74' 250 4 x 4 & towing?

[john112deere]

It's sat for several years but my Mother-in-law said it started right up.

Give the tires a close looking over for signs of weathering.

You'll probably be fine to drive it home, but I'd be nervous about running heavy (i.e. pulling 10k) on tires as old as those might be.

*EDIT: They might not be that old...or they might have been on there for years before it was parked.

 

[mtflat]

Hi Tim - I'm the other direction from Butte than you, I live in Billings.

I was wondering about getting the right filters. Since I won't have many tools with me I think I may be better off taking the truck into the local Ford dealer and having them change all the fluids & filters and give it a good look over. Otherwise I'll just purchase the filters there, after I can see what it takes. Are these filters readily available at local auto supply stores?

Thanks,
Clayton

So you've got to get it over the pass, but then it's all downhill from there!

I get my all filters at the local NAPA, which is the best parts house in Kalispell. Seems to vary by location and who happens to be behind the counter. NAPA here supplies everything I need to keep my 48 on the road so they should have what you need for a 74 truck.

 

[LEB Ben]

I was wondering about getting the right filters. Since I won't have many tools with me I think I may be better off taking the truck into the local Ford dealer and having them change all the fluids & filters and give it a good look over. Otherwise I'll just purchase the filters there, after I can see what it takes. Are these filters readily available at local auto supply stores?

Thanks,
Clayton

If I were you, I'd stay away from the dealership like the plague...is there anyway you could catch a ride to a parts store after you inspect the truck, because yes, all the things you'll need are available? If so, this is what I'd do...bring a couple flat blades, an oil filter wrench and a sockets set (preferably deep wall)...that should be all the tools you need for filter/fluid swaps.


-Buy a couple inline fuel filters or screw in type if original ($4 a piece)...should be 5/16" line.

-An assortment of hose clamps for fuel lines for the filter and radiator hoses (10)

-Buy an oil filter for a 74 with a 360 ($6).

-Buy a couple gallon jugs of Shell Rotella 15w40 ($11 a piece).

-Buy a tranny screen/pan gasket set for a C6 ($12).

-Buy 13 quarts of tranny fluid ($3.00 a piece)

-Buy an air filter ($6)

-Buy some stabil for the gas tank ($9)

-Buy 3 gallons of antifreeze and replace ($10 a piece)

-Buy a new Thermostat ($5)


So that would bring your total to just around $145 plus tax. Typically, I wouldn't worry about getting all that done until I got the rig home, but since you plan on taking it for a 230 mile drive right off the bat, these are the essentials.

 

[CSmith]

Hi guys, I just wanted to give an update on the truck. After checking all the fluids I fired it up and drove it home. Thanks everyone for all your help & suggestions. It made it home without any problems and I really enjoyed driving it.

Once home I had it checked over by a good mechanic that specializes in older cars and everything looked good. I had changed the tranny fluid & oil. I also had to have a custom hitch made and installed as I couldn't find any class V hitches that would fit. So today I was checking into new tires, The guy said he hadn't seen road king tires (from the 70's) in years. He also said they wouldn't touch the split rims, so I'll be checking around but probably looking for some new tires & wheels tomorrow.

Later this week I'll hook up the skid steer & trailer and see how it tows, however in reading over the owners manual I know I'll be over the limits of the truck. I'm really interested in the 390 conversion/swap, but this 360 appears to be in good shape so I'll probably leave well enough alone. It just depends on how it handles the load. The mechanic mentioned changing to disk brakes though, which I'll look into.

Thanks again,
Clayton

 

[LEB Ben]

Not a bad looking truck at all. Glad it worked out so well. A front disc conversion would be nice, but not necessary if your braking system is well maintained. As for the 360 vs. 390...all you gotta do is swap cranks and pistons. I'm sure the truck will handle just fine with whatever you throw at it.

 

[CSmith]

Thanks UTfball68. I'll check into that as well. Here's my late father in law's old truck... I got the new one.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Looks like a good solid truck. I would recommend doin the swap the difference is night and day between the 360 and 390. As for the disc swap it would probly be more of a pain than its worth. I have drums on all 4 corners of my 72 and it stops great. I would suggest changin the shoes when ya get a chance. If they got meat on em then leave em be.

 

[Fellro]

Most any 8 bolt from a Ford up to 96 or Dodge will bolt on, and any Chevy aftermarket wheel. On the Chevys though, you have to look out for the negative offset after 88. The white spoke rims that most anyone that sells rims will be the cheapest option, but pay attention to the load ratings, been hearing some don't get rated heavy enough. Never had a problem with them, just been told that. You could look into trailer rims as well, should have the load rating, and will bolt up fine.