A 71 F100 street truck build... on 35" tires.

[philofab]

Look at this thing I drug home....



Looks like I'll be running a Gen III Vortec at this point. Either a 5.3 or 4.8 with a Turbo 400 behind it. I found the crank spacer I need at Herron Performance. The Turbo 400 is one a friend had laying around built for an RV. Should be about right after I install a reverse manual valve body and Art Carr/Winters gate shifter.

Herron Performance - Crank Spacer
Kartek Off Road - Winter Shifters

I measured the rear frame rails for a modern fuel tank and they are a bit narrower than newer trucks (29" vs 32"). I may still try and squeeze a 90s Ford Bronco tank in there. 33 gallons of capacity would be nice. If not I'll build a tank that fits the dimensions of the rear frame or have a tank builder in Havasu do it.

My goal is to get it running and then start fixing/cleaning/modifying things. I'll probably do a bit to the motor once it runs and bugs are worked out.

[BobbyFord]

What is yor intended use for his truck?

[basketcase0302]

Your kiddin' right? You gonna' throw a chebby engine and tranny in it?
Why not just go buy a chebby truck?

[elgemcdlf]

Your kiddin' right? You gonna' throw a chebby engine and tranny in it?
Why not just go buy a chebby truck?

Cause they're ugly.

[68sportcustom]

Excited to watch this build. And as far as the drivetrain, if YOU are working on it, and YOU are paying for it then YOU can put whatever you want in it.

[philofab]

What is yor intended use for his truck?

A shop truck that gets attention for advertising purposes. Bed has to be useable and hold up to 2,000 pounds in batteries, get ok mileage (20+), and be reliable.

I'm a die hard Ford guy but there is no way I'm messing with a Modular motor. Finding a low mile fuel injection 351W or 302 is unlikely and will cost me more $$$. Even the late GT40 Explorer motors get $1000+. I get LSx 4.8 and 5.3 motors for $500-$700 from the junkyard with 40-70K on them.

I want this truck to be pretty and am thinking about trying to have it done for the SEMA show later this year.

[BobbyFord]

Sweet. Don't forget, we like project pics

[philofab]

What's sad is that no matter how sweet this thing turns out...it will always have an * next to it because he put an Obama Motors power plant in it.

Actually I'll probably buy a 2005 or so motor. That's before Obama.

Your kiddin' right? You gonna' throw a chebby engine and tranny in it?
Why not just go buy a chebby truck?

The doors fall off Chevy trucks, duh!

[philofab]

Anyone know if 68-69 drum brake beams are different? I know the spindles are but the extra beams would be nice to modify without taking the truck apart.

[basshound71]

Don't fret about the chevy motor, those are awesome motors and have thought about the same thing. They had a nice show on spike about doing that on a couple weeks ago. Everybody on here wants to make the most power for the cheapest amount. Hmmm 300 hp for 700 vs 300 hp for 2000. Looks like a chevy for me too so I geuss they will have to get over it.

[elgemcdlf]

Anyone know if 68-69 drum brake beams are different? I know the spindles are but the extra beams would be nice to modify without taking the truck apart.

To my knowledge the beams didn't change until somewhere in '71 or '72 but even then the entire unit can be swapped in with spindles all the way to '79

[elgemcdlf]

Don't fret about the chevy motor, those are awesome motors and have thought about the same thing. They had a nice show on spike about doing that on a couple weeks ago. Everybody on here wants to make the most power for the cheapest amount. Hmmm 300 hp for 700 vs 300 hp for 2000. Looks like a chevy for me too so I geuss they will have to get over it.

It's just not in my best interest to run a GM engine/vehicle. Every time I have tried they let me down in the most inconvenient possible place. With 1 exception in just over 30 yrs Ford had broke either at home or where I was going. GM's know that magic point that is halfway between anything you need. Now with cell phones they even factor in a no service window!

[philofab]

To my knowledge the beams didn't change until somewhere in '71 or '72 but even then the entire unit can be swapped in with spindles all the way to '79

The truck came with an extra set of beams / radius arms, and I want to modify those for this truck so it remains a roller. The truck is currently disc brake and the extra set of beams are drum.

I'll probably call John at Autofab and ask him or swap the spare stuff under it to keep it a roller.

[philofab]

Picked up some wheels in Vegas yesterday. No luck on a motor yet.



These will be converted into bead locks. The offset will allow me to keep the truck low on the big tires. They are factory on 02+ Dodge Ram 1500s. 17" Diameter, 5x5.5, and I got the set for $60.

[philofab]

Looks like the beams have the same casting numbers.... they are drum brake beams on the truck so someone swapped disk spindles/knuckles on them. I've got a factory 3.50LS 9" center here I may run or I might just recycle the 9" out of my Bronco on this truck. A late model 9" is wider so not sure on clearance.

Not entirely sure what I want for gearing. 3.50 might feel ok, 3.73 or 4.11 might be better. No OD or lockup and I don't want it screaming at 80mph.