Will It Run After DECADES? ABANDONED Big Block 4x4 Ford!

[@BlackLabGarage]

Just a tip here from somebody that’s had several dentsides and still have a 78 F-150 4x4 short wheel base and a 74 F-350 flat bed. Pull the steering box off the frame and check the frame for cracks. They are known to crack and break where the steering box mounts on the frame especially when they have oversized tires on them. That much play in the steering could very well have a cracked frame.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

1980-96 F series have the same problem, often caused by a huck bolt aka rivet that works loose that holds the crossmember and frame together by the steering box.

[@BlackLabGarage]

@@MattsRageFitGarage I have only owned a few 1980-1996 trucks and haven’t ran into that yet. I think what kills the 1970’s model frames in that area is you have the pressure from the steering box and the track bar mount in the same area. Add to that pressure with way oversize tires and something has to give and it’s usually the frame lol.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

@@BlackLabGarage I discovered my engine crossmember on my 86 F250 had cracked and been repaired after I bought it. Frame was ok but there is a huge weld on the driver side of the crossmember and I found paperwork for the repair in the glovebox after, it was done in 2005 at 190,000 miles along with a brake job and other work. I did have to drill out that frame rivet last year since it was wiggling in the hole under steering pressure. Replaced it with a 1/2" fine thread grade 8 bolt, washer and grade 8 lock nut and the truck never drove so good in the 10 years I'd had it at the time.

[@BlackLabGarage]

@@MattsRageFitGarageI’ll have to remember that in case I end up with another 1980-1996 model.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

@@MaxGiganteum Especially important on rust belt trucks. Luckily I don't live in the rust belt and my truck is 99% rust free.

[@neil6212]

As normally, you produced a great video! Here's a quick make 'em run suggestion. First check the nuts on each end of the heavy wire to the starter. If they're hot, you're losing a lot of energy to resistance. Take the connections apart, and clean them as normal. If it still won't crank fast enough, connect the cable on the starter to the positive of an extra battery or jump pack. The negative of this battery connects to the starter side of the starter solenoid in the truck. This gives you 24 volts to the starter, without damaging any of the stuff in the truck, such as coil, lamps, instruments, etc. It is an old trick, but it works well.

[@frenchtoad1308]

Yup, got this issue on one of my tractors these days.

[@michaelslattery2121]

Don't work that way. Series connected battery will double the voltage to 24vdc but the amps will be the average of both batts. Parallel connected will keep it at 12vdc but add the amps of both batts together.

[@shadoweagle9880]

Was thinking the same

[@quantumleap8888]

Im not much of a Ford guy myself Dylan, but Im stoked to see you get Andre out hitting some trails again! This is one Beast of a truck, clearly built for one purpose. You must let it fullfill its purpose once more.

[@conwaylamb5534]

Ford guy all way

[@yamahaguy1732]

Yeah I’m a Chevy guy but a real car guy can appreciate them all.

[@Chris-ek2jh]

@@conwaylamb5534 ts was ticking worse than his dodge😂

[@danbasta3677]

​@@conwaylamb5534 Agreed. Ford does build one of the very best cars and trucks out there.

[@risinbison1106]

I think I learned more in this hour video than any other “get it started” video I’ve ever watched. 556k subscribers, you’ve come a long way.

[@joshualubbertacoustic]

Man, I LOVE this video. When I was growin up, my old man had an '80 F350 with the small block 400 in it. I went through SO many of the same issues with that old carbureted engine. I really appreciate the effort you put into givin the ol girl a new life and savin er from sittin in the dirt rustin away. The world needs more people like you. Much love.

[@kennethc351]

400m is a big block

[@codyhager4281]

I'm saving an 80 f350 from the scrapyard this weekend. It's got a 429 and a 4 speed in it, been sitting for 20 years. I'll be in the same boat as this video lol

[@c7d3p]

Hard to kill an old FE engine. Glad you didn't give up on it.

[@mguitar62]

⁹

[@Trueno1600]

I like the fact that you're ready to go out of your way to make people happy, taking on other brands than Mopar. I like anything that's old, and variety is good!!!

[@sheldondyck8631]

Right above your head in that gap between the outer roof panel and the inner should be a list of options that was stuffed in there during assembly. It’s not a build sheet but still pretty cool to have if it’s still there.

