Machine Builders Network+
Posted By: sonny F-350 diesel - 05/04/2019 03:29 PM
Been fighting this truck for 2 months trying to get it started, ( damn diesel junk), anyway from what I can trace down it looks like the electric transfer pump is out. -- It is mounted under the cab, inside the frame rail, ( lovely place amonst the salt crap), and after some research I find it has the stupid "snap connectors" on the hoses going to it.--- well it takes a special tool to remove them, and I doubt that they will budge!--- Looks like a lot of dirt hanging under there like maybe small fuel leak ?
Tried to get a guy to fix it,---That was 2 weeks ago, never heard for him so I assume he don't want to mess with it either. I need some ideas of how to deal with these stupid fittings!-- I watched a video on changing one, but that guy had the special tool that I don't have and he didn't do a nasty pump. thanks ; sonny
Posted By: TomB Re: F-350 diesel - 05/04/2019 06:56 PM
the tool is cheep but the ford fitting can be hard to get lose
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/08/2019 11:49 PM
I tangled with the fittings on a 84 crown vic one time!--I said never again! lol!! I didn't check about getting a tool that fits the fittings, might have to break down and tear into it myself, since nobody else wants to do it for me.Thanks; sonny
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/21/2019 07:21 PM
Well ,I took off the thing under the cab, inside the frame like they said and looked up the part # AND--- well that stupid piece is only the tank switch valve!!---After more tracking, now they say it could be on right side just ahead of the starter,--NOT on this one!---next location possible was in tank!--- Not sure I want to empty the tank and try taking that sucker off!---Not a 1 man job and I have to work by myself.
Next idea they came up with was that it has a 2 stage mechanical pump in the valley UNDER the turbo. YA take turbo and pedestal off to change that sucker IF its the problem child!---Mine looks like a single stage pump.--- anyway I am getting no where on this POS! thanks; sonny
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 05/21/2019 07:42 PM
The problem is circled on the Grill. just sayin smile
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/21/2019 11:45 PM
Actually the main problem is that morph. 7.3 POS diesel that Ford put in there!---Truck itself is decent. -- I used to be all GM trucks, but they got scarce and out of my price range, so I ended up with Fords. Had some really good ones over the years, all gas models. This is the first (and last), diesel of any brand for me!--Turned down a great deal on a Chevy 1- ton just because it too was diesel. Don't think they are any better than 7.3 either.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 06/16/2019 01:59 PM
Well,--- Finally got the truck started. ---there are NO electric fuel pumps anywhere on this model year, ( 97), and they use a 2- stage mechanical pump on them, mounted it right under the turbo so everything has to come off to replace it.
Went to put battery charger on it to try turning it over again and noticed the positive cable on the right battery was white. (left battery looked o.k.), so went to remove cable and the bolt was ate in half, just sitting there not holding the clamp tight. ---- the starter turned engine over just fine, only wouldn't start. While I had that cable off and cleaned it, --I took the neg side off and cleaned it too. -- Then I had to put new bolts in the clamps and got them tight.
After all this I decided to see if it would still turn over, so I hit the heat cycle a couple of times and then hit start and the first piston that hit compression fired and died!!-- scared the hell out of me!! lol!!, so I ran the heat cycle a couple more times and tried the starter again, --- it was turning and firing and soon it started and ran like it always did!
The only thing I can figure out is that some of the sensors get power from the right battery and the starter runs off the left one, and until both batterys are making contact it wont run. --- A real work of art for sure!!
Still have a couple of injectors going bad , misses a wee bit on idle, but hits on all 8 at high rpm's.
Goofy automatic transmission not working the greatest, but may have found a "donor truck" that has a 5- speed manual with a new clutch just put in a while back. I really want to do the swap to the good manual transmission so if I can make a deal with the guy he will sell me the old truck. Actually he wants to trade it to me on an old Farmall 806 gas tractor that I have here and need it gone, so we will see what comes of this deal! Thanks ;sonny
P.S. ---- NEVER buy anything with a 7.3 diesel motor in it!!!!
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 06/22/2019 01:18 PM
I personally will NEVER buy a FORD. 806 Farmall I spent a lot of time on one of those as a teenager bailing hay. We had an old H with a buzz saw mounted on the front we used to get fire wood. Good Luck with the truck.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/04/2020 12:05 AM
I had put the truck to bed las year when temps got down to 50 degrees at night and yesterday I had the charger on it all afternoon so the batteries won't get too low. --- It was a bit above 50 degrees and sun was warm, so I decided to attempt starting it. --Took a while but it did finally start!
I do think the glow plugs are shot again and from what I can find out the injectors only last 125,000 miles before they go bad.--I have 1 starting to miss on idle but picks up when you mash it. It now has 120,000 on the odometer so I figure they are shot as well. Rebuilt set looks like from$1,200 to $1,800 exchange and the glow plugs are around $100. for a set of 8 Motorcraft plugs. also saw where someone says his plugs have to be replaced every year. I can't get anybody around here to work on diesel trucks. I could probably change the glow plugs myself but injectors,---not sure about that.
Hard to get up on the engine since the truck sits so high. --- makes it hard to work on.
At least it's in the notion to run again this year. Last year I drove it a lot and pulled my trailers a lot with it. It's the only thing that will pull my General tri-axle trailer. That's the one I haul the skidloaders and tractors on.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 03/04/2020 03:57 PM
yes the diesel trucks need GOOD electrical connections to the batteries..not like a gas truck or car..I replace my batts every 4yrs,without fail..regular maintenance,drain water sep on the frame rail every month and run Power Service fuel additive summer or winter..keeps injectors lubed..Sonny the 7.3 was the LAST easy diesel in a Ford,after that the 6.0 wasn't bad but the 6.4 was a TOTAL disaster and the 6.7 now is a lot better..Ford lost a lot of diesel people over the early 6.0L and the 6.4L total disaster..think about this; you have only ONE truck engine to deal with,but what if you owned a Fleet of Ford diesel ambulances, constantly giving you problems and Ford giving you the runaround every time you had one in the shop? With a fleet chances are at least 1 is in the shop at any one time,losing you money..not to mention the nightmare of a breakdown with a client in the back..
Makes me want to go watch the old movie-Mother Jugs and Speed-again

Sonny you have to run a fuel additive to supply the fuel lubricity to the injectors now,the diesel fuel now has almost NO sulfur in it which provided the lubrication for the older diesel fuel systems..all my old equipment gets a good dose with every tank of fuel and then some..I go overboard with the stuff but have very few fuel related problems.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/05/2020 12:41 AM
I have been dumping the additives in this one for the last couple of years, does help a little, I think.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 02/08/2021 03:25 PM
Well -----the deal on the other truck I was going to look at fell through --- the dumbass never called back and wont answer his phone to he can stick it! --- He sounded like a real loser to deal with anyway. So still lookin without much hope of finding anything.
Found a nice lookin Dodge, ( ya, Dodge) price not too bad ------YUP damn diesel too! --- thats out for that one. one ton, dual wheel trucks here are impossible to find and they want over 5g for junk that dont even have a title or is parked in the fencerow with trees growing up in front of it!

