Crew Cab Diesel Dually Off the Road for 10 Years; Will It Drive 100 Miles Home???

[@mrtrinityproductions]

Project Brutus Pt 2; you were building Brutus the way you were for a reason, this is a chance to complete that build 👀

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks for the input! Scott

[@ObsFord250]

I think you should make it a “bulletproof Truck” re-do everything. Keep the beefy bumper, twin turbo ATS, beefy tires fix all of the body work, repair it, Danna 60, re-do the seats, and get rid of the running boards. Maybe a 4-6 inch lift? I think project brownie is gonna get interesting.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks for the input and stay tuned, because I've been working on it and I need to post a video. Scott

[@denniscampbell4783]

I'm for you making it a 4x4! Thank you for your 26yrs of service to our great country!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks, Dennis! Appreciate the input. Scott

[@The_TOMMYRAZOR]

Good to see Project Brownie get green lighted! Looks like it will be a fun series. I like how in the comments you want to get it driving and driving reliably. I really do like step by step mods where the project isn’t on jack stands for months at a time. Hope the channel picks up steam as well. I’ll be watching

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Yep, the plan is running and driving reliably for now. Not going to go crazy just yet... Thanks for the input, Scott

[@kengibson402]

That old inspection sticker brings me back to doing state inspections when I lived in Texas! So glad you got another one of these to replace Project Brutus

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Me, too! I need to pull it out of the storage unit so I can get to work! Scott

[@kengibson402]

Can’t wait man, I loved the project Brutus series. I love these old Brick Nose IDIs

[@sallymartin1659]

Glad you made it home! I had no doubt tho😉 Looking forward to see what you do for her!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Hey Sallymartin1659 - made it home with no issues; Brownie is an awesome truck! I should have asked whether Brownie was a he or a she, now I know! Thanks, Scott

[@user-my8wf6ph5h]

Scott, good to see you back in the Saddle again. After building Brutus, and all you went through, you definately know what and how to do it. Brutus was your learning curve for sure. Looks like plenty of people know how to spend your money and where to start. Since you are parking her in storage, pull the seats and rip out the old stinky Carpet and give it the deep 6. Then things can dry out and slow any rust you may have. You can always buy new Carpet if you want to go that way later in the build.. This past Sept I installed new Carpet after installing Dynamat, sure made the cab a lot quieter. If you buy East Wood`s brand of Dynamat, almost the same and a lot cheaper. My 86 has the red interior, and refered to as "Porno Red". My Bench Seat was trashed, found a good one out of a 89 F150, had it re in red Voulure. I tell people I got it from the Bunny Ranch after they closed down during Covid. 4X4 only if you want or need it, lots of work to convert as you know. Goat from OB

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Hey Goat - Thanks for checking in! I hear you on the carpet; might as well pitch it now. I also want to check to see what the floors look like. They're perfect on the underside, but I'm worried that there's rust starting up top. Thanks for the tips on dynamat; I have hearing loss already from 28 years in the Army, so anything to cut down the inside noise is appreciated. I'll only go the 4x4 route if/when it's the right situation. I think an inexpensive parts truck would have to drop in my lap. Take care! Scott

[@oldsoulgarage2982]