[@joshcummings6642]

There's something about an ol Ford sitting on groundhawgs that gets the heart beating. Looking forward to seeing what you get into with it. And Missouri ain't far from Tennessee if she takes up to much space

[@FeArhsma21]

That truck is pretty dang KEWL, puts a smile on my face. Great job and God Bless my friend.

[@KiwiStag74]

Now that's a rig I could really sink my teeth into. She sounds epic! Still sounds down on a lung or maybe one and a half, but with the blow-by, I reckon there are some rings that need to reseat themselves (maybe after the water ingress from being drowned) and if that's the case and they come around, that would certainly help her horsepower and emissions.....but she still sounds great even so. Looking forward to seeing more of this baby when you take her on some 4-wheeling. When she wouldn't start, I kept yelling at the screen for you to check your spark.....and shortly after the starter was replaced, the lightbulb moment occurred! Yeah - funny how such a physically little thing can throw a spanner in the whole "running engine" thing, eh? Been there, done that myself, mate. Even had one of my kids take off with the darn rotor one time because it looked like a cool thing to play with......! Great video, Dylan. All the best.

[@outdoorsadventures3722]

As someone who is in the process of getting a 1996 f150 roadworthy, I love to see old fords brought back to life, especially this one with its cool factor.

[@JakeFromMilwaukee414]

Can't wait to see how dirty this dog gets! Keep up the great work Dylan!

[@rayschick1043]

What are you wearing Jake from milwaukee?

[@JakeFromMilwaukee414]

@@rayschick1043... uhhh.... khakis... 🤣🤣

[@lucasceglinski6257]

Dylan, I want to thank you for saving this old Ford. I also want to thank you for something that you did for me on August 26, 2021. I met you at the Madison, Illinois stop on Power Tour and you let me sit in your Challenger and make a video of it. Thank you again for that. A word of caution with this old Ford, though. You should really be mindful jumping the battery from your Ram. It could very well give this old girl secondhand electrical problems jumping from Dodge to Ford. Lol Just kidding, brother. Keep up the excellent work you do and thanks again for bringing us along for the ride.

[@toddgeeslin2190]

That's pretty cool!! Many people would have given up way too early. This just shows what some determination can do. Hope you get this old girl back in shape, or at least able to see some trail time.

[@mitchhughes6218]

Nothing like the sound of a big block! Awesome find, can’t wait to see more of this on the trails!

[@Scrapy-ih7ob]

That is the Size tire I want to put on my Bronco, factory 15' just don't fill up the wheel opening. Short Bed 74 , like the bronco with the truck bed option. Nice

[@rudybriskar5267]

Awesome! Love that you were able to get the old girl goin'. Dude, you seriously need a solvent tank and an ultrasonic tank so you can get your carburetors good and clean. Love watching your videos! I'm definitely watching this project ❤

[@ryanfisher5379]

Great video - Love seeing an old unit like this live again. Couple small suggestions, bring a little bottle of 2 stroke 50:1 mix and use that to prime the carb instead of brake clean - that can cause upper cylinder scoring because oil hasn't made it way up there in a LONG time.

[@sothernborn1]

My dad had a long bed ford 390 big block 4 speed farm truck and I drove that ole POS every where when I was your age hauling my horses and trailer all over south central and south eastern Kentucky.. Loved it. When we were done w/ it a father an son bought it and restored it completely for the kid first vehicle . The kid brought back to my dads farm to show him and both of them were tickled to death .. Haha ..

[@toddbinder8916]

Good to see u bring a good old ford on ur channel

[@robertjean659]

Glad your mum is enjoying her first ever trip outside the Phil’s. Have fun guys🇦🇺🇦🇺👍👍

[@PaoloB86]

Can’t wait to see more of this truck! Would love to see it roadworthy again! Any updates on the 58 Plymouth? Awesome content as always!

[@mattj6676]

You know you're in trouble when "vacuum out the heads" is a required operation. It's a miracle that thing runs at all!

[@mcdonaldm73]

That truck, "Andre" , is absolutely awesome! Fords hate anything less than 12v when trying to crank. Also very finicky about timing. I see yours came with the cracked FE exhaust manifolds from the factory. I love this truck! Can't wait for the next video.

