Hello all,

I have an 86 F150 Flare Side in great condition with 88k, 3-speed auto, and 300 i6. Interior and wood bed in amazing shape.

This thread reminded me of my truck, mine's had a recent paint job in its factory dark gray though. https://www.f150forum.com/f2/wtb-198...advice-125030/

I'd like to hot rod the truck a little and hoped to get some feedback from some knowledgeable folks on here. I want it to be a "muscle truck" but don't have any interest in taking it to the track, ever. Just cruising. Here's what I'm thinking I'd like to do:

Bigger badder engine and maybe trans
Nice exhaust system
2-3" lower
New rims and tires with a custom offset in the back to get the back tires pretty wide
Possibly redoing the stock plywood bed with some hardwood planking

Please feel free to criticize my ideas, tell me what won't work, etc. I've worked on vehicles before but only doing maintenance. I've never dealt with most of the things I'll need to do if I do this build. Also, I'll won't be able to do everything all at once, so what should get done first? Engine? Rims and tires?

Thanks, and I'll put up some pictures when I get home tonight.

 

Change out the I-6 for a 400-M or 460 V8 with a AT tranny. The added weight will drop the front end 2" or 3", so get an alignment. Change the drive shaft, and install a 3.73 posi. 9" Ford rearend. Add 10" wide alloy wheels and tires to fit. Upgrade your brakes to whoa those added ponies. Take the truck to a tuner to correct any suspension flaws. Finally, Bribe a cop for a GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD! (JUST KIDDING)

 

Thanks DIY! I hadn't even thought about needing to upgrade the brakes. Any advice on where I should look for some of these upgrades?

Also, I know a few of the cops in town so that my help me a little

 

It depends upon where you are located Jason. Start by checking the Auto Parts category on Craig's List and local ads for anybody parting out a wrecked or rusted out full size Bronco, F150 or F250 pickup, or late '70s Mercury Grand Marquis/Lincoln Mark IV. With the high price of gas nowadays many of those big old Mercs and Lincolns are gathering dust in old ladies garages. You might even find one with low miles. When you find the right engine/transmission combination, try to get the driveshaft it came with. That will save you a lot of hassle, later.
Posi units and some really nice wood Bed Kits are available through online sources, and don't forget to check out the online versions of popular TV shows such as "Trucks" and Stacey David's "Gears" on SPEED Channel.

 

This is probably not the answer you're looking for but here it goes: Leave it alone.. Older Ford flares are becoming more and more scarce. I have one myself, an '84 F150 4x4 with a 302 and 4 speed. I bought this truck when I was 17 and drove it for 2 years. I was a King in highschool with this truck. The girls loved me, the guys loved the truck, I won "class hot rod" for my senior yearbook... I then had the genius idea to tear it apart and make a monster out of it. I wanted the 460, dual quads, 10" lift, 40" boggers, one ton axles etc etc. Well it got to the "torn down" phase and thats where i left it... 10 years ago... I just go busy with work and girls and my pride and joy went by the wayside. So there it sits in my shed, a mass of parts, when all along I could've been enjoying it for what it was, rather than trying to make it something it wasn't. This is just my experience and my intention is not to dump on your ideas. What you're talking about sounds like a sweet ride for sure, but something tells me you've already got one, just the way it is. Bigger, louder, faster, Isn't always better. Sometimes things are just better appreciated for what they are... that just my 2 cents. best of luck in whatever you do

 

Thanks Turner. I have definitely considered that as well but I think I'm at a point in my life where I can devote time and money to this project. I think as long as I go in stages and get good advice it could turn out well.

I'm looking at a 75 F250 with the 390 4-speed. Anyone know if that drivetrain would go into the F150 easily?

 

DrJ, I'm sure you won't have any issues as far as clearances go, this biggest thing will be the motor mounts and trans cross member. I'd guess the pieces from the F250 could probably be made to fit your frame with a little chop here and a weld there. I'm sure a place like LMC truck has the parts you need as this is likely a common swap. It all depends on how much you want to spend and if you're going for the "built" or "bought" feel of the project. Also, those 300 I6 are a bulletproof desirable engine, so I'm sure after the swap you wouldn't have any trouble selling it to recoup some of the project expenses

 

I definitely want to build it and do as much as I can on my own. I just don't know a lot about major modifications like this.

I think I may want to hang onto the i6 too. It's in such good shape I hate to turn loose of it. Not sure how easy it would be to swap back to it if the 390 blows up but it would be nice to have the option.

 

I've found you can learn just about anything form the tutorial videos on YouTube. Plus I'm sure any proficient mechanic in your area would be willing to offer advise and point you in the right direction. Keep us posted on the status of your project. I'd be interested to see how it turns out. Best of luck!

 

Sounds like it could be badass but we need pictures!