I think Project Brownie is a great follow up to Project Brutus! I'm glad to see your still going after your dream of restoring a crew cab dually obs ford truck with the 7.3 diesel. I'm still in the process of fixing mine up. I think you should focus on the basics when it comes to project brownie, do everything to get it on the road and fix some of the creature comforts before you go spend boat loads of money on performance/aftermarket upgrades. It's a sad fact but IDI diesels do not have anywhere near the aftermarket support that the powerstrokes do, so parts like bigger injectors, injection pumps, and turbos are expensive as I'm sure you are aware of this. First things first fix the leaking cab lights and inspect any other weather stripping to make sure moisture is not leaking into the cab, do a full tune-up and change all of the fluids and filters (including the trans and differentials), and then tackle the glow plug system and fuel return lines. Also, it would be in your best interest to go online and buy a product called "Diesel Purge" Its made by Lubro-moly a German company. This is by far the best fuel system cleaner for mechanical fuel-injected diesels. All you have to do is hook up a small mason jar or other small container and route the feed line from the mechanical lift pump into the container and have the return line to the tank feed back into it. You will be amazed how well this stuff works, there are countless videos online showing the clear translucent liquid coming out pitch black after running an engine on it for about half an hour. I can personally vouch for it too since I have used it in plenty of older diesel engines too. It will give you a smoother idle and increase power. Another trick for these engines is if your having a problem with the engine stalling from the metering valve sticking inside the injection pump you can fill the fuel filter full of ATF and then run the engine for a minute and then shut the engine off and let the ATF soak the internals of the IP and injectors overnight. Any debris that is sticking will be loosened up and it should be burned out after a few minutes of run time. Bear in mind the truck will smoke like it has a terrible headgasket leak until the ATF is fully burned out lol. Another small tip is to make sure your circular air cleaner lid has the 4 inch rubber hose that attaches and runs up to the radiator core support to draw in cold air. There is a video on youtube of a guy doing dyno pulls with and without the factory cold air intake hooked up and he lost I think around 10 horsepower without that scoop and hose attached. And be sure to check the fuel pressure from the fuel pump with a mechanical gauge, you can buy a fuel pressure gauge at the auto parts store and it will screw onto the Schrader valve in the fuel filter head. The spec should be between 5 to 7 psi at idle if I am correct. Or you can always wire in an aftermarket electric pump, which the main benefit of that is that bleeding the fuel system is extremely easy. Anyways, I hope my ideas help you out on this project, I plan to follow along with every new video that you post. I'm certainly curious to see what you do with the interior!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Lots of good info here! I'll definitely start with maintenance and safety items. I'll check out Diesel Purge and will see about the cold air intake, too. Thanks!!! Scott

[@jjscustomfabrications8234]

Nice find, I’ll be following along.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Welcome aboard! Scott

[@hfdzl]

Glad to see you have a new piece of For IDI iron to polish up! Yeah, Dana 60 and turbo that would be totally rippin' !

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks for the input! Stay tuned to see what happens! Scott

[@kman-mi7su]

I'd say keep it simple only add what needs to be added to make it a good reliable tow vehicle. If you don't need 4WD, don't add it like Brutus, if you need a turbo setup for extra power, then add it or not.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks for the input. The plan is to keep it stock and make it reliable, at least for now. Scott

[@royhaught9516]

I knew you would find another crew cab diesel dually to play with. That one looks to be very solid, I especially like the fancy red front seats... ha!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Hey Roy - Good to hear from you. Those red seats are indeed fancy! Scott

[@chuckfowler4754]

I say build it like project Brutus. That was a sweet build. Although being in Texas you probably don’t need 4x4, but I’d like to see the engine build the same. I’m looking to build a truck like Brutus. I have a crew cab dually with the turbo idi I plan to rebuild someday. And being in Illinois I’ll be doing the sky’s 4x4 conversion. Already have all the pieces just have to find the time to get it done.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Good point about being in Texas and not NEEDing the 4x4. But I do WANT the 4x4.... On the engine, I'll keep it NA for now and see how it does. Good luck on your build! Scott

[@aaronkeiser6349]

I'd love to see you pick up where you left off with Project Brutus. Obviously fluids all around. Definitely going to need a turbo for that big guy to move anything. I'll be subscribed! Hopefully this truck is crack free with the ZF5 and that motor...

