4x4 project 84 F150

I'm afraid to post anything about this project. It's basically a engine and transmission swap. I have a engine being built right now. Swapping the manual transmission to an automatic, disc brakes in the rear, new radiator, new gas tank and locker in the front axle.


One thing I can't figure out, what to do about a larger fuel tank. The truck has a small 10-16gal side mount tank. I can only get about 100 miles out of a tank with the inline 6 so I can only image what I will get with a BBF. I have to figure out where to put a 20-40gal tank some where that will also have a sending unit and AN fittings. (ideas welcome)

Second thing, gauges! Not the first factory gauge works. So I want to add aftermarket gauges and wishing someone made a dash kit for this year model truck. I haven't been able to find anything yet or come with any simple (easy ideas) I don't want to have to make a dash. So suggestions are welcome here as well!

I can't find a disc brake kit for the 8.8 with 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern. JBG had one but they are no longer able to get the rotors. Willwood could make something work but they said I'd have to use a 17" wheel plus huge $$$$. So, I have a line on a complete 9" axle so I can get some disc brakes.

Have you thought about using a tool box that has a fuel tank incorporated?  I have the same problem w/ my rig.  I get about 6mpg and my race fuel cell in the back only holds 10 gallons.  My remedy will be to buy one of these fuel tank/ tool box combos to put in the back.  When I get low on fuel I will just refill my race cell from the toolbox tank.

I also thought about tapping the tool box tank and using it directly as my fuel cell.  The only problem w/ this would be if you were on an incline to one side or the other w/ low fuel in an offroad situation.  You might run out of gas.

Here is the unit I was thinking about getting:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200373145_200373145?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Fuel%20Transfer%20%2B%20Lubrication-_-Auxiliary%2C%20Transfer%20%2B%20Skid%20Tanks-_-3490118&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=3490118&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=3490118&gclid=CjwKEAjwp7WgBRCRxMCLx8mMnDMSJADncxS2aU5DdAD-qw9dZ1yfNelW1HKxoti1sj93uOquPpBaNxoCOFvw_wcB

What about a Bronco tank, 33 gallons

Check out this tank from LMC Truck. 38 gal. (at the bottom of the page)

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fd/full.aspx?Page=57

My bed doesn't have the rear filler neck, It only has the mid-ship filler. I'll probably resort to mounting a 20gal tank in the bed. I might be able to talk someone in my shop to build me a tank.

I wonder if I order a new steel 16 gal mid ship tank if I can have a sump and baffle welded in the rear of it if that would work? I'd atleast have larger output fitting.

Will Bronco Bucket seat's bolt right into the F150's of the same year?

I hate having a fuel cell in my bed. It makes the bed useless if you are still going to use the truck at all. My vote is some sort of custom mid-ship tank w/ the sump idea.

Next item I'd like to figure out is, the Radiator. I want a high capacity, direct fit & electric fans. Only people I have found to fit a 80-84 F150 is "Be Cool". Would a radiator out of a F350 - F250 bolt right in?

Yes a radiator from the f-350 and f-250 will fit an f-150 except the diesel radiators as those trucks have a slightly different core support. I am pretty sure from 1980 all the way to 1996 radiators will work. I used one for a 1988 f-350 with a 460(new from OReilly's) in the last 80's truck I built, It was aluminum cores with plastic tanks and kept the 466 cool even making multiple passes in a row at the mud drags.

jones wrote:My bed doesn't have the rear filler neck, It only has the mid-ship filler. I'll probably resort to mounting a 20gal tank in the bed. I might be able to talk someone in my shop to build me a tank.

You could just have the second filler door added to your box or add some type of filler that is cut into the floor of the box near the side. You would than be able to use the 38 gallon bronco tank.

X don't over think the tank. The bronco tank will meet your fuel needs and a filler neck is the easiest part of the swap

It should all ready have all the mount holes in the frame?

All I would need to purchase is the straps, tank, sender unit and filler parts?

Ok, guys I'll let you in on a little secret... Don't tell no one that's not a member here though!! LoL I'm going to try to surprise the locals!

I am having a 500+, solid roller, SCJ engine built as we speak. It's going to run pump gas and the roller is going to be spec'd for street use. I am also planning on having a small "IS" system installed. I have to start figuring out what transmission I have to run. I'm planning on a C6 but built to what level I don't know. I am also looking at the "Maddog" fender exit headers.

What are your thoughts of racing this truck in 4wd on the pavement as well as in the mud? I just want this truck to be fun as heck!

Do you think I should go manual valvebody? How does a manual valvebody do driven on the street?

Maddog 2-1/4" primary headers have been ordered!

Thinking of going with the Sledge Hammer "IS" plate nitrous kit. Not wanting a big hit but he suggested I go with that kit incase I wanted to go bigger down the road.

Are you going to have a nitrous cam cut? Also, with that much spray are you planning on incorporating the ability to adjust individual cylinder timing?-----everybody acted like I was wasting my time with anything more than a 200 hit and my cam is a solid flat.. 237/255 ---also using the SCJ head

460bronco wrote:Are you going to have a nitrous cam cut?  Also, with that much spray are you planning on incorporating the ability to adjust individual cylinder timing?-----everybody acted like I was wasting my time with anything more than a 200 hit and my cam is a solid flat.. 237/255 ---also using the SCJ head

No special cam, Steve Johnson and my engine builders believe that any engine can hold a 100-200 shot. You don't really have to start worrying about nitrous camshafts unless your building a nitrous motor. 300-1,000 nitrous hp.

Doesn't the sledgehammer have 600hp capability? I got a Saturday night special kit and have loved it!

Did you find a 9" disk brake kit for 5 on 5-1/5, 15" wheels yet? I've been looking and haven't found a junk yard solution yet.

68formalGT wrote:Did you find a 9" disk brake kit for 5 on 5-1/5, 15" wheels yet? I've been looking and haven't found a junk yard solution yet.

Pretty tough to beat the price on a Quick Performance kit.

460bronco wrote:Doesn't the sledgehammer have 600hp capability?  I got a Saturday night special kit and have loved it!

Yes, he said that it is good from 150-600hp and from what I'm doing and he and my engine builder know me so he suggested the Sledge Hammer.

68formalGT wrote:Did you find a 9" disk brake kit for 5 on 5-1/5, 15" wheels yet? I've been looking and haven't found a junk yard solution yet.

Not yet, I want to get it moving first to double check the gear ratio. Then I'll do the axle swap and brakes.

Update! How's the build going?

schmitty wrote:

68formalGT wrote:Did you find a 9" disk brake kit for 5 on 5-1/5, 15" wheels yet? I've been looking and haven't found a junk yard solution yet.

Pretty tough to beat the price on a Quick Performance kit.

I'll check them out, thanks Rob!