351M On Open Headers! 1978 F150 Moves For The First Time In 3 Years! Bleeding The Power Steering.

I think we're finally ready to move the 1978 Ford F150. We'll fire the 351M for the first time on the hedman fenderwell exit headers, set the idle on the edelbrock avs2 carburetor, deal with some fuel pressure issues, bleed the terribly designed power steering system, and install a borgeson steering shaft. Its feels great to finally have the shop rearranged and be able to get at the truck a little easier. In the next video we'll start working on getting the new exhaust system welded up. Thanks for watching!

[@mikeinmt]

Hi @NorthwoodsNoise thanks for your video series on this truck. I have a 1979 F150 351m that I have been throwing a lot of parts at the last couple years. Currently rebuilding the engine since I also found bearing material in the pan when I dropped that to replace oil pan and timing cover gaskets as well as the front seal. I ended up pulling the engine a couple weeks ago and tearing it down for further inspection. The front cam bearing and either 3rd or 4th one back ended up being the culprits. Since the crank required grinding I am swapping for a 400 crank with higher compression pistons from Tim Meyer, a mild cam, weiand intake, holley double pumper and inside the frame headers. Of course various other doodad's too. Anyway, my reason for comment is regarding the bleeding of the p/s system. Last summer I swapped out steering boxes for a Red Head, used the same steering shaft as you and also converted to hydroboost for power brakes. Battleborn brakes supplied the brackets to mount a h/b unit from a 99-05 super duty to the firewall. I used the 99-05 master cylinder due to rear disc conversion and changed proportioning valve. Front calipers were swapped for calipers off a '79 T-Bird. It was an absolute nightmare getting the p/s system bled and tried numerous tricks to get it done. I ended up grabbing a Mityvac MVA662 Ford Power Steering Bleeder Adapter from amazon and bled the system using that. Also had to take apart the pump and unstick the valve that is located where the pressure hose hooks up to the pump. After fixing the stuck valve (it stuck due to way too much air the system when I first fired it up) and bleeding with a vacuum pump I have not had any issues since. That adapter cap was worth every cent! Thought I would let you know and good luck with your on-going project.

[@jamesdavidson3246]

She’s looking and sounding awesome brother. Can’t wait to see the next video

[@NorthwoodsNoise]

Much appreciated! Should have the next one out this weekend if everything goes to plan.

[@stevepearson6316]

Would like to have seen the outher videos of you rebuilding that 351m , I know you were thinking of rebuilding that 400 , glad you went with the 351m ....I have a 1977 f1504×4 ranger with a short box that iam rebuilding , been sitting for 10+ years in a garage, Trans c6 drops in to first and reverse hard and doant think it's shifting into drive the transmission shop I've been talking to says the symptoms match exactly with what a bad vacuum modulator would act like , the local service station is handling all the work I trust them been work having them do all my vehicle work for many years