Anyway back to my 97 ---- cant get anybody to work on it, so I guess I will have to break the bank and try to do something my self. Wish I could find a reasonable priced older 350 Chevy motor and 5-speed for a ton truck. I would put that in this truck.
What I would REALLY love to have is the 350, a 4 speed out of and old dump truck, and my 3-speed aux. transmission behind that. --- 12 gears up ---3 gears back. THEN I would have a real truck. ---- this late in the game I can only dream about it!
Anyway back to trying to figure out what is wrong with this junk 7.3, still lookin in my service manual for a 7.3 -----totally useless, dont even look like the one in my truck, so back to square one!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 02/08/2021 05:12 PM
350 chevy engines are getting harder to find,not to mention a good TH350 or 400 trans..back in the day they were easy to find,not so much anymore..the 7.3L diesel had its day and is impossible to find a good reasonably priced one now..most have over 250K and are on the way out..an easy swop would be a Cummins 6BT 12valve and an Allison auto,a lot of frame cuts around they come out of medium trucks and would fit without a LOT of mod work..the F350 would have at least a 4.11 rear ratio it would pull good with that rear..most good 6BTs go for around 4-5K sometimes with the trans.

try Adelmans (www.adelmans.com) in Ohio,not too far from you. CommercialTrucktrader-(https://www.commercialtrucktrader.com) 7.3L trucks going for 5K.

So whats wrong with what you have? hard to start or just plumb wore out? compression down,hard to start or is it an injection pump issue? The 7.3Ls are glowplug dependent engines thats for sure.Check those glowplug connections.
I don't know what your budget is,you could dump an easy 10K into an engine and trans combo and still be far ahead vs.buying a newer truck with taxes and registration all over again..it's a lot right up front but would pay off in the long run if you keep it and take care of it. It's a vicious struggle to own any diesel truck these days,but the 12V Cummins 6BT engine would be the best low-maintenance one to go with IMO
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 02/08/2021 08:35 PM
I dont have 5 or 10 to put in a motor---- This one has 120,000 miles on it and motor is junk! --truck excellent! ---truck is good cause the motor never ran long enough to wear anything out!
it had 99,500 the day I drove it home ----- 500 miles later it blew up ----new hi-pressure oil pump and drive gear, new turbo and pedestal, new glow plugs and wires, a bunch of other shit on the top of the motor-----all new 5g later it ran another 10,000 miles and started that shit over again. struggled along til now---- at 120,000 and it started one day, ran idle for a few seconds and I always speed it up a bit to make the alt charge up, BUT it started blowing blue smoke and knocking and rattling, dropped cylinders and died.
Went back 2 hours later and started it and it ran fine. later I drove it 13 miles to help sis at her place and drove back home,--ran fine. A few days later I started it and same old shit, speed it up and blowed blue smoke and died. Thats all it would do , now it wont even try to start and I have no idea what is wrong this time---I assume injection pump went out. They said at the first repair they did at the 100,000 mile mark that the injectors were junk but aint no way I am gonna give 1500 to 2800 for different ones and still have a junk motor. Done spent WAY too much on this pos motor and want a gas motor and manual trans.
This trans is junk too--- shifts when it feels like it and not when it should---runs in low for 4 miles before it wakes up and shifts the rest of the way up.
So anyhoo----IF this is something simple, ( yea right), that would get it going for a while,--I am stuck with it.
First thing everybody says is-- oh just change the fuel filter and it will be fixed! ---( I wish that were true)!
I dont have the first thing to check anything on it,---no diesel testers of any kind, not going to get any either!
I know Jims solution but cant find a chevy either!--chevy diesels( which I dont want) are around by the dozen here as is dodges! all WAY overpriced and rusted out, have 300,000 miles on them! --- AND 99% of them are 4-door shit! LOL!
Thats why I wanted a good ole 350 chevy to put in my truck. Even a good 351 ford motor would be good. I had one of them in a 77 F150 4wd that was great---- auto trans went out on that truck too---nother reason to not have an automatic in my book!!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 02/09/2021 08:29 AM
It sounds like you have multiple layered issues with your 7.3L Sonny,might be injection pump internal drive ring and/or an HPOP failure...Ive had good luck with my low mileage '06 F350 6.0L diesel up until last spring I went to GA to do a pickup of a large generator at auction and 10hrs later and almost there my truck fuel filters clogged along I-20 outside Atlanta..It was when the COVID shit just hit last April and my state was under supposed lockdown..If I didnt go pickup the unit I'd lose it to abandonment..so hook up a trailer and here we go..no tools no spares supposed to be an overnight turn and burn..$3.4k in repairs for 8 clogged injectors and filters,and a fuel system douche..off the road I did find a great powerstroke diesel shop N of Atlanta who does great work,took care of me..
Powerstroke Specialty, 1046 Parkway Court,Buford,GA 770-904-0733 (www.powerstrokehelp.com) Powerstrokes 6.0,& 7.3L are ALL they work on,nothing else,no cars or other BS.
Give them a call Sonny,ask for Mike the master wrench or Sean,service advisor..or the owner man himself Bill Hewitt,very honest,knowledgeable Ford diesel folks.
Get on Youtube and search their page on 'Powerstrokehelp', they have a lot of good videos up on there for the 7.3L diesel..They get trucks shipped in there for service all the time,FWIW
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 02/10/2021 03:43 AM
Not to rub it in Sonny But my truck has a 5 spd Std.. although.. Some times I wish I had an automatic. Like when I'm pulling my boat out of the water. Have to slip the shit outta the clutch to make sure the boat is settled on the trailer proper prior to rolling all the way out on the pedal. tough on clutches for sure. On the flat & level I wouldn't trade it for any thing.... guess that's why I've kept it since I bought it 23 years ago. 350 Vortec with a 5 spd manual. Like driving a sports car when it's not loaded. It's only a 1/2 ton BUT I tend to ignore that rating. It's hauled a few loads of sand that were near 2 ton. 1.78 actual.. I was waiting for a tire to blow honestly but it was only a 2.5 mile trip. now none of the places I get material from will load me over 1 ton. I've been told I'm lucky they do that now days. TECHNICALLY they aren't supposed to load any one over the rated capacity. More trips glad all my BIG projects are done. Might get some more gravel for out back but that's about it.