[@russelltreadway3211]

Outstanding video. Dylan you're an awesome mechanic and make working on older cars/trucks a joy. Thank you!!!!

[@mr_ninj4918]

Your videos always bring me peak satisfaction and excitement, from cleaning off rust and crust to the sound of the engine trying to start, this is all I want! And oh boy that beautiful deep rev at 54:16, draws a big smile on my face :D

[@nathanpitts1591]

Back about 1984 I acquired a 76 F-250 whl drive. 360 big block and the 4 spd as you have. Bought it from my brother in law and should have known better, he always came out on the high end of deals. Had a tic in the engine that he said was a lifter. We ran it for about a year and it developed into a "hammering". Desperation set in. Had some friends who went horse showing as we did. He had a 68 that he had taken and put a newer engine in. He junked that truck and gave me the 390 that came out of a Shelby Mustang, that was in it, and the carburetor looked as big around as a five gallon bucket. And it did indeed like gas. Took the old 360 out and first thing took the head off the drivers side off. Wrist pin had about an 1/8 inch play. I couldn't believe it still ran. I saved that rod and piston and have showed it to lots of people who all thought the same. Needless to say the 390 turned it into a man's truck. Plowed snow with it for two winters. Did well on that. Was up high so good visibility. I went to auto trade school in the late 1960's and they told us something I have never forgot. You need to be very careful using starting fluid on a gasoline engine. The reason being is that stuff takes oil off the inside of the cylinders and in a very short time the engine will turn over much slower. Better to use just a sniff or 2 and give it up. I take a squirt bottle and put a little gasoline in it. Once it starts to fire you can squirt enough in to keep it running. The stuff you are doing looks like lots of fun. first car I owned, in 1964 was a 50 Ford that looked much like the one you got only it was a 2 dr. Cut my teeth on that old flathead. Had some rod knock and I did not have money to rebuild it. I took it to auto shop and the teacher showed me how to take the rod bearing out and put the foil wrapper from Wrigley's spearmint chewing gum under the insert when you put it back it acted like a shim. That took the knock out of it. That was 1930's technology right there. I have long been amazed by how much you can do even when you don't have much money. Those old guys I learned from were pretty clever.

[@justindavis2856]

One thing I absolutely love about the privilege of watching your content, is how excited you get when what your working on finally fires up. I'm the same way!! I get giddy. I get butterflies. I get a headrush when something finally starts. Nice to see I'm not alone 🤣

[@jeffrykopis5468]

One of my favorite trucks was a BATTERED 79 F-250 "Custom" (which means anything but), school bus yellow, 400 Cleveland-ish, 4 spd. 4" water pipe front bumper. Massive rear step bumper. I found some old used 16.5 white spokes, rusty but free, sandblasted em, and painted them Old Caterpillar Yellow tractor paint, with some well used 33x12.50x16.5 Ground Hawgs. Whatta beast! Bought it for 400, rebuilt the Autolite 2-bl, and sold it for $800. Shoulda kept it!

[@patrickslist2665]

Hell yea I can't wait to see more of this old Ford truck. This is one of my favorite truck. Can't wait for more videos on this one. Great job Dylan. 💪🛻

[@tekadan]

I enjoyed watching your struggles! Looking forward to seeing what you do next.

[@cliffsta87337]

Not a ford guy but I’ve always loved the kid 70s ford trucks. Thanks for the video.

[@MrJeffm66]

Wow, what a beautiful find. Been looking for one like that for a while now. Short beds are hard to find these days. If you do find one they want way too much money for it.

[@danhoyland142]

I think Dylan will be surprised with how many views he’s going to get with this generation Ford truck over his usual mopar stuff. Mopar stuff kicks ass but people really seem to get excited about these fords, myself included

[@Farmsim123]

You should definitely use those big spray paint cans (turbo cans?) to paint this at some point would be something people would love to see all painted up!

[@cee128d]

I had a similar experience with a clutch rod back in 1976 or 77 in Fort Wayne IN. Lost half of it on my old Econoline E240 van. Went to a Sears at the Mall and picked up an appropriate sized Turn Buckle to keep driving. Ended up using that Turn Buckle instead of getting an actual clutch rod and drove it for a a few more years until I sold the van.