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Hi Aaron - We'll start off with fluids other maintenance items first and probably use it as-is for now. Thanks, Scott

[@Domer221]

Put a banks sidewinder kit on it. Then, look into classic deisel designs. To possibly hit that 300hp mark at the wheel.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

A turbo really helps out these engines, but I'm leaning towards keeping it NA for now. Thanks! Scott

[@nathanbouchard5911]

i am happy to see you back in an idi! that truck is awesome allong with the patina

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Nathan - Good to hear from you. She does have great patina, doesn't she? Thanks, scott

[@SSgt-]

I’d definitely go through the brakes front to back. Just picked up a 7.3 idi F350 4WD cab and chassis and the brake hoses are swollen shut. Thank goodness I only had too drive a few miles home. Roof top marker lights on mine are leaking too.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Yeah, I'm definitely going to go through the brakes and fix the lights. Thanks and good luck with yours! Scott

[@mikeashmun4120]

It really needs a turbo, …I would make it fun,reliable, good looking rig. Nice black rims, off road lights, a kind of retro mod 4x4 beast. Something you can play, go to dinner and tow whatever needs towed.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

I'm a bit torn on the turbo. It will eventually happen, I think, but it will be NA for now. I hear you on the black rims; I'll probably do that when I install new tires. Thanks! Scott

[@carlashton9331]

Stoked to see another IDI on the channel! If you're towing through the hill country, I'd recommend a turbo. I went through there a few years ago towing a travel trailer behind my '90 F350 diesel. It's fine on flat ground, but pulling up a hill, I was going about 50-55 mph with the go pedal on the floorboard.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

I think I may try to upgrade the injection pump and the injectors first to see how much that helps. Thanks for the input! Scott

[@kyledavis5408]

Put a Banks turbo kit on it, or some kind of turbo kit on it. It'll make it more fun and responsive. And put that dana 60 in there. You'll be glad you did!!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Hi Kyle - A turbo does really make a big difference for an IDI, but I'll try it NA for now. The Dana 60 is a LOT of work, but I'm thinking about it. She'll remain as a 2WD for now, but we'll see. Thanks for the input! Scott

[@sergiodelatorre3244]

I’m super excited to see how your build goes. Hopefully you do all the same stuff you were going to do with the project. Brutus I would love to se it on 44” And congratulations on your retirement

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks for the input, Sergio! She'd look beastly for sure on 44's!

[@Gameaddict16]

So Excited for what's to come BPG!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks!. Me too! Scott

[@tragen5537]

Hey, I just wanted to say thanks. My 7.3 IDI threw a rod a few months ago when the oil pump failed. My father and I have been using your videos as a guide for our rebuild and axel swap. We really apricate the information you are putting out there. Its going to be a great winter project up here in Wisconsin. Good luck on Wide Texas there, I'm looking forward to seeing the body work.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Glad to hear that you've found the videos helpful! Good luck with your rebuild! Scott

[@86turbodsl]

Here's what i'm suggesting: It's an old truck, but one many might want to purchase to tow with. Address the maintenance issues, and what someone is likely to run into towing in a modern environment. Get maintenance up to snuff, get a turbo kit, usability issues like getting hitched up, backup cam or such, and can it run down the highway at the speed you need. Most duallies are 4.11 geared, and even with the ZF5 don't really do 70mph very well. I know the ranchhand bumpers are popular down there, i had one on mine too, but i'm not that big a fan of them. Better brakes? Some sort of suspension upgrade so it doesn't ride so rough? Exhaust? These are the things i think of when i drive mine. It's your truck! Whatever you do I'll tune in. Take care!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Hey 86 - good to hear from you! I'm inclined to start with safety items first, then maintenance, followed by functionality, with performance mods and cosmetics bringing up the rear. It does have 4.10 gears with a limited slip, but I think that's going to be fine; this will be a tow rig and I generally do 65 or so when towing. I'm not a huge fan of the monster front bumper, and it's welded on, but I can get it off with a grinder. Brakes will probably just get a stock rebuild for now. New Bilsteins should help the ride a bit. Thanks! Scott

[@GDW65155]

Now I know what a ‘ranch hand’ is!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

@@GDW65155 - yep. In this context, it's a big stinking bumper, not a person who helps out around the ranch! Thanks

[@hendrikzenga5654]

Nice find. I'd fix it up, keep it stock. Run it and figure out what you want to upgrade. I like the rough look of it.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks. It will stay stock for now; no sense in spending $ on upgrades before it's roadworthy. Scott