[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/07/2021 12:20 AM
Finally found a shop that will look at my truck, BUT not till they get done with farm equipment---probably sometime in June! --- Probably tell me to junk it! --- gotta do something with it soon.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 05/07/2021 09:53 AM
Yeah Jim I'd say that old pickup is a keeper for sure..simple..I'm really annoyed by all the bells and whistles that the newer trucks have,most of it is total BS..'torque management' and 'terrain management'..my biggest beef is no more levers for transfer cases..now we have to have a computer module that does that..WTF
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/07/2021 03:51 PM
ALL of this new shit is made that way and its stupid! Neighbors 2 year old f-250 diesel is a crock to drive 4x4 nob on the dash, little 5" screen on the dash that I cant see comes on when you hit reverse, aint nobody in their right mind could use it to back up with, row of orange-red numbers on the dash keep moving up or down,---very distracting to me, he says thats what gear the automatic transmission is in! WHO CARES! just shift and lets go! ----Then we look to the right and try to find the heater controls ---- Good luck finding that!! ---- He dont have a clue what half the shit on there is for, and I have not a clue either! S'POSED to have gps on there someplace ---- neither of us can find it! ---probably lie to us anyway! He uses the gps in his phone and it did lie to us once!
Anyway the new tractors and other equipment is just as bad! NO levers anymore--hell the big loaders dont even have a STEERING WHEEL!!! --- I aint drivin one of them!--EVER!!
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 05/08/2021 01:04 AM
Originally Posted by bunkclimber
Yeah Jim I'd say that old pickup is a keeper for sure..simple..I'm really annoyed by all the bells and whistles that the newer trucks have,most of it is total BS..'torque management' and 'terrain management'..my biggest beef is no more levers for transfer cases..now we have to have a computer module that does that..WTF


Another reason why I keep it. If it's got a wire going to it then it's destined to fail under a real mans use. fly by wire shit is for the birds.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 05/08/2021 01:13 AM
Love my 86 & 87 critters Bucket truck is an 86 C-30 custom deluxe 350 and my motor home is a 87 P-30 454 chassis. Model year for the RV is 88 though.
put power to the HEI Ignition and your running. Still have the dependable Quadrabog carbs on both. I tried doing TBI but they actually ran better on the carbs so I put them back on.
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]
Posted By: chma Re: F-350 diesel - 05/08/2021 02:09 AM
Ford 7.3 diesel around here go for top dollar.
We have 2- F250 and 1-F350 ( all 2000), 200,000+ on each of them. If it is below 50 degree, just plug them in for a hour and they start right up.
All have over 200,000 miles on them.
The one with the 6 speed gets 17-18 mpg and I have only replaced the water pump, starter and clutch.
Did a 1001 mile run in 18 hours with it last year and would do it tomorrow, if I need to.
Took the F350, with auto, 150 miles today to get a new tractor. sil was driving, first time pulling a load. After a few miles coming home, I told him to take it to 75+ mph, not the 60 he was driving, so we could get home.
And, after 2 hours in the seat of my new TYM 574 this afternoon, I like it better than my TYM 754, that I have put over 900 hours on, in the last 5 years.
Plan on sq baling 5000+ bales this year and the TYM 574 will be the tedder/ rake tractor, plus will do most of the picking up the bales, with a bale sweep.
The 7.3 diesel's will be moving all the equipment and hay around this year.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 05/10/2021 11:59 AM
you might just have to go electric-hybrid Sonny..might solve a lot of problems you've been talking about.....(waiting for it...)
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/10/2021 01:32 PM
Still trying to find a good motor and transmission for this one. Really would rather have a Chevy 350 and 5 speed to put in it. THEN I would have a real truck.
Second motor choice would be a 351-M --- had one in a 77 f-150 4x4 and it was a good motor, ----- never had any trouble with it either.
This 7.3 junk should be banned!!
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 05/10/2021 01:43 PM
I'm not much of a Ford fan any more but the 351-M was definitely a good engine the Windsor wasn't bad either really..
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 05/10/2021 08:58 PM
Sonny I think you could revive that 7.3L diesel if you had the right people work on it..a lot of the dealership techs just don't know the older stuff,its a rare tech that can UNDERSTAND what's going on and repair it,not just throw parts at a problem and hope to fix it..on your dollar..I know Ive said it before, try Powerstroke Specialty in Buford,GA..they will set you straight on it..they might even have a good 7.3L in stock that you could bolt in yourself..anyway all those older engines are getting VERY hard to find,even the 2000's are being junked..hard to understand where it all went..there were so many of them made..it is what it is,one way or the other it'l cost you money..GM is even working on a hybrid drop in replacement for older trucks hence my joke ealier,supposed to be a hybrid drop in electric powerplant, 250hp with standalone hardened electronics..GM demonstrated it in a '70s Blazer of all things..read this:

