Advice and common questions I couldn’t find answers to

masonb101

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Hey guys first time posting so bare with me.

I’m hoping to answer some questions I had initially but couldn’t find answers to using the forum as well as some sage advice to those who don’t exactly know where to start after buying a old Ford

First off tire size on a stock 4x4 93 F350 - when I got my truck it had some mismatched 265/75r16 tires on it and I rode them on a few trips with the family before realizing we were really gambling with a blowout and a ****** spare under the bed. I opted to go with 285/75r16 KO2s from BFG and I’ve had great luck with them so far and no cutting of the bumper was needed. I did however use 2 (on each stud) washers time set the bumper forward a little bit to allow flex on the front end since we take ol girl camping up in Northern California and hit some trails in her. A leaf spring re-arch is in her future to give a little more space as my front leafs are almost flat. I personally wouldn’t go farther up in size than the 285s without a lift, RSF or cutting the wheel wells. Just my 2cents

Second on my list was junking the stock intake system for something more modular and lets face it nice looking. I ran to the pick and pull and was able to find a early 2000s Cadillac with a air intake hood the same size as the 7.3idi intake (5in) you can spend top dollar and get a custom one online but I find it more enjoyable to recycle and make stuff work that you build, a quick trip to Lowe’s for some steel brackets and high temp PVC and O’Reilly’s for a 4in ID filter and I was rollin with what I personally can say is better response in 1st and 2nd as well as 15.8mpg average between city and fwy driving compared to 15.4mpg with stock components.

Third is basic repairs, don’t skimp on doing the basics that aren’t ****, if you’re buying one of these rigs take the time and replace your U joints, carrier bearing, and spring bushings, it’s a pain in the ass but you’ll sleep better knowing a $15 Ujoint won’t ruin your getaway with the wife and kids and if you get stuck in wet sand because you thought the spot 4ft from the river bank was better than the spot your wife suggested you can run your rig at 3k in 4low and pull out with minor issue(speaking from experience). This includes your front axle shaft Ujoints, yeah they’re hard to get to for the average person but just do it. Belts, hoses and a coolant flush are a must immediately after buying one of these truck regardless of what they guy you bought it from says he did to it. A new transfer case gear selector (the silver cylinder looking thing) on the side of your trans is a must if you want your transfer case to shift buttery smooth.

Forth is a continuation of just basic maintenance, don’t look to get all **** with mods and trying to eek out horsepower because you’ll just end up ******* money away, spend that money on the basics like battery cables, a good gear reduction starter, clean interior, Diff trans and transfer case flushes, and 3.5in exhaust with a non baffled muffler.

IMHO don’t get caught up in what mods you can throw at these IDIs to get them running like a chipped powerstroke, if you want that just pony up and buy a powerstroke. These trucks are a rare breed and will serve you well if you use them right.

Rant over

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masonb101

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That was with the fish bowl cut out and immediately following a oil change and air filter replacement. Also looking cool is half the battle
 

IDIBRONCO

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A new transfer case gear selector (the silver cylinder looking thing) on the side of your trans is a must if you want your transfer case to shift buttery smooth.
I've never had a truck with automatic hubs or transfer case. I've heard enough bad stories that if I did get one, I think I'd switch back to manual everything. That's only my opinion so don't take that as advice or a bad comment.
I'd have to agree with you on the tire size. Especially seeing how you're going to do some off roading with it. The 285/75R16 tires do look very good under a truck like ours. I had them on my first 1985 F250 and then I ran them on my 6.9 converted 1986 Bronco.
You've got a very good looking truck.
 

masonb101

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I've never had a truck with automatic hubs or transfer case. I've heard enough bad stories that if I did get one, I think I'd switch back to manual everything. That's only my opinion so don't take that as advice or a bad comment.
I'd have to agree with you on the tire size. Especially seeing how you're going to do some off roading with it. The 285/75R16 tires do look very good under a truck like ours. I had them on my first 1985 F250 and then I ran them on my 6.9 converted 1986 Bronco.
You've got a very good looking truck.
My transfer case is manual, the hubs are automatic. When I got the truck it was almost impossible to shift into both 4x4 positions because the selector was seized. For how cheap the replacement was I figured I’d add it to my list of necessary things to replace.
 

IDIBRONCO

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My mistake then. When you mentioned the "silvery cylinder looking thing" I thought this was an automatic transfer case too.
 
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