[@alexclarkro9414]

That is a great looking truck for how old it is. That is going to to be a great project i enjoyed watching Brutus and other projects.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks, I'm looking forward to the build! Scott

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Love these old Powerstokes, but if I had to choose this or a first gen Cummins… well I would have to go with the 5.9

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Just to clarify, the Powerstroke 7.3 came out in 1994.5. Prior to that, these trucks had the IDI 7.3 IDI diesel and 6.9 IDI diesel. Most were normally aspirated, but you could get a turbo in 1993 and 1994. Anyway, the 7.3 IDI has the same displacement as the 7.3 PowerStroke but that's where the similarities end. They are entirely different engines and share virtually no parts. Thanks, Scott

[@johncraig406]

I found the Door Moldings at Summit Racing, and it sure sounds like that truck has a LOT of air gaps around the doors.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks for the tip! Scott

[@tastitas3]

I would put bud wheels on it and swap the rear axle from a f450 of that era with disc brakes on it.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Good point on the bud wheels. I didn't realize F450's from that era (or was it an F Super Duty at that point?) would have disk brakes. Wouldn't those have usually had a narrower diff because of the narrower frame in a cab and chassis truck? Thanks for the input, Scott

[@kbowen2251]

Time for more idi fun!!

[@kbowen2251]

And yes definitely do a Dana 60 install. Maybe with a new set of gears front and rear for towing?

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Yes, it is time for more IDI shenanigans! Thanks, Scott

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

@@kbowen2251 - if I convert this one to 4x4 it won't happen immediately. We will see how it goes. Thanks for the input! Scott

[@kbowen2251]

@@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE that's completely understandable. I have my own idi project I'm hoping to get going again this winter. It's a 1986 f250 with less than 100k original miles. It's already had a Dana 60 swap done but now i need to convert it to a manual and I'm debating converting it to dually axles as well.

[@nicholasmyspace]

Great video

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks! More content coming on this truck. Scott

[@coalblooded303]

I got two of those. One looks just like that one

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

I've seen a few just like it as well. Nice color combo. Thanks

[@caterpillarkiller1970]

I would say go back to stock. Some power adder like turbo or some sort. Not slammed, but slightly lower with nice wheel and tire set up. Tint the windows and drive the wheels off of her. I have no idea why everyone has to make everything 4x4. You are in Texas. Are you planning on towing through the mud?? Keep it 2wd. Just my 2 cents.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

It will certainly remain 2WD for now; I have a '69 Bronco for when I need to hit the mud. We'll see on a power adder, but I need to get it safe and functional first. Thanks for the input, Scott

[@thudson.460]

Glad to see you on my page again missed you since Project Brutus!! Since then I've just bought a new 1986 f350 with a 7.3idi dually that I want to convert to a 4x4 with a Dana 60 kingpin high pinion front axle that came out of a 1989 f350. The 86 when I bought it had no transmission or driveline so I bought a parts truck that had a 4x4 ZF5 transmission and transfer case. Wondering if you have any pointers or advice on where to look or what to do to convert my pickup to a 4x4 dually? So far I've seen things like Sky's Offroad Design kits but they all say 92-97, a thought I had was to do their 80-96 Ford F-150/Bronco 4x4 SAS Kit with 1992-97 leaf springs. My overall goal for the truck is to have about a total of 4" of lift. Any help or guidance would be much appreciated! I'm glad to see you again and look forward to the updates on Project Brownie!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Sounds like a great project! I used Sky's kit to convert Brutus to 4x4, and Brutus was a 1987. Check out my channel for the video. Scott

[@sabbath7081]

I used to have a 91 diesel cab and a half with that color scheme

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

No kidding? I haven't seen many in this scheme. Thanks, Scott

[@gregcurtis7019]

i was bummed out over the Brutus truck. i think this one should go in the same direction. i have a mint 89 IDI that I would love to make 4wd

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

You're not the first one who said it should be built like Brutus. It makes a lot of sense! Thanks for the input, and good luck with your 89! Scott

[@madmaxdog6592]

I definitely think turbo. What sort of plans do you have for it like mechanically wise? Are you gonna rebuild the engine or just cosmetics outside?

