Moving across the country

classic67 · Post by **classic67** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 2:29 am

Good evening gents
Ive got a few questions regarding our trucks. So in a couple years im moving from mid Wisconsin to northern Montana. With modern cars this trip would not even be a challenge. I rolled my 04 f150 this past fall so now the job of pulling my car and motorcycle falla to my old 67. Its not in great shape by any means but runs decent. What can I upgrade withing reason before my pilgrimage? It's a 390 4spd geared low. It has an edelbrock 650 carb and headers. I figure running 62 mph wohld be doable pulling a subaru and a 600 pound motorcycle. I think Uhaul trailers arw only rated for 55 anyway. Any info would be great

sparky72 · Post by **sparky72** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 12:19 pm

Not necessarily an exhaustive list, but I would:

1. Go through every bit of the brake system, check everything and replace as needed. New fluid.

2. Inspect the hitch and frame where it mounts for serious rust or other damage.

3. Change the fluid in the trans and diff.

4. Check shocks and replace if needed. Depending on how much tongue weight you’re looking at, some air-adjustable shocks might be worth looking at.

5. Check steering and suspension components. Bushings, king pins, etc. Check the steering gear and rag joint too. The last thing you want is wandering steering.

6. Make sure your radiator is good too. Might be worth installing an overflow tank so if you do get too hot, you don’t puke out too much coolant.

If you wanted to go all-out, it might be worth looking into adding a sway bar.

None of those are in order though. The main thing is that you want it to steer and stop predictably, IMO.

classic67 · Post by **classic67** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 12:46 pm

Thank you for the reply. The radiator and water pump are new. The shocks are new. Maybe ill dig into new leaf springs. It does have wandering steering i just thought it was the twin ibeam. I looked on lmc and i didnt see anything on the rag joint being serviceable. All fluid will be changed. Should I consider auxilary fans to help cool when going across the cont divide? It doesnt have a hitch so that will be new.

sparky72 · Post by **sparky72** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 2:17 pm

These trucks do wander some by nature, but extra slop in the linkages, gear, and joint don’t help. There are some threads on here (and over at ford-trucks) about the rag joint. If I recall correctly there is a NAPA part that works. That’s only if yours needs replacing, though.

As far as extra fans, I would think that once you’re up to speed, most of the airflow through the radiator is from the truck’s motion, not the fan. If your shroud is in good shape I probably wouldn’t worry. However, do you have AC? That could be a concern, since the condenser sits in front of the radiator.

classic67 · Post by **classic67** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 2:59 pm

I dont have a shroud and no extra stuff ac or ps. Just an alternator

Ohiotinkerer · Post by **Ohiotinkerer** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:41 pm

Rag joint part is Rare Parts RP17832........Amazon has it for about $42 shipped......same part from NAPA is over $100........

sparky72 · Post by **sparky72** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:47 pm

Ohiotinkerer wrote:Rag joint part is Rare Parts RP17832........Amazon has it for about $42 shipped......same part from NAPA is over $100........

Wow! Never mind

classic67 · Post by **classic67** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 7:10 pm

Thank you i will look into that.

Mach428 · Post by **Mach428** » Thu Apr 09, 2020 2:41 pm

Persoanlly, I wouldn't drive it that far. Have you checked into transport? Compare the cost of an open transport with the cost of fuel and possible breakdowns in driving yourself. I've shipped Mustangs across country several times. My concern was; what will I do if my vehicle breaks down in BFE and I'm at the mercy of some local repair shop. I could easily spend twice as much as just using professional transport. I've used Reliable based in Orlando but they ship everywhere. Super people to deal with.

sargentrs · Post by **sargentrs** » Thu Apr 09, 2020 5:14 pm

For a little inspiration, this great old fellow drove his '68 F350 dually from California to Boston and back along Route 66 to deliver his son's stuff (Way to go, Jim!).
http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =2&t=88121

Johnnewc · Post by **Johnnewc** » Thu Apr 09, 2020 10:25 pm

I drive my F100 every single day with no issues. If I were you I would bring some extra coolant, fan belt, points, sparkplugs and condenser. I carry these things everywhere in my truck anyways. You can never be too prepared. Bring some tools too. If you don't take it cross country when you get to your destination with it sitting on a trailer you'll probably wish you drove it. It will be a fun adventure you never know when you'll get another chance to drive it cross country again. Just drive like its 1967 and not 2020 and you'll be fine.

jamesdfo · Post by **jamesdfo** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:06 pm

**See thread in link pasted in below, you can get the rag separately, no need to try & source the whole thing......

http://www.slick60s.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=37921

**google the part No in the thread, there are even better deals than the price in the link!

classic67 wrote:Thank you for the reply. The radiator and water pump are new. The shocks are new. Maybe ill dig into new leaf springs. It does have wandering steering i just thought it was the twin ibeam. I looked on lmc and i didnt see anything on the rag joint being serviceable. All fluid will be changed. Should I consider auxilary fans to help cool when going across the cont divide? It doesnt have a hitch so that will be new.

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