UPDATE: Alright so here is where we stand. I replaced the starter solenoid and that fixed the issue of the engine not turning over with the key, however the engine still has not started. I replaced all the spark plugs but not wires. I held a screwdriver to the distributer cap with one of the wires off and had someone turn over the engine, that hurt like hell so I know that works. I tried spraying some starter fluid in the intake but I couldnt get the engine to fire up. I know im getting air so i figured its either spark or fuel so I turned on ignition and switched each tank to on and I could hear the fuel pump come on on both tanks, I then pulled the cap and seal off the top of the fuel rail and when i turn the key on and press down it squirts out with a lot of pressure so I know fuel is getting atleast that far. I figure tomorrow ill go get some new wires and try it then.

I did take off and put back on the ground going from the negative post on the battery to the fender, is there any other grounds for the computer anwhere that i should check? Also, any other suggestions?

 

Check your cap and rotor they are prolly corroded. Also check the fuel pressure. I know you have to so much pressure. Also does it sound like its trying to start or just Turnin over? Btw you have some very knowledgeable people in this thread already. They should be able to help you get it runnin. As far as the gas you might be better off pullin the bed off vs dropping the tanks.

 

Latest update for those interested....I had an ex ford mechanic come over and take a look as I was getting spark, fuel, and air..but no ignition in the cylinder. After looking at it, it was determined that there was not enough compression to get it going. Also we got it to a point where its trying to start but its just not quite there and is blowing exhaust through the crankcase breather tube ( I hope I said that right). He put a little marvel mystery oil in driver side spark plugs hole and turned it over and it seems to be spinning a little faster but still not enough to start. I will be putting a new starter on next weekend and that should get it to spin fast enough to build compression to start.

 

You kinda made 2 different statements there. If you are getting compression out the crankcase ( oil pan, I assume the tube you ment was the dipstick tube.) The the issue is bad rings. You might get it started with some of those oils or power back etc, but the only way to really fix of is an engine rebuild. You can test this with a compression gauge. Find the cylinder that's leading lowest and squirt a bit of oil in the spark plug hole. If compression increases you likely have a set of worn out rings. If however you are getting compression air out through the valve cover breather, you have some bad valve seals. That's fixed with a good valve job. The easiest way to test where you are looking compression is to find your leaking cylinder and connect shop air to the spark plug hole. There are connectors available at NAPA or most autoparts stores, or you can use an air gun with a rubber tip. Crank over to compression stroke on that cylinder so the valves are closed then apply about 15 psi and listen for the leak. If you hear it out the intake or exhaust your valves are burned or stuck. If you get bubbles in the coolant you've got a bad basket or a crack. The bad news is anyway you look at it if you have poor compression your going to end up doing some engine work.

 

I finally got around to putting in the new starter. she spins much faster but now only at about half the speed it should actually turn. I went back and check all the ignition parts and made sure I was getting spark. I disconnected the relay for the fuel pump incase any of the injectors were flooding the engine, and tried putting starter fluid in intake...still wont fire up. the distributor looks like somone advanced it a bit and im really not sure what the timing chain is set at. I tried to turn the crankshaft by hand and it seems seized or extremely difficult to turn even with a breaker bar. it could be crankshaft or it could be the transmission converter locked up but not sure...At this point I have decided to pull the engine and transmission and tear it down and rebuld it as im sure it has a lot of sludge among other things from sitting for so long. I have no experience in doing this.... however, I have a friend who was a ford master mechanic for 20+ years and is willing to teach me and assist me in doing the job.

As soon as we get it out and taken down to the block I will start a build thread as he has some interesting ideas as things to do to it when building it back up. so be looking forward to that