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Well, I'm not inclined to rebuild the engine if it doesn't need it. I'll do a compression check and go from there. Thanks, Scott

[@HankThemak]

Another F350 diesel dually project?

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Hi Hank - Exactly. But this time I bought one that was already running and driving. Hope all is well in NoVA, Scott

[@danielbrooks5202]

Do a dana 60 with a winch in the front

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks, Daniel. Just might get a Dana 60 at some point. Scott

[@davesbroncogarage]

Another one?! Brutus 2.0??

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Well, I was going to name it BoB, as in Bride of Brutus, until I realized the prior owners had already named the truck Brownie. Thanks, Scott

[@KennyGroomes-ck7wo]

New pait job

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

It does look a bit weathered, doesn't it? Thanks for the input. Scott

[@jefffrankart5136]

So…windows….power windows in the front and manual crank on the rear seat? Was that a common arrangement on these?

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Apparently so. I think 1994 was the first year that you could get all 4 power windows. Thanks, Scott

[@user-oc7mf5ku9f]

I was looking at this truck on marketing

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

If you're nearby, there are several more available in the area! Scott

[@okieoutdoors2486]

If you sell the bumper I’m in southern Oklahoma I’d love to buy it I have an 89 f350 idi

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Too bad you're not closer; I'm near San Antonio, TX. Scott

[@okieoutdoors2486]

@@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE would you be interested in selling?

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

@@okieoutdoors2486 - well, anything is for sale for the right price, but it would be my "I really don't want to sell it price."

[@AlexPerez-kn2qi]

U what to sell the spoiler wing

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

I don't have any plans to sell it at this point. Thanks, Scott

[@sabbath7081]

At least keep the original paint colors, metal flake leather brown with metal flake copper. I forget what the Ford colors were called.

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

I'm definitely keeping the original colors; I'm a big fan of the two tone brown! Scott

[@coalblooded303]

I'll buy the spoiler if you don't want it

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

The roof spoiler?

[@coalblooded303]

@@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE yes sir

[@coalblooded303]

@@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE I've had mine about 6 months. Bought a bunch of parts and was getting ready to start working in it , and then was involved in a head on collision.. sitting in my wheelchair waiting until I get out. But it looks identical. Love the work you do. Very knowable . Thank you

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

@@coalblooded303 - Sorry to hear about your accident! If you're in Texas (or nearby), let me know and I'll come lend a hand! Scott

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

@@coalblooded303 - Ok, not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, but I'll keep you in mind. Scott

[@markdavis1646]

Put a lift on it a turbo and leather interior and new paint job

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Thanks for the input! Scott

[@Theshade_treemechanic]

First one here

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

You're quick!

[@Theshade_treemechanic]

@@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE I think you should zf6 4 x 4 swap with a Dana 60. But try to keep with the factory ride height. maybe a little bit of lift since those old Ford duallys just sit lower and look Goofy compared to a factory 4 x 4

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

@@Theshade_treemechanic - That would work, but I think I'm going to keep it stock for now. Thanks for the input! Scott

[@flamurdauti]

@thebulletproofgarage how can I get in contact with you and ask you some questions about idi

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

The best place to ask tech questions on the IDI is at oilburners.net - join up and post your questions in the forum. Lots of really smart folks there. Good luck! Scott

[@flamurdauti]

@@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE where do u find these great trucks? Looking for a 91-92 f250 crew cab, more nostalgic my father had one of those and looking to basically find one and restore it the way he had it

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

@@flamurdauti - they're not too hard to find down here in Texas. You can find a pretty good F350 crew cab dually for around $5k. An F250 generally doesn't bring quite so much unless you're looking for 4WD.

[@flamurdauti]

@@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE please point me innthe right direction

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

@@flamurdauti - in the right direction for what? Tech advice or used trucks? Thanks