_R$_

Hey yall, new to the forums, just a little intro -

I'm a Marine currently serving in NC. My job is to drive really big trucks (14 ton), and I've gotten really tired of not having my own truck anymore.

I had a 2003 Ranger (4.0 4x4), which my dad currently has, but gas mileage is terrible on those things, and I decided that I needed a gas saver. Now that I own another 4 cyl, I'm getting really tired of not having a truck.

I've been playing with the idea of rebuilding a classic truck for about a year, and I've just now got my wife to come around to the idea. So, without further ado, here is my plan, and if something doesn't make sense or won't work, please let me know so I can properly plan ahead. Just for your reference, I'm not building it for a mud bogger, or a drag truck. I want to build a reliable DD that will get the best gas mileage possible for a full size truck. And because I want to keep it as long as possible, I'm going with a completely rebuilt/reman engine, and probably tranny too.

1980-'85 F150 (Start out with the basics)
2WD (I want 4x4, but gas prices being what they are...)
4.9L EFI ('90-94' (my last carb'd vehicle was a PITA))
M50DR2 (Mileage and ease of working on)

In the end, I want a really clean lookin truck that gets decent mileage. I'll be able to do most of the cosmetic stuff on my own, but as far as rebuilding an engine, I just do not have the time with a very full time job and going to school. The best solution I can think of is to buy a rebuilt/reman 4.9L with EFI (One of my buddies told me that Jasper had pretty good stuff) and drop it in the truck, probably do the tranny at the same time.

I'm also looking at changing the rack and pinion on the diff to a higher final drive, between 3.05 and 2.55 (I'm still not sure if those ratios will work well).

And last but not least, I want slightly bigger tires than stock, probably All Terrains.

Thanks for looking and for any help/advice yall can offer me!
- Rich

oxidation

Well, here's an idea that i've been playing around with for about 6 months.
The 1980 f-350 came with a deisel option for the first time IIRC. please, experts call me on this.
Also the 1980 was the 1st to be made with galvy body panels. If you can find an old tow truck, you could take the engine out and plunk it into a flare side if that's how you like them and run it for free on grease.

oxidation

Now I think of it you might want to figger in a new wiring harness.

_R$_

Quite right sir. Did a brief check, haven't found a price for one yet, will be more apt for searching tomorrow.
- Rich