83 F-150

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I've been sparse around these parts since day one last year when I was looking for a truck.

Last January I picked up this truck for $1800:

83 F-150, 300 inline 6, NP435 4-speed, NP 208, and some well-worn 235/75R15 Goodyear Wranglers



After snowpocalypse passed, I got her all cleaned up:



After several late nights up on the mountain working on WUVT's transmitter over the summer, I installed some auxiliary lighting to help with visibility. Outer lights are fogs and the center two are driving/spot lights:



If you look real close in the above pic you can also see the 2-meter (144MHz) radio and antenna on the roof.

The stock Ford lockouts (some older Warn-type) had missing/broken retaining screws. Installed some Mile Marker Supremes (no one local had any Warn Premiums at the time and I wanted to get it done that day), and had to change the passenger spindle bearing.

Replaced all the driveshaft U-joints with greasable U-joints, I've got new non-greasable U-joints for the front axle... just haven't gotten around to replacing them yet.

Had a bout with some overheating issues, and had to install a new water pump and thermostat.

Installed some energy suspension poly radius arm bushings. I have new axle pivot bushings... but much like the front axle U-joints, I haven't had that on my list of priorities yet.

Did a complete tune-up and re-timed the motor with a vacuum gauge (a lot easier than using a timing light!), and changed the brittle cork valve cover and pushrod cover gaskets with some fel-pro and permatex gaskets.

I'm using some of my tax return money to help pay for a wedding... the rest of the return is buying me some new treads. First comes the wheels, Cragar V-5 16x8":



In two weeks I'll be picking up some 265/75R16 siped mud tires from a buddy in Kentucky:



I want to install a lunchbox locker in the rear axle, and pull the motor so I can do front & rear seals, oil pan gasket, and put a new clutch in.

But, until the wedding gets paid for... that's all on the back burner.

I apologize for not going to more than a meeting or two last year, but I've been trying to do two engineering degrees... so not much free time around these parts

[TerryD]

When you get those tires, you'll have to come down and try them out one weekend. Those look like the same tires I had on the front of my XJ last year. GT Radial I believe?

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Yeah, they're GTs

GT Savero MT to be a bit more exact.

Also want to add to my todo list:

Upgrade to a beefier alternator (I think I have a worn-out 70A one right now) and run dual batteries. Friday night I was up on the mountain at WUVT's transmitter and I managed to kill my battery. Thankfully there were a couple more vehicles up there so I could get a jump from them.

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Got the wheels and tires on the truck today. Used 6 ounces of beads per tire to balance instead of weights. Drove around with the GPS to get a feel for my actual speed until I can get a new speedometer gear.





My next goal is to find a lunchbox locker for the rear (8.8"). No spare fun money at the moment though... I blew it all on wheels, tires, and an AR-15

Mebbe if I find someone who wants my old 235/75R15 Wrangler's and wheels