ECrate GM drop in replacement
Posted By: Nnaatz Re: F-350 diesel - 06/11/2021 03:24 PM
Wished you lived closer I've 3 friends with shops that really know there way with these 7.3..they work on hundreds a year. One guy is automotive diesel. Other is heavy equipment but wont work on cars...the other will work on anything that fits in yard
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 06/12/2021 03:55 PM
YA, still looking for somebody to look at this POS! --- Found a couple places that do diesel ---the first one is Cummins ONLY, ( any size)! second one is Detroit and do a few Cummins but only for big trucks! ---- The import place does diesel, but only imports!
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/08/2022 02:19 AM
Just found a guy that will look at my truck! I been messin around on it during the warmer days and wigglin this thumpin that and decided to try it again. Well it started and ran on 3 or 5 cylinders but it ran. Shut it off after a bit and tried it a few days later and this time it ran on all 8 but sounded not quite right so shut it off again for a couple more days,--too cold now since its below 55* and it never would start at temps lower than that.
Neighbor called about 5 pm saying that his guy would look at my truck so push it on the trailer and bring it over. --well I stuck the reddy heater under the front for 45 mins and started trying to start it. It would fire now and then but no go. after 5 mins or so it lit off and ran screamin and ready to go!--- I got it to move it self down the drive so headed to the neighbors place and he came out and hooked his big trailer up and I actually drove up the ramp without being pushed!! LOL!!
NOW in the morning its off to the shop with it! Might be hopes for the truck yet! GOTTA have it this year. It has been down for over a year and I had a real struggle without it to pull my big trailers with.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 03/08/2022 02:32 AM
Glad you got somebody to check it out
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 03/08/2022 03:30 PM
Im not gonna armchair diagnose it but sure sounds like a fuel/injectors/glowplug trouble combination..cold fuel gelling, injectors mechanically not firing or NOT BEING TOLD to fire, or a bad glowplug harness/glowplugs themselves inoperative..a couple of cans of John Deere ether down her throat might bring 'er to life LOL
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/09/2022 01:05 AM
Got it to the guys shop and pushed it in! -- Half-way home the phone rings and its him on the other end! He took the valve covers off and --------------Well, pass. side glow plug harness burned out, so 4 of the glow plugs were not even on --- might be an $80. part ---BUT the main engine harness that controls the whole motor is also burned beyond repair! YA an NLA part from Ford. After market harness is $ 800. so thats where we stand as of tonight! He thinks injectors are probably junk too so as the bank dwindles, ----- cant find a running truck so we fix this one!
Found several used 350's BUT ads say 7.3 and DOES NOT RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Already got one of them!!!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 03/09/2022 10:33 AM
at least you have someone on it that knows where to start and what to look for..wiring CAN be repaired as long as it's not burned up into the connectors,which are no doubt Ford parts-(special proprietary made by Ford) You might also think about a harness from another truck..the internet is a wonderful thing, you can find ANYTHING..best of luck Sonny you'll get er fixed Im sure
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/10/2022 12:47 AM
He said the connectors are burned beyond repair but he is looking to see if he can track down a repair kit or not. At one time he could get them but hasnt seen them lately so we wait!
I think this guy know his way around 7'3's from just talking to him about them.
MIGHT even get my 3" stak direct from the header out and up pass side of cab to a foot or so above the cab with a turnout on the top! LOL! -- He said "we can do that"!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lookin up!
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/10/2022 09:46 PM
The guy called about 11 am saying that I can come get the truck! I drove it home the 60 miles runnin 55- 60 and it did fine for now. Kinda hard to start it now but that is because he cleaned the ipr valve, so takes longer for oil pressure to build up before it fires the injectors and I can live with that! lol! He also did find a repair kit for the main wire harness and saved the big one. Total parts and labor---$600. ---- this kid knows his shit about 7.3 diesel motors! --- took him 2 days part time to fix it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNREAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He did say that the injectors are bad but will probably run quite a while no harder than I pull the truck, so gotta start an injector fund jar! Cant get new ones anymore so they have to rebuild your old ones and that is around$2,000 or so for that job!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 03/12/2022 01:49 PM
Sonny a lot of time the reman injectors are better than new as they get personal attention by the rebuilder, not some automated production process somewhere..glad to hear your 'tough nut' finally got cracked
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 12/31/2022 05:03 AM
Well now where to find rear spring hangers for a F-350 cab cahssics truck? -- saga goes on and on! Did get the tail lights fixed/changed replaced both while I was at it and went with led crap. HATE it but now I can blind everybody else on the road like they do to me! LOL!!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 12/31/2022 05:16 PM
cant you use the 3"wide spring hangers and just use washers of bushings to make up the slack in width or is there something Im not seein
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 12/31/2022 06:07 PM
The rivet pattern on them are off. Guess i could drill new holes in the brackets or the truck frame,---not sure. also not sure if that would set right distance from frame. Kinda hard to tell from pix, of the parts I found on the internet.
I found some at one site but the site is now not maintained,----out of business I guess or something.! Still gotta figure out something!

Also looked at 2 1/2 " ones and they look closer to fitting.!
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 12/31/2022 08:10 PM
found this one and its what I need but when you go to the site--- they dont have it!!

Attached picture m965-front-of-rear-hanger.gif
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/01/2023 12:33 PM
what about if you were to make them from scratch? Whats wrong with the ones you have on the truck? Corroded?
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/01/2023 04:01 PM
The ones on the truck look like swiss cheese right now! ---about ready to break off --- not much left.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/01/2023 10:09 PM
make 'em yourself out of 3/16" steel plate
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 12:38 AM
dont think I can. -- its too damn hard to set under long enough to figure anything out. They have all them damn angles and bends. Granted something could be cobbled up I guess.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 01:29 AM
I ain't scared. send me measurements & I'll see what I can Do.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 03:47 PM
not my dilemma but I did take a look on ebay for spring hangers and the parts interchange states for a 97 F350 dually that an F150 has the same hanger? seems kinda odd to me..any good yards will use the Hollander Interchange Guide to reference parts but Im not sure if the spring hangers are called out as seperate parts from the frame. If you give us the VIN number of the truck we can check for you and prolly find ya a pair..front or back rear spring hangers Sonny? you did say 2-1/4"wide springs not 3" fun challenge
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 05:18 PM
Ya , 2 -1/4" and they SAY f-150 BUT when you go to the descriptions, it says "does NOT fit cab/chassics models" , -- and that is what mine is.
some go by wheel base and I dont have a clue what mine is.--sounds odd,--right?
I need the front AND back of the rear axle hangers on BOTH sides of the truck. my old shackles/bushings are o.k., but not sure they will stand dis-assembly/re-assembly. They look o.k. but who knows.