[@dustinshadle732]

Try checking the power steering hoses. Mine were shot and it uses a hydroboost like setup to steer. Had to tighten the steering box up and clean 10llbs of mud out of each brake. The parking brake was stuck on a bit

[@oregonfordguy9812]

his is a halfton. uses a basic system, 2 hose.

[@knightryder93]

I have a 1980 Ford Bronco with the 351m in it that I've been restoring. I took a break from it for a few months had a kid. I found this video and your channel, you sparked my interest to get back to work it on it again. Thank you.

[@kylejones9879]

What a loyal old beast they don’t build them like that anymore built ford tough baby

[@friguy4444]

I don't know about everyone else but I almost get as excited as he does when it finally comes together!! LOL. I love old stuff coming to life and the possibility of it being driven and bombed around in all over again! It's like a second chance after it was abandoned!

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

The body style of those will always look great.

[@pamedicineman8898]

Oh Mr. McCoo! Just watched this episode. I’m 58 years old and it never gets old when someone forgets to install the ignition rotor. I’ve done it MANY times myself and had a laugh. However, it’s always funnier when someone else does it. Well done young man! I love the channel. Keep up the good work.

[@johnrichardson4327]

Looking forward to seeing the future videos on this one! Not enough 4x4 trucks on youtube

[@moefuggerr2970]

38.5 inch Ground Hawgs. Had those on my 3/4 ton K5. It was factory but still had the K5 emblem. Those tires will go through some serious mud.

[@trshman4630]

That’s cool… Can’t wait to see more on this truck. Thanks for another awesome video. 👍🏼

[@brianbloom1799]

Dylan 25 years ago ,In upstate NY, I was given a 71 3/4 4x4, That was sitting for 28 years, It was in the middle of a cow pasture, The motor was frozen, I put Brake fluid in all the cylinders for 1 week, It was still locked up ,I had my Brother pull me down the road,, at 30 mph I let the Clutch out in 4th gear and she freed right up, We pulled over, Put gas in her, And it started right up, I drove that truck 35 miles home with no Brakes. But was running Great when i Got there, Now That's awesome. story.

[@backyardmechanicrestoratio6958]

Can’t wait to see how this banger goes

[@dustinwilson1981]

That one fought you a little bit. Good job sticking with it! Thanks for sharing

[@Martin.Wilson]

I've been shouting at my laptop for the last 1/2 hr "PULL THE STARTER......PULL THE GODDAMNED STARTER!"

[@larryford2303]

Totally cool. Love to own the '74 (when it's running, passed inspection, and safe! ) Keep plugging.

[@alanwilliamson6421]

Frigging mint

[@kennethchapman9564]

I've built and rebuilt a few FE Ford big blocks in my day and the bottom end of these motors are incredibly strong except under extreme race conditions which is why Ford made the side oiler version. Before I went in the service I almost bought one of these 4x4 short bed big block Ford trucks, with a four speed manual with granny low and a four barrel 390 in it. It was in my favorite color of Ford green. As it was I left a few cars at my parents and became a problem when they retired and moved from Ohio to Georgia. My 75 Mustang that had a hi-po 289 swapped into it and my 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT with a 427 four speed manual in it.

[@amritaroy9552]

Hello Dylan I love yours videos and it is very entertaining . I love these old junk moving and I'm watching it in 3 :20am right now😂😂😂 btw love from India 🇮🇳

[@amritaroy9552]

Can I get a heart I never got one in my life

[@R.Sole88109]

I'll give you one incase he doesn't.❤

[@terryeustice5399]

Dylan, If you can get this running pretty good. Need to flip this quickly. It’s really rough. Congratulations on the start. And thank you for sharing! 💯

[@ReviveAndRepair]

I'm pretty sure that this truck is a 78-79 because the early 70s trucks did not have the same grill or square headlights.

[@DylanMcCoolVideo]

I mention in the video it’s a ‘74 with a newer front clip.

[@djsboys101]

Hey Dylan you aren’t the only person to forget the rotor cap I have many times 😅😅

[@smarternu]

It's not voltage it is AMPs you need. The starter motor needs replaced, it is sucking up amps and turning it into heat or shorting but not spinning.

[@josephschaekel5293]

Want to say the same thing , I tried and tried to get my dads 73 running back in 89 and had to put 3 different starters in it till it gave the eng rpm to fire the starters back then were junk on these 70 through 75 fords . The windings in them just wouldn't provide enuff current to crank a worn engine fast enuff for start up draining battery .

