Tow rig Qs

[greenjeep]

So, I just traded my brother in law my old XJ for his '94 F-350 single wheel, and I have some questions.

Besides wondering how he ever stopped it or steered it, since I've had it I've replaced the TREs which were ALL shot, put in a new brake booster and MC, replaced the rotors and pads on the front, and virtually everything on the rear drums. Also did a full tune up including plugs, wires, cap and rotor. Changed oil and filter, all other fluids look fine, remarkably enough. Anything else I should do before I start hauling the CJ all over the West?

My other question: According to my BIL (who is known to over-exaggerate things, especially about his truck!), the guy he bought it from ordered it custom from the factory with a "2 ton undercarriage" so it's basically a "550 with a 350 body". Anybody ever heard of that, if so what exactly does it mean? It's 4-wheel drive with a 460 and automatic, again supposedly a 6 speed auto, 4 speed with overdrive and, "an extra low first gear which kicks down only when it's in low range". Any possibility of that?

Axles look like a 60/70, but again, "might be a 70/80", I don't know 70s well and can't tell between a 60 and 70.

Here's pics so I can get your expert opinions.

460

Front axle 60/70?

Rear 70/80?

Any ideas on t-case?

Mysterious trans

Damn long truck!

Thanks!

 

[BCGPER]

I take it, your BIL holds some sort of political office? If not, he was born too.





Pretty much everything he said was false, but it looks like a decent truck none the less.

 

[Tacoma]

Yeah, he's a smokeblower of considerable powers.

Looks like a 60/Sterling to me. Whatever BW case Ford used. The 460 might catch on fire-- Google for the story and the fix, not a huge deal.

I think you have a decent one-ton tow rig that will serve you well.

 

[SLC97SR5]

I don't know much about these Trucks but in the intake there is a restricter/silencer that you can cut out for better throttle response and HP.

Follow the 2 intake tubes out of the throttle body and remove the plastic unit that attaches those hoses to the the 2 hoses that connect to the air cleaner. When you look inside it you will see what needs to be trimmed,

I recently acquired a 1994 CC long bed 7.3 Turbo and they are long suckers!

 

[greenjeep]

So, school me on a Sterling rear. I've heard of them, but don't know much; comparable to a D70/14b right, just less parts availability?

Any guess on what trans or t-case?

 

[bryson]

So, school me on a Sterling rear. I've heard of them, but don't know much; comparable to a D70/14b right, just less parts availability?

Any guess on what trans or t-case?

Technically they aren't Sterling axles... they are Ford corporate axles, but everyone calls them Sterlings...I don't remember why. 10.25" ring gear, o-ring sealed shafts (at the outer flanges,) super beefy hub seals, and big shafts. Good axles, several locker/gear options if you're interested, and parts availability isn't bad at all. Strength-wise it is comparable to a 70/14b.

Trans is likely a E4OD, and the t-case I believe is a BW 1356...

The BIL is full of $hit...It is just a 1-ton truck with 1-ton running gear...But, the HP60 front and 10.25 rear will never leave you wanting for more, t-cases are stout, and the trans (4spd auto including 1 overdrive gear, and only 1 1st gear...) isn't too bad.

 

[I Lean]

Technically they aren't Sterling axles... they are Ford corporate axles, but everyone calls them Sterlings...I don't remember why.

Cuz they're made at the Ford Sterling Axle plant, in Michigan. (I think MI anyway...)

 

[bryson]

Cuz they're made at the Ford Sterling Axle plant, in Michigan. (I think MI anyway...)

Yes, that. But Ford never called them sterling axles. Same reason I don't call my Dodge a Mexico Ram.

 

[greenjeep]

Technically they aren't Sterling axles... they are Ford corporate axles, but everyone calls them Sterlings...I don't remember why. 10.25" ring gear, o-ring sealed shafts (at the outer flanges,) super beefy hub seals, and big shafts. Good axles, several locker/gear options if you're interested, and parts availability isn't bad at all. Strength-wise it is comparable to a 70/14b.

Trans is likely a E4OD, and the t-case I believe is a BW 1356...

The BIL is full of $hit...It is just a 1-ton truck with 1-ton running gear...But, the HP60 front and 10.25 rear will never leave you wanting for more, t-cases are stout, and the trans (4spd auto including 1 overdrive gear, and only 1 1st gear...) isn't too bad.

Perfect, thanks! So axles are good, trans and t-case so-so? I ask because I hope to someday swap the drivetrain minus the 460 into a crawler.

 

[BlackDog]

that 1356 has a reduction rate of 2.89:1... coupled with torque converter multiplication, and the nice low first of the E40D which is essentially a Heavy c6 with an OD (.73 ratio btw)... you will be happy with 4 low...

And bell is 460 specific, so you will either use just the axles, or the axles and the t-case if you stay frod for tranny/motor.. but unless you spend eleventy gazillion on adapters made out of unobtainium, you aint gonna use trans/t-case as part of your drivetrain w/o the 460 in front of it!

Solid truck, I had an IDI of that vintage, and my Centurion bronc is optioned exact to your truck. pull 10 ish out of it, Dallas to Idaho, with a max weight of 15k, truck, cargo, and loaded traielr... was pretty happy with that actually.

< In fact, avatar pic is in Colorado, 3 or so hours east of fruita, and approximately 2.5 hours east fo where the trans started to eff up... which, was also 20 some odd hours form home.. that was amemorable experience. And them are Chevycrew's 42" swampers on the roof.

 

[Tacoma]

Yes, that. But Ford never called them sterling axles. Same reason I don't call my Dodge a Mexico Ram.

Worth noting just to differentiate between Sterling Trucks and the Sterling axle.

Dave-- run it!

 

[Rot Box]

I agree with everyone's reply's ^

Great truck for sure--very durable and reliable. Do not try to get more (substantial...) power or better fuel mileage out of the EFI 460--it isn't going to happen. And get used to the annoying exhaust manifold leak If it doesn't have one now it will happen soon!!!

Again the entire drive-train is very stout and should have no problem towing your rig whatsoever. A good tune up and a transmission flush (no chemicals) will go a long ways. Also a trans temp and vacuum (to monitor vacuum to brakes) would be a good idea.

Andrew