The dimensions shown here in the drawing are what mine are as near as I can tell. Some are 8 inches across the top and 4 inch top to bottom rivet holes with a bigger hanger bolt hole. ---- gets kinda confusing to say the least.

VIN.# 3FEKF37F1VMA41591
The truck was made in either Mexico or Canada Ford plant.

Attached picture m965-front-of-rear-hanger.gif
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 08:58 PM
722-012 Dorman Leaf Spring Hanger Front or Rear New for F350 Truck Ford F-350 137"wheelbase Chassis Cab
$91.81ea JC Whitney-La Salle,IL via eBay # 125152673791

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-722-012-Ford-Truck-Bracket/dp/B0048YMC5A $58.51ea

listed as for 2-1/2"wide spring,maybe thats what you have not the 3"wide spring..this is going to take some research, at least Amazon lets you return it

I ran your VIN thru partsmatch and it didnt come up..missing a character or number? confirm your VIN again if you can..

FWIW Best of luck Sonny.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 09:09 PM
some pix of the drivers side. as you can see---they bad! --- and of ourse my new tail lights!! Hope the assholes that tailgate me all the time like these in their face!!! LOL! Damn led shit!! --- anyway they do work,--also got them in the trailer.

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Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 09:09 PM
you could try to call Dorman and get tech support..

Technical Support Available

Phone: 1-866-933-2911
Email: techsupport@dormanproducts.com
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 09:29 PM
Vin # is off the cab tag and that is all the numbers it has. Truck was made in mexico.
bottom tag shows gvw front 4400 ,--rear 8250.
another part of the tag says ext.---wb161 ---pntbrk with b under it,---axle 65 ---tr e and spr. yh .
I assume the wheelbase could be 161??? ---- it is a long truck,--kinda,--sorta.
My springs besaure EXACTLY 2 - 1/4" wide and not 2-1/2 or 3! That is whats making it hard to track down anything.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 11:22 PM
have you measured the bracket itself? might be the 21/2"
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/02/2023 11:40 PM
I just measured the spring leaves, I assume thats what they go by! could be wrong but the 2 -1/2 brackets have the wrong rivet hole pattern and the main hole is too big.
One site I looked at goes into what ring gear diameter it is!! Talk about shit!! -- one wanted to know what axle it was, ( brand/series) --- and I have no clue! lol!
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 12:20 AM
Fu%^#
Old
Rejected
Dodge
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 12:31 AM
Ya I know Jim! BUT I was just informed that my spending for the next year is nixed! --We have a major expense outlay for next year so I cant trade trucks! lol!
Gotta hire a company to plant our farm in weeds to comply with usda conservation practices,--going to put the farm back into crp program since our renter quit farming. --- BIG cash outlay for the first year then we start making money again.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 02:55 PM
OH my. OK So
Fix
Or
Repair
Daily is in play.. eek
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 03:00 PM
I thought maybe the front spring perch and rear spring perch was the same but now looking at your photos it sure looks like the front perch has the spread angled wings on it and the rear perch with the shackle is more straight sided. Guaranteed to be a PITA no matter what to replace, even torching the rivits out,cleaning up the mount area of the frame and then resetting the new mounts with bolts is a whole weekend job with everything in front of you..for my money you'd be into new end-eye bolts as well for the springs. Might also be much easier to do one side at a time, meaning drop the u-bolts but that would mean replacing them as well. Any good spring shop can bend up new u-bolts for you. $15-20 bucks each and it all adds up around $500 in materials.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 05:02 PM
was this an early super duty with 10 bolt wheels Sonny?
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 05:48 PM
no super duty, just regular cab on it. I assume all factory original. I know it wont be cheep/easy fix! --never is for me! -- still gotta do it somehow!

front corner of the truck. The bed was 12' when I got it and I cut 2' off the back so its now 8' x 10' and perfect for my needs. I put the new hitch on it and everything pulls great from it.

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Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 07:30 PM
Might have found some Dorman part #'s at Summit Racing for the stuff I need
front hangers ---722-012 ---79.95
rear hangers ---722-096 ---26.95
shackles ---722-090 --41.95

No dimensions but Summit Racing has a good listing and it looks like this might be the right parts.
NAPA also sells Dorman parts,-- probably higher there dont know.
Anyway if ya would double check my findings I would be greatfull!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 08:20 PM
Happy to help you Sonny..scroll up back thru this thread I have a link to Amazon for the Dorman 722-012 for 58.51/ea
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 10:24 PM
Originally Posted by sonny
Might have found some Dorman part #'s at Summit Racing for the stuff I need
front hangers ---722-012 ---79.95
rear hangers ---722-096 ---26.95
shackles ---722-090 --41.95

No dimensions but Summit Racing has a good listing and it looks like this might be the right parts.
NAPA also sells Dorman parts,-- probably higher there dont know.
Anyway if ya would double check my findings I would be greatfull!

I've been surprised that lately NAPA has actually been cheaper
than others on some stuff here lately. have to adapt to competition or fold I guess
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 10:34 PM
O.k.! looked closer at th 722-012 and they are for 2- 1/2" springs!! Damn! -- Ya, that wont work. --holes in the wrong place and too big!
wish I could find the dimesions for these parts!
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/03/2023 11:17 PM
30 years or so ago, I converted a 77 C-10 to 4wd. got the parts from an old city salt truck. Sure was fun cutting the holes in the frame for the Front suspension and placing the spring mounts for it. put a 4" body lift on the truck and still had to modify the shit out of the floor pan for the transfer case. drove it for 4 years after that as a daily vehicle until I got a shiny new 4wd Silverado.. wish I had kept the Silverado. traded it in for the Cheyanne I have now. damn NV3500 is still slinging oil so I have to get back into it soon
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/04/2023 12:26 AM
never give up, the parts ARE out there,just gotta find the combination that will work. I saw a complete 97 chassis cab in a Calif. yard was sellijng the Sterling dually rear out of it, the parts truck probably just what Sonny is looking for..(eBay#175469777683) -just torch cut the whole back of the truck off set it on your trailer turn and burn back to IL,talk about road trip..sometimes that is what it takes.I know easy for me to say..Call some of these yards local they usually pull the axles and sadly crush the rest, maybe they'd make you a deal. the dually axles and suspension are narrower than the regular pickups..another idea, maybe measure the frame width and adapt a more recent axle,spring and spring hanger setup as long as it's still using 8x6.5 lug pattern before Ford switched to the newer hub piloted wheels..

