The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '79 inline 6?

I am beginning the great teardown this winter, but need the 2nd car/beater truck to haul parts around in and all that. My friends dad is willing to sell me cheap a f*** f-150 that is his daily driver (he just finished his suburban). But I'll be the first to admit I don't know squat about 'em. It has a 4.9l inline six? Anyone know anything about 'em? Work truck, rough shape, but seems alright mechanically.
I don't need 2 broken trucks, but can't afford anything newer or nicer.
It might be a f*** but it'll be giving it's life for my camper deluxe.
Thanks all

That engine is the **** 300 cid six, very common and a good workhorse. Plenty of torque. Not bad, a lot of people get a lot of miles out of this motor. There are some performance parts available. I would go for it.

Meat the 300 FQRD six is a durable motor.If its fuel injected(79 not likely) it will be even better(run as good as a 5.0 v-8) as the carbed ones do have some drivabilty issuies.(nothing major just stumbles and stuff) The truck however has big problems with the frontend if its a twin I-beam. If its off just a little it will eat tires like there is no tommorow.Most shops dont know how to fix them as the beams need to be bent.For a beater and if its cheap go for it.Just check all the tierods and pins berofr you start driven it cause they really do have a crummy frontend.

[ 11-12-2001: Message edited by: Phat ]

Thanks a lot, it is always more comfortable to know what to look for.

Meat, I've got that engine in my '95 F150. I've put on 145,000. I've got the manual 5-speed. Good zip on the highway, MPG runs between 18-22. Other than regular maintenance, never had to touch the engine. Tows like a trooper.