to consider the possibility of dropping in a power steering system. Oh, and don't forget to lube all the steering and suspension points.
Info on one power steering option here: Toyota Steering Box Swap for 1948-1960 Trucks Seems to be a popular option.
Thanks! What is the best sized tires for this size truck? Could I get baby moon caps for my current wheels? They are steel arent they?
205's are gonna be too small I would go 235's all around and if you plan on lowering 215s upfront and 235's in the rear
dont know what engine that is but good score dude i have a1958 custom cab, wrap around back window, and a 1960 regular cab they are both fleet side short beds turning the 60 into a gasser with a 312 y- block should be really cool when done i will send u some pics u do the same keep us posted on your build!
I'm also going to get the front suspension from the Mark VIII. Should give me disk breaks, as well as power steering! I am hoping that it is the same application as the Crown Vic swap.
Don't do it. The early 4.6 motors are crap and that truck deserver better. A Y block or if you want to keep costs down just go with a 351 windsor and C-4. I recently sold my 64 F100 with a 351. Cheap to build easy to find parts. If you are going to build a traditional style truck that 4.6 is going to look as out of place as that V6 that's there now.
Cool truck.I would say find yourself a running Y block out of another 60 f100,reliable motors and they sound great with the right exhaust set up.And as far as tires you shouldn't run any tire with an over all diameter larger than 29 inches.good luck and have fun with it.
I second what everyone else is saying here... put grease in the tie rod ends and king pins (if they have zerks) until fresh grease pukes out. If you can, jack up the front end and pump it full of grease while someone cranks the wheel left and right. Also lube the steering box. Throw some tall skinny tires on that ol' beast and the steering will really lighten up. If I can drive my Willys with a Dana straight axle 1 handed in parking lots, you can too with this old 2 wheel drive.
I love this truck. I have swapped smaller tires and lubed everything up. It drives much better. I'm looking at lowering it some now. Gonna start by removing a few leaf springs hen look into flipping.
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