Ok one last stab at this is a guy in Oaktown,IN with a 1988 Ford F350 cab/chassis selling the rear axle,its a Sterling like yours call him maybe he can give you some info on spring hangers/parts 765-409-3047
eBay#304369282133 Bedrock Jeep Parts
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/05/2023 02:30 AM
Where there is a will, there is a way. and Patience is a virtue.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/05/2023 12:39 PM
Yes with a 7.3L diesel and a flatbed I'd be rebuilding that truck stem to stern if I had a need like Sonny..they go for 65grand new..hell 20grand used isnt unheard of..too cold now,wait till spring..my Chevy K-30 is waiting just the same..This is not my problem truck but now Im takin it as a challenge to find some '97 mounts..got a yard in TX workin on it..they do frame cuts as well,just what you need Sonny lets see what we can find
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/05/2023 06:39 PM
My problem right now is the cashflow here! BIG farm expense just came up! -- Lost renter we had for 8 or 10 years and aint dealingwith the idiots around here that call themselves farmers so I got the farm put into crp program and gotta hire a company to seed it down in approved weeds and its just a tad under $25,000 for the whole farm. First payment from the govt wont be til October 23 so between now and then I am screwed as for spending on anything.
This is a 10 year contract and per acre payments are way better than cash rent, so not much choice. HATE govt but sometimes ya gotta go with the flow no matter how evil it is!
Had to get bank loan for part of the expense.
Always something around here to contend with!
Looks like auctions are out for the coming year too unless its something VERY cheeeep! LOL!!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/06/2023 11:37 AM
Its Ok Sonny the back half of a 97 chassis cab truck might just show up on your doorstep..ya know maybe it might get hand delivered by two of my associates, Moose and Rocko..you might havta do a little late-night backhoe work for 'em one day as a return favor tho
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/06/2023 05:18 PM
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com] whistle
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/06/2023 07:17 PM
Sonny call Speedway Auto Parts in Joliet,IL (north of you) 815-726-0666..can't get any closer than that..worth a look at least

they have an F350 Chassis cab in stock# M211408 it might have all the spring mounts you need if they havent crushed it yet..phone calls are cheap

I'm Out.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/13/2023 09:10 PM
O.K.,-----found spring hangers at General Spring Company and they are listed as for cab chassics f-350 with 2-1/4" leaf width!
Ordered them and hope for the best! Their diagram matches my dimensions so they gotta be the right ones.
They have stuff for 1953 on up to the new shit on ford's so keep them in mind if you need spring stuff,--they have all kinds/brands/models covered.

While I have to cut the rivits out,--- I might see about cutting the bed off and flop it over and chop the nonworking hoist that it came with! I have a good one from the auction that I wanted to put under the bed.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/14/2023 09:24 AM
glad you are making some progress on that 'tough nut to crack' F350 Sonny..get 'er in shape..it's cheaper than $65K for a new one..unless I hit Powerball then I'll buy you and your good wife matching trucks
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/14/2023 02:07 PM
When I did that 4x4 conversion, I drilled through the rivets to get the spring mounts off the doner chassis. went just a little smaller so I wouldn't mess up the holes, then ground what was left of the rivet head off. used a chisel & heavy hammer to finish the job. Just an Idea..
Posted By: GLyford Re: F-350 diesel - 01/14/2023 04:53 PM
I've replace hangers on two rangers. Cut off the rivet heads with an angle grinder, pound out the rest of the rivet with an air hammer with a point. Replace with bolts (I think 7/16?) on the new ones.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/14/2023 05:05 PM
Originally Posted by GLyford
I've replace hangers on two rangers. Cut off the rivet heads with an angle grinder, pound out the rest of the rivet with an air hammer with a point. Replace with bolts (I think 7/16?) on the new ones.
I didn't have the air hammer back then wish I did.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/14/2023 06:04 PM
I was thinking too ,---grind and punch,---THEN if that dont do it, drill the ones that dont punch out. Gonna be interesting to get under there to say the least! ---might have to take the bed off first to get more room,--then I could work on it standing up!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/15/2023 11:12 AM
Sonny get some 1/4" COBALT drill bits,(material made from, not the brand name) they last much longer on old hard material like rivets..glad to see you found the General Spring site,it looks like they have everything you need
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/15/2023 07:06 PM
Ya General Spring came up on my last ditch effort to track down something and I had to jump on it before it went away,---damn computer messin up for the last 2 weeks,---not sure whats up with it,---been workin super for 10 years, shouldnt be worn out! LOL!!
anyway, ya, I f I gotta drill anything out I will get some better bits if the ones I have dont do the job. ---I have a frame drill somewhere but it too has evaded me, so its the Skil Classic 3/8'ths to do the job!
I hope to be able to work on it when warm weather comes to stay. Been using the truck a lot since the weather is so - so for temps,---raelly hard to start but the injectors are junk so that dont help. When temps get much lower I will park it for the rest of the winter. I have used it more this winter since the wiring was fixed. it does run good once you get it started. Batteries are 2 years old now and probably about gone. I have 2 smaller new ones for tractors but might have to use them in the truck and the truck ones in the tractors, and that would keep newer ones in the truck cause it gotta spin FAST to even fire!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/17/2023 05:41 AM
Sonny I know you don't currently like YouTube, nut check out these guys on YT, "Pakistani Truck"..the rebuilds and work done on a level that is unbelievable on a dirt lot most of 'em wearing flip-flops and open toe shoes.
They custom build the leaf spring hangers right there in the shop from 1/2"plate..Manufacturer's GVWR increased right there in the lot by 20,000lbs easy..I dont get excited by a whole lot but this is good to watch.

Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/18/2023 01:10 AM
They came today,---2 sets and SORTA look like the right ones! Still need the bolts and might be able to get them local from a shop in town that works on springs.

