New Owner, Old Truck
Hi All..

I just bought an old "beater" F-150..

It's a 1986, with the 4.9 inline 6, and the 3-speed overdrive trans.

It IS a 4x4, with manual locking hubs.

It's nearing 200k miles, but it's a Ford, so I'm "sure" it's good for more, it starts without smoke, runs smoothly and doesn't appear to be using "excessive" oil. (I've only put about 500 miles on it)

In the past month, I've replaced the:

Starter/Firewall Solenoid
Alternator/Battery
Radiator, Belts, and Hoses
Fuel Pump and Filter

I'm an ER nurse, and need this bad boy to get down and go to town when I turn the key..

I need to know, how to check fluid levels in the transfer case, and what if any maintenence the locking hubs need..

I'm also interested in knowing..

The previous owner said the firewall "weakened" in these models keeping the clutch from fully "disengaging.." That Ford had a TSB about this, and had created a "repair" kit..

Wondered if any of this was done by anyone here, and to what result.. The clutch does not slip, but the truck can be a BEAR to get into gear.


Thoughts, recommendations and general "whatever" appreciated..

Great board.. I'll be here a lot..

AJ RN

(this message was "accidentally" put on the main board.. Moderators, feel free to delete THAT entry)

 

Theres 2 plugs on the back side of the t-case. Take the top one out and stick your finger in there. If you can touch the fluid its good to go.

 

i had a 67' F250 with a 352 Big block, it was at 289,000 miles when it finally died .

 

...Okay..

That means the bottom one is a drain..

Should I "assume" the fluid is OEM, and "change it??"

If so, what's the going recommendation for transfer case "juice.."


AJRN

 

If its a NP208 t-case put ATF in it.

 

Is anyone out there aware of this TSB??


I haven't heard back from the first Ford dealer about it..

The clutch DOESN'T slip.. It's not fully engaging..

Thanks..

AJRN

 

I can't help you with the tsb, but have you checked the tranny fluid level?

 

Fivepoint..

You know, I checked "clutch juice.." but not tranny...

Where is the plug I need to pull to check that??

I'm going to spend some "quality" time with her this weekend.. I need to check the transfer case, fix the door, and maybe find out why the radio doesn't work.

Let me know..

AJRN