I needed a work truck for haulin for work. I found a Ford F-150 - 1985 model at a good price that ran. So I jumped on it.

My wife also recently took off, unknown if she is coming back, so this is a good evening project for me.

However, I am worse than a novice. I am a car/truck idiot! I will get way the crap over my head very easily. So I am learning, but, I am excited about doing this. Eventually, I want this rig running like a top, with a decent looking interior. AND I want to do as much of the work myself as possible. (Daughter will be assisting and learning when she can as well).

Is this a good place for me? Do y'all suffer fools and put up with stupid questions. If not, could you recommend a good community for that?

 

Start by buying the right truck for the job. An F150 is a commuter car with a bed; not a work truck. Particularly one that old. If you plan to keep it, or fix & sell it, you need this:


(phone app link)

 

It used to be real easy to get information from this section. I dont think theres alot of folks still here.
Anyhow you picked a fairly simple truck to work on in my opinion. About the most reliable out of all of them in my experience. But with about said I've owned 6 of them so far.
As far as towing I've jerked and ripped on my 1/2 tons just as hard as my 3/4 ton. Heck I had one that hunkered up between the cab and bed when ever I pulled anything. Mostly from hauling hay thru the fields. What kind of shape is in it. What motor and transmission is in it