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Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/18/2023 01:27 AM
I just used grade 8 when I did my conversion.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/18/2023 02:11 AM
The cross bolts will probably be the hardest to get. looks like they gotta be exact on length,---no extra room between frame and hanger backside.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/18/2023 02:17 AM
And you need smooth shanks for the spring bushings. GOT IT. McMaster-Carr ??
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/18/2023 10:17 AM
have the Pakistani guys make ya a set..they do it right there in the dirt floor shop Sonny..make sure you are wearing flip-flops so you fit in during your visit
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/18/2023 10:47 PM
I watch those videos.. those bastards are crazy.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/18/2023 10:59 PM
I dont watch them. ---I try to find stuff that could help me a bit ,---like John Deere 420-c crawler loader, Case 310-c crawler loader, -- etc. ---- not having any luck on finding transmission reverse idler gear shaft for the 310.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 01/19/2023 01:43 AM
Crapper in the morning entertainment.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 01/19/2023 12:28 PM
6:25 am 1/19/23 ---- headin out to go get auction buys from last nights internet auction. --- didnt get much but gotta go pay and pickup the stuff. Did get me a nice computer desk for $1. ---been lookin for a different one.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 01/19/2023 12:29 PM
you might have to make a 310 shaft Sonny..I had an old Truckman forklift,it had a BorgWarner reverser box in it and had to make an idler shaft and bushings for it as no one had stock..I bought the last idler gear available in the USA to repair it..probably coulda parted it out and made money off it LOL
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 02/22/2023 04:26 PM
Might have a possible line on a Cummins and manual trans for the 350 out of a parcel delivery truck. He says a lot of guys went this route on the 350 to get rid of the 7.3, BUT the main thing I gotta get rid of is the stupid automatic transmission that dont shift half the time!
Still workin on what he and I can trade on it. Possible work on some of his equipment? Anyway he just got rid of a 7.3 that had the manual transmission still on it , so missed out on that one! Either deal would work for me. The 7.3 is still runnin ,---so far but needs injectors real bad, so kinda at a crossroads as to which way to go.
Finally got the spring hangers to put on so little by little I would end up with a decent truck.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 02/25/2023 11:36 AM
Sonny Id put injectors in the 7.3L, check the glowplug harness connections and repair the rear end spring hangers..to go with the manual you'll have to change out the brake pedal hangers and add the clutch pedal and all that crap,easier with a donor truck there to get ALL the parts from.
<begin rant>I hate the Cummins 6BT in pickups, everybodys gotta take the damn muffler off and make em loud and stupid..last one I drove was a Dodge 3500 from MD to SC and back with worn out tires what a POS..at 2000rpm they have a sweet spot and level out a bit and are somewhat driveable..they are good engines nonetheless if you take em apart and mitigate the killer geartrain dowel pin issue..<rant off> Maybe if a big sweetgumball tree fell on one Id like it
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 02/26/2023 12:29 AM
Well ,----today the high gear went out of the stupid automatic and it sticks in second for 3 miles before going into 3'rd then your stuck there for the next 5 miles in that gear!
fluid level is right on the full when hot/level mark!
GOTTA get something to get me a manual transmission in it.
As far as injectors,--the $2,000 rebuild for them is out! Thats another reason I would like to get rid of the 73,---I want/need the truck , just gotta have a manual transmission in it.
As far as noise, ---- my pipe is broke off on the front side of the converter so might as well not have anything under it! lol! NUTTIN comes out the back of the pipe!
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 02/26/2023 12:33 AM
Soup can and hose clamps unless it's broke off flush. Got me through a lot of oh shits with exhaust systems back in the day as a quick temp fix.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 02/26/2023 05:13 AM
Broke flush off the converter.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 02/26/2023 12:00 PM
that sucks.
coat hangers make excellent filler for exhaust systems with a fine torch tip. in fact that's MY preferred rod for exhaust systems if I'm not using the wire feed welder (flux core)
I got pretty good at doctoring up decrepit exhaust systems when I was buying Junkers on a regular basis.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 02/26/2023 04:29 PM
I was intending on putting a stack on it and get rid of all the pipes/muffler/converter/etc. Its all about ready to fall off the truck anyway. Damn Illinois road potholes! Dodge one and hit 4 other ones in the process! Hard on trucks!
Anyway I want a 3" straight pipe up the side of the cab on the pass. side --- no muffler/converter ,--- and a turn out on it facing 45 degree angle to the rear.
Main problem right now is the cost of the 3" pipe, ---- expensive size!

I had twin 2" on my old 64 GMC half ton with a hi-perf 283 in it. Ran it for 12 years before salt ate the cab up! I used 2" pipes from a kids swing set for the stacks on it.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 02/28/2023 12:50 AM
whoever rides in that F350 with you is gonna hate that exhaust right behind their head..run it out down below the cab and do a turnout 45'degreee turn out and away from the bed..Older Chevy suburbans like a 1987 with a 350 gas V-8 came with 3"tailpipes from the factory, look online they can be had cheap new
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 02/28/2023 05:45 AM
Inever have anybody with me in the truck so thats not a problem!lol!
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 03/03/2023 12:54 PM
Originally Posted by sonny
Well ,----today the high gear went out of the stupid automatic and it sticks in second for 3 miles before going into 3'rd then your stuck there for the next 5 miles in that gear!
fluid level is right on the full when hot/level mark!

