1990 F-350 4x4 Ambulance Revival/Long Term Build - "Betty"

cre1992

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Well a lot of work has gotten done since my last update. So time for some show and tell.

After welding in the floor panel, the floor received a well deserved coating of POR15. Followed by a not so gentle finger slicing/guillotine like application of kilmat.

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cre1992

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After that was done, I installed a new set of appropriately rated rims and tires prior to transporting her to the location where she would receive some major surgery.

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Afterward, the donor truck was also delivered and surgery had commenced with the help of a buddy who flew down to give me a hand for a few days. Here he is having grand visions of an IDI Chopper build. (IDIot this is your que for a new build)

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Old engine out and pushed to the side.

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Farmer Rock

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That would be a massive bike!
Are you leaving the fronts set out that far, or running spacers on the rear to match?



Rock
 

cre1992

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After retrieving the old engine, we began work removing the "new" running engine out of ole red the donor.

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After appreciating the Chinese steel that is my 2000lb rated engine stand actually holding it in the air. We dug into the engine. Replaced just about all of the seals and gaskets. Unfortunately we didn't have time to pull the heads and stud/regasket them. (Borrowing this section of covered pole barn from a friend to complete the work asap.) Studs, gaskets, lifters, and a valve job might be on the ticket for sometime in the future. (Leaky valve seals and a light knocking sound from from an intake lifter/pushrod). The bottom end was as clean as could be.. Probably the 30 minute 1000rpm seafoam treatment I gave it prior to draining the oil helped with that. Gave the bottom end a good once over, checked the torque on all of the rods and mains. And sealed her up.
 
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cre1992

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That would be a massive bike!
Are you leaving the fronts set out that far, or running spacers on the rear to match?



Rock

I plan on removing the front Dana 60 dually adapters, and then installing the Dana 50 hubs off of the parts truck onto my Dana 60. The dually adapters will be for sale afterward.
 

Farmer Rock

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I plan on removing the front Dana 60 dually adapters, and then installing the Dana 50 hubs off of the parts truck onto my Dana 60. The dually adapters will be for sale afterward.
Gotcha, I wasn't sure which way you were going.


Rock
 

cre1992

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After buttoning up the new-ish engine, and drilling/tapping the manifold for a pyro she went back in with a new single mass clutch (was already converter from a dual mass to a single), followed by the ZF5 and the original BW1356 that was in the F-350.

I also installed one of Russ's stainless steel clutch lines and the new LUK flywheel bolts he is selling. I must say, he isn't kidding when he says you really don't have to bleed it. I pumped up the pedal a few times and it was solid. I did decide to attempt bleeding it, the only difference was the shower of brake fluid I received.

Pedals Installed:

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Im also working on converting the original ambulance switch panel to a additional (more accurate) gauge cluster.

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cre1992

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All of those wires:smash:.lol
Looks like the truck is coming together good:Thumbs Up.



Rock
There’s so many more wires that you havnt seen. There’s much more under the hood too. Worked on thinning those out when swapping the engine. Thanks, slowly but surely.
 

cre1992

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Well here’s an update. Shes been a runner for over a week now. I have not yet figured out a way to post videos yet without uploading them to YouTube. Starts right up, almost instantly.

Everything related to the engine is good to go with the exception of the a/c, and the ginormous dash console of gauges.

Waiting on my coolant filters and filter had to come in.

The blower motor only works on high.

Chasing a few vacuum leaks.

The pesky white vacuum line under the right passenger corner of the hood needs to be repaired.

The brake booster needs a new rubber vacuum grommet. (I’d like to hydroboost it at some point.)

I replaced the power steering pump, cooler/return and the high pressure hose. Easily turns the wheels lock to lock with one finger at idle.

I replaced the brake line from the RABS with Nicopp and sleeved it with 1/4” fuel hose as to stop any rubbing all the way to the rear frame. It was leaking behind the midship fuel tank and had 4 unions in it! Blasphemy!

The vacuum driven ambulance high idle switch was adjusted and is functional.

I have to install the new cowl to hood seal.

Replaced all of the bearings and seals in the front hubs when I converted it from the DRW set up to the SRW set up. I also removed the dust shields, regreasing the spindle bearings and lubing the seals. I replaced the rotors, pads, and right front caliper just for piece of mind. Also installed a sweet set of Yukon locking hubs.

If anyone is in the market for some DRW D60 hubs let me know [emoji6]

Next up is to fix/locate a rear/aft sending unit and then reinstall the tank.As well as to drop the front tank and make sure it hasn’t been to church lately. Want to make sure it will hold some fuel!

After that, the interior will finish getting put back together.

The amount of grease on the spindle after pulling the hubs...

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The_Josh_Bear

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Ok the IDI chopper thing is hilarious! You're getting a lot done, nice work. Love the gauge cluster, love those Yukon locking hubs, they look SWEET.

Why remove the dust guards on the brakes? Doesn't it also help keep the brakes dry in the rain?
 

cre1992

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Ok the IDI chopper thing is hilarious! You're getting a lot done, nice work. Love the gauge cluster, love those Yukon locking hubs, they look SWEET.

Why remove the dust guards on the brakes? Doesn't it also help keep the brakes dry in the rain?


My buddy had me rolling, when I got up to see him sitting on the trans going vroom vroom. Thanks, I'm trying to get done sooner than later.

As for the dust guards.. I removed them because they are half way rotted. I don't believe anyone makes replacements either. Id rather remove them when I had it all apart, than remove them later when they are worse. Plus I coated the mating surfaces of the knuckle/spindle with never seize to assist with taking it part in the future. (Someday, I would like to put a selectable locker in the front :Thumbs Up)
 

cre1992

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Well after getting the float in for the sending unit, and reinstalling the fuel tank, I ran into another problem... air intrusion... it ran fine out of the 5 gallon can bypassing the FSV...

So I ordered a new FSV via Amazon once it arrived... And took her out for a little test drive! Its amazing how quiet the truck is when standing behind it, and how loud the IDI is when you're standing in front of it!

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And pictured with what is left of the organ donor!

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Still have a bunch of stuff to do. But finally being able to drive it was a great feeling.
 
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