pic of my truck-

[jethro]

getting a 1-st gen ready to go into this thing.
I have overhauled the whole front axle area- (4 wheel drive) and brakes.
New stock ford clutch. Has 6 speed ZF-6 - 3.73 and 33 inch tires. (from previous owner) and 6 inch lift.
May lower it some later- maybe
Truck has about 175k miles ( ex-6liter) and engine has about 50K.
once engine is in - will build new trans. crossmember.
Doing new 60 lb valve springs, new head gasket- head studs- 3200 gov. spring..... correct paint-
maybe upgraded turbo- ( has h1c)
probably build a 5 inch exhaust.

Hope to get GOOD mileage. (25 at least)

Will be a work truck and all round utility truck. should go up-hill in the mountains without puking- like most cars.



(thanks for everybodys help here too !)

cheers-
tim

[oldestof11]

Jethro, Looks like a great project.

Why are you hoping for 25mpg?

[CumminsPower59]

Looks pretty clean. From my experience with 7.3/6.0/6.4 F550's, the body's hold up pretty darn well, even with 350k+ on them. I'm not a huge Ford fan, but Ford got the body right on those Super Duty's, as in durability.

[PToombs]

A 4 inch exhaust is plenty up to about 600 hp or if you are running big twins. You may want to stick with the 4 inch to get around stuff on the way thru. Just a helpful hint.

[jethro]

Yes- I could do 4 inch exhaust- probably be stainless tubing- (thinking of 5 to further reduce back pressure)
You think 5 inch would be past point of diminishing returns ?
The body is in pretty great shape- only the tinyists of dents- only rust anywhere is on the inside of the frame rail on the drivers side - about a 1 foot section- easy enough to clean and ospho and paint.
The previous owner was a heavy diesel mechanic. That may have helped.

Am hoping to get good mileage - because I LIKE good mileage- and from what I have read I believe I have all the
ingredients for possibly good mileage. (except narrow tires and maybe a 7 hole injector- has stock now)
Thought I will keep stock injectors, turbo ect- until I see what it does mileage-wise.
I wont be disappointed if I get anything over 20. Hoping for 25-28

Ford doesn't do everything great on the chassis - but much is good. Don't like the disposable , narrow front axle bearing cartridges- they don't rust too easy- used to have galvanized bodys- (don't know if they still do that)
cant change just the rubber boots on the steering arms-

Fun project so far !
tim

[oldestof11]

550hp Cummins use a 4" exhaust.

[fatty]

Ron Allen put 1200 hp through a four inch in his 1992. Doubt he cared about mileage much though.

[RCCUMMINS89]

I would realistically expect no more than 18-20 out of a Fummins. I don't think I know anyone who has gotten better.

[jethro]

My chevy Tahoe gets about 11 mpg That is part of why I am building this truck.
I am pissed -off at Detroit ! 11 mpg in the stupid Tahoe and I cant even haul a sheet of plywood !!!!!!

I will be OK with 20 MPG ! Like to do a little better -

OK - sounds like 5 inch exh. is stupid overkill. Probably make a nice sound though
(wont yall help me feed my addiction even just a little bit? )

Tim

[RCCUMMINS89]

Oh, I know.... it keeps me up at night with how bad these new cars get for fuel economy. When some cars should get 45 and they barely crack 30.


And 5" sounds sweet. Anything over 4 is not necessary, but 5 sounds better.

[meby]

I get 40 mpg in my minivan.

[oldestof11]

My chevy Tahoe gets about 11 mpg That is part of why I am building this truck.
I am pissed -off at Detroit ! 11 mpg in the stupid Tahoe and I cant even haul a sheet of plywood !!!!!!

I will be OK with 20 MPG ! Like to do a little better -

OK - sounds like 5 inch exh. is stupid overkill. Probably make a nice sound though
(wont yall help me feed my addiction even just a little bit? )

Tim

Before 2000 body style? My boss got 17mpg with the 5.3L driving in town

[PToombs]

(wont yall help me feed my addiction even just a little bit? )
Tim

And 5" sounds sweet. Anything over 4 is not necessary, but 5 sounds better.

Well Tim, I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I have 5 inch stacks on my 1st gen and 6 inchers on my 2nd. The 2nd gen sounds way better and more like a big rig with the 6's than the 1st gen does. So there, put on what you want, it is your truck any ways.

I was just trying to save you a few bucks and 4 inch is a little easier to work with.

[DMan1198]

I Sure do like the 5" on my 4th gen. That along with the s400 just makes for a hella deep exhaust note, and it even has a muffler that doesn't seem to do much

[jethro]

What if got a 26 gallon drum and used it for a resonator ?
Just kidding----- I think ....... ? (would that sound cool ? )

The crappy mileage is an 04 Tahoe with a 5.3 vortec. Lots of power (for a gasser) Been pretty trouble-free
so far. The sheriff here has them and they get about 10 mpg. I will like it better as a second vehicle.

My local alro-plus just got some stainless tubing in in several sizes but I havnt priced it yet ......

Wow- 6 inch exhaust.....
I guess I really wont have all that much length......

tim