[@smarternu]

@@josephschaekel5293 Three is rough. glad you got it in the end. Just because "it works" (spins) doesn't mean it works.

[@BackPainGarage]

The sound those motors make brings me back. Had a buddy who had a 78 F250 with a 351M, 2wd, flatbed, granny 4 speed, and straight pipes coming up through the steel flatbed with tractor flaps. Dude couldn't keep himself from doing burnouts even though that truck wheel hopped SOO bad that it kept breaking rear ends, until we convinced him to put a 1 ton axle under it.

[@jonathanmiddleton1141]

I’m really not surprised you got it running, I mean, after er all, this IS a FORD we’re talking about!! 😊

[@Mister-Salieri]

At first the engine sounded hopeless, but it actually started up! Nice work dude.

[@stevencatlett]

Looking forward to seeing more content on this truck!

[@Odawg3709]

That truck has thunderhead 289 written all over it! Go for it!

[@jimmywilson2188]

I would love to see more of this truck!

[@ericnelson966]

I am from Mid Tenn and I love your channel and it is AWSOME to see a southern man and a Christian man on here!! So thankful your channel came up on my KZbin feed. If you ever come close to McMinnville Hollah at me.

[@marcmo7138]

Open the throttle blades when you are spraying ether into the carb.

[@ronweber4772]

I’m a ford guy love old ford trucks they can be a pain but you just can’t kill them. Love your videos keep these old vehicles running

[@paulblackman4833]

Those old FE engines are great. They have enough material between the bores you could bore the 360 125 thousands over and basically make a 428 with the right rings and pistons.

[@ellsworthcrawford2074]

Have to use a 410 or 428 crank and connecting rods

[@adamdice231]

Most 360s don't have enough cylinder thickness to bore from 4.05 to 4.13.

[@mikefoit7351]

I love those old trucks, I AM so glad you got her to run. That is what I love about you. You don't quite, you save those old vehicles from the crusher . That is why I love to watch your videos. I AM A HUGE huge fan. Mike from Athens, Ohio. GOD BLESS TO YOU AND KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK YOU DO

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

Pretty nice, great job saving that 360 from certain death!! Nice truck, love to have her on the farm, take her fishing or hunting! Thanks for the video, God bless you brother!

[@ivanalejandroontiverosnune8270]

Another successful work for getting that truck back to life, it's satisfying hearing old vehicles running back to life.

[@ThePartock]

anybody else see the spark shoot off at 22:54

[@DylanMcCoolVideo]

This truck is a rolling fire hazard.

[@ThePartock]

@DylanMcCoolVideo Leave the hood off and drive it like it is. Traffic will move out of the way with those kind of fireworks.

[@reallyoldtom9352]

Dylan, remember C.R.A.P. when you are about to fire anything up. It stands for Cap-Rotor-And-Pray ! Tom , formerly of Sevierville now in Idaho.

[@epicgaming9544]

Please restore that poor truck it needs A LOT of help. Unless you would like to give it away to me for my first vehicle that me and my dad could work on

[@garycook2355]

It just goes to show that you can't keep and old Ford big block down. And that you did endevoure to perservere and brought her back to life. 😎 🏁

[@johnnyholland8765]

I had a 1978 set up just like that truck. Bought it new my senior year of high school. 360 engine with a four speed and 14/35 Denman "ground hog" tires. God I wish I still had it...

[@rayburton4263]

Man, that's cool, I think a pole barn would be useful down there.

[@puddleduckist]

Not too shabby Dylan, had me rollin 🤣 over the rotor left off. It reminded me for a second of ur Christine motor where it ran then lost compression. Looking forward to see what you do with it!!! Bless u brother!!!

[@Shooter11B]

I had a truck exactly like that as my first truck, mine was a 76. I miss it every day and am always looking for another one. It was literally unstoppable off-road. Mine was the Ranger XLT short bed with a 360.

[@richardhill4862]

76 is when they went to electronic ignition systems. It is in a little better condition than my old ford truck when I brought it home. That 78 - 79 grill and bumper is worth some money to certain people. Might be enough to put the right grill and bumper. I do love your content.

