CalIDI
Registered User
Hey IDI enthusiasts,
I decided to begin a project thread for my truck.
Its gonna be a slow project but I'm hoping I can get it done.
Long first post, so here goes:
Lets start with the DATA:
1989 F250 C6 Automatic 2wd 3.55 diff Extended Cab Long Bed in need of lots of TLC
The frame was swapped to a f-super/f550 at some point in its life. It was then abused way beyond legal GVWR and a new transmission was installed (said the PO). Not long after (between 500 and 1500) miles the engine failed. (due to excessive ether)
I put batteries in it and tinkered for a bit. Wouldn't start, and the flywheel teeth are worn from long cranks by the previous owner. Ether was used commonly, even in the summer "for quicker starts". (& quicker death!) The motor held on for 7 years of this treatment.
When I got it it almost started and then the flywheel teeth chipped because the motor locked up. Couldn't even turn it over with the gp's removed by hand or with the starter. The starter now grinds and doesn't grab enough teeth to turn the motor over.
Gonna have to pull the motor.
Ive got a cherry picker capable of 4000 and a buddy with a 2ton crane mounted in the bed of a 94 PSD dually. If the crane has enough reach I'll see if he'll help me because the truck is parked on gravel.
The PLAN:
Ive got two parts IDIs both run, a 6.9 & a 7.3. Im thinking I'll swap in the 7.3l and drive it a bit to check out the rest of the truck (PO mentioned brake issues) while I build the 6.9l. Upgrade plans to follow in a later post.
I will likely do a WMO or WVO conversion while running the 7.3l.
What do y'all think? Comments concerns, Ideas (good and bad ), etc are welcome.
You are welcome to bring up anything that comes to mind, but I do request that is at least related to IDIs or trucks in general.
I will make a post later detailing the upgrades and plans I have for this truck. I am the type of person who wants great reliability, some power, and lots of old truck charm. I like the 8th gen interior, 7th gen headlights & tailgate... I want to do a built 6.9l zf5 swap, a 7th gen clip, hydro boost, etc... Gonna be a franken truck when I'm done, but today what IDI isn't?
First QUESTIONS:
I want to make sure that the 7.3l is mechanically in good shape because I want it to be reliable until I swap it. Without a stand is there any thing I can do to quickly check it? Ive got Blackstone labs kits, would an oil sample tell me enough? How about pulling the valve covers? I can do all that, but I can't flip it over yet.
Thanks & Happy Tinkering
-CalIDI
I decided to begin a project thread for my truck.
Its gonna be a slow project but I'm hoping I can get it done.
Long first post, so here goes:
Lets start with the DATA:
1989 F250 C6 Automatic 2wd 3.55 diff Extended Cab Long Bed in need of lots of TLC
The frame was swapped to a f-super/f550 at some point in its life. It was then abused way beyond legal GVWR and a new transmission was installed (said the PO). Not long after (between 500 and 1500) miles the engine failed. (due to excessive ether)
I put batteries in it and tinkered for a bit. Wouldn't start, and the flywheel teeth are worn from long cranks by the previous owner. Ether was used commonly, even in the summer "for quicker starts". (& quicker death!) The motor held on for 7 years of this treatment.
When I got it it almost started and then the flywheel teeth chipped because the motor locked up. Couldn't even turn it over with the gp's removed by hand or with the starter. The starter now grinds and doesn't grab enough teeth to turn the motor over.
Gonna have to pull the motor.
Ive got a cherry picker capable of 4000 and a buddy with a 2ton crane mounted in the bed of a 94 PSD dually. If the crane has enough reach I'll see if he'll help me because the truck is parked on gravel.
The PLAN:
Ive got two parts IDIs both run, a 6.9 & a 7.3. Im thinking I'll swap in the 7.3l and drive it a bit to check out the rest of the truck (PO mentioned brake issues) while I build the 6.9l. Upgrade plans to follow in a later post.
I will likely do a WMO or WVO conversion while running the 7.3l.
What do y'all think? Comments concerns, Ideas (good and bad ), etc are welcome.
You are welcome to bring up anything that comes to mind, but I do request that is at least related to IDIs or trucks in general.
I will make a post later detailing the upgrades and plans I have for this truck. I am the type of person who wants great reliability, some power, and lots of old truck charm. I like the 8th gen interior, 7th gen headlights & tailgate... I want to do a built 6.9l zf5 swap, a 7th gen clip, hydro boost, etc... Gonna be a franken truck when I'm done, but today what IDI isn't?
First QUESTIONS:
I want to make sure that the 7.3l is mechanically in good shape because I want it to be reliable until I swap it. Without a stand is there any thing I can do to quickly check it? Ive got Blackstone labs kits, would an oil sample tell me enough? How about pulling the valve covers? I can do all that, but I can't flip it over yet.
Thanks & Happy Tinkering
-CalIDI
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