have you ever dropped the pan on the transmission and changed the filter and fluid Sonny?
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/03/2023 05:00 PM
About 6 years ago a guy went and drained everything, trans/converter and THEN the bad problems got worse. Book says NEVER change it til trans rebuild. I always keep it full,--gotta add a gallon every 1,000 miles and nuttin dripping on the ground so dont know where it goes.
Stupid automatic GOTTA go for sure!
Looks like some wires and other junk hanging on the side of the trans for sumpin,---have no idea what for and I aint messin with them! lol!
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 03/04/2023 01:38 AM
probably the harness to the E.C.M. that tells the damn thing when to shift. I had to replace the bunk where the wires go into the 4L80E on the motor home. my tranny fluid was running out through the wires. might want to check that out.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/04/2023 02:21 PM
Ya guess I gotta try to crawl under it and see whats there, not that I would be any smarter after I see it! lol! --Could be sensors I guess.
Fluid stays red and smells fresh, -- course it should.
It dont slip and shifts solid when it decides to ever shift so bands must be o.k.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 03/04/2023 02:43 PM
Yeah it sounds like you might have an issue with a harness that connects the transmission to the ECM one of those wires is broke it's going to shift in its hydraulic mechanical mode, which is whenever it feels like it if it feels like it. All got to do with pressures and temperatures and unreliable. I like that better when the transmissions weren't connected to a computer.
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 03/05/2023 01:36 PM
I think you nailed that diagnosis Jim..more friggen sensors and crap thats not needed..gimme an old GM turbo 400 anyday
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 03/06/2023 01:05 PM
I pulled the turbo 400 out of the RV.. that 454 was just screaming at 55. Put a 4L80E in there. 4 sp/W OD. Now I can go 60 and still only tach around 2000 rpm.
the damn computer to make it go was an expense. Motor home is an 87 P30 chassis, so HEI ignition and the good old fashion Rochester quadrabog carb.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/06/2023 05:10 PM
My truck runs about 60 at 2,000 IF you can get to go into od, -- I like the gearing in it, ---fast yet power in lower gears.
Still cant figure how a 5 speed can shift 6 times but that is what it always did when it worked. --- I knew it was junk at that point, course ANY automatic transmission is junk in my book!
The Explorer dont shift half the time either! Ford never could make an automatic that ever worked! --had 5 trucks/vans in the past and NONE of them ever worked!

Anyway the diesel used to get 16 mpg when i first got it and would run interstates if needed, --now probably getting 4 to 6 mpg. and restricted to back roads and 35 to 45 mph.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 03/06/2023 08:49 PM
That extra shift isn't really a shift it locks the torque converter and takes the slip out that is all. And that is your OD
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 03/07/2023 12:46 PM
Originally Posted by sonny
Ford never could make an automatic that ever worked! --had 5 trucks/vans in the past and NONE of them ever worked!

Sonny you hate automatic transmissions like I hate sweetgum trees..Ive had several Ford auto transmissions in the past and have to say the C-6 from the 70's were good units, I never had a bit of trouble with them except what I caused by running the wrong fluid..the Fords were more prone to foaming of the fluid and they came out with antifoaming versions of the fluid..shouldnt run standard ATF in them..
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 03/07/2023 05:15 PM
Crawled under the truck yesterday to look,--(big mistake),---- AND fluid dripping off the tail casting, -- cant see where its coming from but could be from 1 bunch of wires. There is another bunch of wires that I can feel on top but cant see them, have NO idea where all that shit goes to or what it S'POSED to do!

Shifter is a cable to the control arm on the side of the trans. and thats the only actual linkage on it and its all tight and looks to be intact.
Anyway, --- got sis's ranger back together and THIS axle wobbles just like the original did , so now gotta tear it apart again! -- The only other thing in there is the outer bearing which could be bad, Stupid roller bearing in this one and NOT
Timkin taper like civilized stuff has! ---- Same style that the 310 case reverse idler gear has and they went out as well! I never did approve of this style bearings since they never hold up!
Now to come up with a puller to get bearing and seal out! ----- life goes on! lol!
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/01/2023 05:13 AM
On the way home with a load of logs and truck started sounding weird. Stopped and looked under the back axle and oil was everywhere,----shucked the front seal, bearing might be out too, lost most of the 90 weight, dont know yet. Made it on home in the dark, backed in and dumped the logs and came in the house!
Now I am down to driving the explorer but no log haulin with it.
Drive shaft gotta come out and yoke off and see what all is broke in there.
Light drizzle here all day with 35 mph winds and 39* temps! Made for a ruff day cutting brush!
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/14/2023 04:41 AM
Cant get the fill plug out, it must have that damn locktite on the threads and probably hammered in with an impact wrench to almost thread stripping . anyway I cant get it to even budge. 3/8" square female pipe plug and I just bent the breaker bar. Never ran into one that tight before. No way to refill the rear end without getting the plug out! Real problem now!!
Posted By: TomB Re: F-350 diesel - 05/14/2023 03:41 PM
add lots of heat
Posted By: bunkclimber Re: F-350 diesel - 05/16/2023 12:45 AM
I think they had a 3/4"NPT pipe thread in the cover..you could weld a big nut onto the pipe plug and try to turn it out..or just remove the cover in its entirety..work the stuck plug on the bench instead of crawlin' under the truck..my guess is you'll be takin it off anyway for inspection Sonny..one chunk of roller bearing in the gears and it's bye bye gears
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/16/2023 05:04 PM
This damn thing is in the side of the casting! Not in the cover itself and I think I am going to braze one in the cover and not mess with this side crap! Make it easier to fill/check! Our old 2-ton trucks had them in the cover.
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/19/2023 12:50 PM
Finally got the driveshaft off and nut off the yoke , BUT now the yoke wont come off! ----gotta be pulled off???????? I cant budge it with a big hammer, all I ever took off slid right off after you got the nut off. Anyway its at a standstill til I find out whats up with it.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 05/19/2023 01:50 PM
Wow, I've never had to pull one like that either. slide hammer?
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/19/2023 01:55 PM
gotta figure sumpin out! lol! My neighbor thinks these on the 97 does have to be pulled and pressed back on at precise thread depth to keep bearing tight . I have NO idea and he aint positive about it either.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 05/19/2023 02:20 PM
I put feelers out to both my sons. My oldest boy works at the City garage he works on ambulances and fire trucks and shit figured he might know. My youngest son cranks wrenches on a lot of stuff too. mostly old stuff so we'll see if either one of them comes back with an answer.
Posted By: JIM Re: F-350 diesel - 05/19/2023 03:34 PM
This is what I got back from my son that works at the City garage...

Not "pressed" but they do the yoke pretty tight.
Not unusual to need a puller or drive the pinion out of the yoke with a big punch and hammer
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/19/2023 05:49 PM
Thanks Jim! --- kinda figured it would be a bear to get off!
Posted By: sonny Re: F-350 diesel - 05/24/2023 01:10 PM
Just ran into a guy that knows Ford trucks AND he says there is a special puller that takes the yoke off! BUT I aint giving $400 for one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will rig up something that will do the job.
At least now I know what I am up against!
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