[@cabman86]

While you're checking the steering I was looking at the one in the background. That's a mighty fine old truck.

[@jeffbaker7547]

Love the old Ford trucks. My 2 favorite motors were the 4.9L and 7.5L big block. Had both of them in F250 4x4s. Absolute tourqe monsters. Nice job!

[@nolanelliott7255]

It’s rough but it’s cool love them old trucks back in the day I had a 1975 and 1976 not at same time

[@jonbaggarly6969]

Bud i had jus ad big of a smile as u did when it started after the plug change those late 70s fords are my favorite trucks

[@kijijiaccount9166]

Loving the old Ford…can’t wait to find a will it start old Ford of my own.

[@lovetocrank]

Do you kind the sound when you crank them over?

[@hayneshvac2]

Cool video...Fun Fact, Once upon a time, using the old Dodge truck mounts, you could place a Mopar engine right into a Ford...Not sure what years allowed this, but I do know that during my dad's more colorful years, he did put a "borrowed" 426 hemi into a 48 Mercury...lol...Said while sitting at traffic lights, the tires would bark every time the cam lobed...lmao

[@DaveSquibbSr]

When I was growing up and those trucks like that were common we always climbed up on the Fender and sit with our feet inside the engine bay to work on them it made them a lot easier to work on

[@Ecksterphono]

I have a field find( few trees around it) . A 65 Chevy pickup with the stove bolt 6 in it. Took plugs out put a shot of kerosene in the cylinders. Let it sit for a few days ( did an oil change on the spot ). Luckily the windows were rolled up. Brought a battery along primed it with gas and it fired up shortly. Now it runs like a top. Has a 3 in the tree tranny.

[@devenrivera5842]

What a gem you have found, this was true ford quality during that trucks time.

[@firemanjeffgg2440]

Dylan using his Mopar to jump start the Ford will definitely generate some comments

[@fergusonlandmanagementweld1039]

I enjoy getting your video's in my feed, I see old trucks on properties as I'm driving around and I can't help but wonder if they would run, or why they got parked. Lots of great vehicles just left to rot. Keep up the video's.

[@steveainsworth4087]

I had a '79 all jacked up like that with a 300 six cylinder in it, with a 4 sp with the granny gear. Great truck!, Same deal, carb issues, hard starting, but got it figured out till one more kid came along. Taught my then 4 year old son to say, "The men ride around in the truck, and the girls stay home to do dishes." Imagine how well that went over. Then mini van time. ah well......keep up the good work, my friend. Enjoy the vids!

[@Thecraig909]

Now this is my kind of party. 👌🏼

[@jody1skinobe314]

What a cool truck ❤ That utility rear end from that Dodge pickup you did a couple of months ago would be ace on the back of that, and used as your shop truck/rescue vehicle 👍🏼

[@shanco73]

Something about this truck, i love it! I was thinking is that an exhaust leak or an engine knock, i think exhaust leak... Great work and happy to hear that there will be more of this truck to come! Have a great week Dylan. Thanks for great content always!

[@loafandjug321]

That's a 1979 F150. The grill headlights are 79 and the drivers side gas cap is on the bed. The 1977 backwards had the gas tank behind the seat and the gas cap on the cab behind drivers door. I had a 1978 lifted f150 4x4 on 33s, no matter where I drove that truck someone would always try and buy it. It got to the point where we would joke about going to find a buyer for the truck instead of saying I'm going to the grocery store, out to eat, work, etc... Do a complete rebuild, 33s, lift, dark tint windows, you can sell that truck 3 times a day, everyday, lol. Also watch out for death wobble, rebuild 100% of the suspension.

[@rexkean]

Had one of these back in the early 80's. 360, with a 3 spd on the column. Gave it to my dad, and he drove it for another 6 yrs, until the rear diff went out. Tough old trucks!

[@markmontgomery8466]

Nice old truck those cabs with the lights are getting harder to find by the day. I like the look of the 74 split grill better than the flat 78 79 grills. Thanks for another great video man

[@fgialcgorge7392]

I'm addicted to these old dentsides. I've currently got 3, all with FE's. The 390 is probably my favorite engine, period. All you have to do is the basic stuff and they'll run.

[@cougar9902]

Now that's one big bad ass Ford. Keep it up yo!