Well, i'm getting an 85 F150, V8 302 CARB, 120,000 miles, 4x2 with heavy duty suspension for free from my dad. I want to fix it up to make it a good looking daily driver though.

The truck is in beautiful shape for being so old right now (been a construction truck for 18 years but hasn't been abused)


Paint and interor and all is still in good shape, and it runs great, but i was planning on getting another truck for a daily driver, but instead i'm gonna do a minor restoration on this one with that money.

So, i have a few questions that i'd REALLY appreciate some feedback on.

The motor...i was thinking just get a new rebuilt motor dropped in there because this one is starting to leak a little oil and i want it to be reliable as a new truck, or would i be better off (and cheaper) to get this one rebuilt? ALso, i'll get a new carb, should i get a performance one? This truck is pretty slow, so i want to increase the hp a bit. Also, should i do headers now too?

Gonna get the truck repainted, same colors, and the rims repainted cuz they are a bit rusty. Gonna loose the ladderrack and toolboxes. Gonna redo the interior too, found some replacement parts on jcwhitney.
Also, new bumpers, lights, seals, etc.

Then i was thinking, the little tires look pretty boring, and i don't like this generation truck lowered, so i wanted to lift it even though its a 2wd truck. I found Fabtech makes a kit for 4" of lift, then i can put some 33's on it. ANybody have some links for good lift kits for this year 2wd?

Or any suggestions on the motor rebuild or websites to order interior/exterior replacement parts from, etc?

Thanks!!!

 

120k miles isn't bad you could just fix the oil leaks and it still would be pretty reliable for another 50k miles at least. For a rebuild you would be in the ballpark of around $2,000 to have it professionally done. A remanned engine would probably be a couple thousand more installed. At least thats what it runs for the japanese engines i usually do, a 302 may be cheaper because it's so common.

A stock replacement size Holly or Edelbrock carb will really help out with drivability and reliability. Fuel injection would be better though

Headers are a great idea.

I have a Superlift lift kit on my 1992 and i've never had any problems with it, the brackets and parts are really heavy duty, the springs are a bit stiff, but i've never bottomed out!

-Jon

 

so you are saying rebuilding the stock enging would be cheaper than buying a crate rebuild 302? I don't know much about that kind of stuff, so i appreciate any help

I'd rather keep the stock engine and just get it redone than get a whole new engine, so if its cheaper then thats definately the way i'd like to go

*edit* o yeah, what kind of headers should i get? any suggestions or links to check out? Thanks!

 

I would get a newer block of a 88 or later truck or get a block out of a mustang. Then you have the block on the side to slowly build as you drive the truck. When the motor you have pukes, just put in the newly built one that you have had laying around.

 

I'd rather just get this all done and over with at once though. Not looking to build a HP monster and built motor, just want to have a reliable truck, and a bit more hp than stock because the truck did lag a bit.