86' F-350 IDI Dually

[PossumTruck]

Greetings everyone,

Chris from Michigan here. I've been slowly restoring a near-free IDI that I traded for several years ago. It has become my favorite toy and my preferred mode of conveyance.

Its a Cab & Chassis truck that spent its working life hauling fluid as a spray truck for a landscaping company.

I've done quite a bit of work on it, and have spent most of my online time at the ford-trucks forum under the same Username. Boy is this site a good resource in comparison (not that FTE is bad, this place is just GREAT).

[ArdWrknTrk]

Welcome Chris!
I have a hard time imagining a dually diesel C&C as my favorite transport, but to each their own.  🙂

We would love to know what you've done (and what your plans are)

Gary will ask if you want to be on our members map

[FuzzFace2]

Welcome Chris
I have seen you over on FTE as I also hang out there too under the same name FF2.

If you want to be on the map just lest us know a zip code.

We do want to know what you have done to the truck.
With pictures or it did not happen
Dave ----

[BigBrother-84]

PossumTruck wrote

Boy is this site a good resource in comparison (not that FTE is bad, this place is just GREAT).

I fully agree!

Welcome!

[PossumTruck]

You can add me to the map @ 48854.

Also, how it started:



How its going:



I've done all kinds of work to the truck at this point, but they are mostly functional/stuff you cant see. Facet pump, all brakes and bearings, driveshaft joints, leak mitigation, steering linkage and shocks, new seat, manual GPs, other stuff I'm sure I cant remember.

Presently working through clutch hydraulics and a new pedal assembly.

Upcoming: add a tach, valve cover gaskets, new water separator, clutch replacement and rear main, rust remediation and repaint, headache rack, new steering box, rebuild oil cooler, add a key-switched group of circuits and 3g alternator, replace leaf-spring brackets, probably a new IP, all the other stuff im missing/forgetting.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Gary has some great documentation on how he's installed two power distribution centers in his '85, Big Blue.
And though it's a gasser it's wearing dual batteries so you might have a look for ideas.

I've replaced the spring hangers on my pickup but I'm not certain about part numbers and such for the straight rails and narrower springs of a C&C.

I can see who you like your possum truck so much!

[Gary Lewis]

Welcome!  Glad you joined.  

You are now on the map.

Truck is looking good.  And those are good upgrades you are planning.  But you do know the difference between either a Red Head or a Blue-Top and the run-of-the-mill reman'd ones, right?

Edit: Forgot, but very glad you like the site.

[PossumTruck]

Thanks Gary, I think I am up-to-speed on the steering box quality stuff, and thanks for the heads up.

I also need to find someone that can bend an I-beam to correct a non-toe imbalance in the alignment (caster, IIRC). I put lighter-duty springs on the front to help with the insane camber I had, but I still have a slight pull from the caster imbalance.

[FuzzFace2]

A real truck shop is who I would try.
Any of the normal shops I tried around me most looked at me like I had 3 eyes when I ask about bending beams. The shop I picked knew if it was off would need to be bent but did not have the equipment to do it and the only reason I went with them.

Mine dose not pull but darts as I think it needs more caster, will not return to center, on both sides but when I get the toe plates I ordered I can check toe.

I have a Blue Top box in my 81 F100 and love it.

Guess you dont need me to find the clutch pedal assy. to check if you have a new set coming do you?
Dave ----

[PossumTruck]

Yes sir, its on its way according to ebay. Allegedly shipped via ups, but no tracking number. Its going to be cold again here for the next week, so I can wait patiently. (haha)

[grumpin]

Welcome!