'85 W150 needs some TLC
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From:
'85 W150 needs some TLC
Ok, I'm a gearhead from way back, started by watching my Dad work on his junkers when I was knee high to a grasshopper so I' competent to do the work but I'm a bit stumped as to where to start.
I have an '85 W150 that needs some work.
1. I already put a 360 in it but the motor doesn't seem to make the power it should. It has a 500 CFM two barrel on it and the accelerator pump doesn't seem to want to work. I have a 600 CFM four bore I want to put on it but which manifold can I use and keep the factory air conditioner?
2. The front differential has the two piece axle set up (forget what that thing is called) but it quit working on a hunting trip. I rigged it with a screw through the diaphragm and I am wondering if I can leave it engaged or will it ruin something. I can obviously leave the transfer case disengaged while in 2 high.
3. The exhaust is pretty rigged from the Y connector to the tailpipe. Does anyone sell a decently priced mail order exhaust for this truck anymore?
4. The interior is getting pretty whooped. Anyone have some suggestions for how to improve the creature comforts in one of these old beasts? Anyone have a picture of theirs they would wanna share?
Thanks in advance for any and all replies!
I have an '85 W150 that needs some work.
1. I already put a 360 in it but the motor doesn't seem to make the power it should. It has a 500 CFM two barrel on it and the accelerator pump doesn't seem to want to work. I have a 600 CFM four bore I want to put on it but which manifold can I use and keep the factory air conditioner?
2. The front differential has the two piece axle set up (forget what that thing is called) but it quit working on a hunting trip. I rigged it with a screw through the diaphragm and I am wondering if I can leave it engaged or will it ruin something. I can obviously leave the transfer case disengaged while in 2 high.
3. The exhaust is pretty rigged from the Y connector to the tailpipe. Does anyone sell a decently priced mail order exhaust for this truck anymore?
4. The interior is getting pretty whooped. Anyone have some suggestions for how to improve the creature comforts in one of these old beasts? Anyone have a picture of theirs they would wanna share?
Thanks in advance for any and all replies!
Champion
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,710
Likes: 2
From: Skagit County, WA
RE: '85 W150 needs some TLC
Use the factory cast iron 4bbl manifold. Edelbrock will work, but it's not really any better than the factory stuff, just lighter and more expensive.
A period correct 360 will only make about 160hp with the 2bbl setup iirc. Compression ratio is down around 8.1:1.
There are several options for the axle - pull the cad off and turn the fork around to permanently engage the splines being the easiest. You can also get the 4x4 Posi-lok setup with a cable actuator. If you permanently engage the axle you should either switch to manual hubs or leave the front diff open. I'd put some Warn hubs on to help cut down on driveline drag on paved roads.
Exhaust - No. I would go to a performance shop that does Diesel work and see if they won't sell you a 3" stainless take-off setup from a factory Diesel, then have the Y fabbed up and hangars modified as needed. Or you can buy a generic 3" tailpipe and do the same.
Interior? dunno. JC Whitney?
A period correct 360 will only make about 160hp with the 2bbl setup iirc. Compression ratio is down around 8.1:1.
There are several options for the axle - pull the cad off and turn the fork around to permanently engage the splines being the easiest. You can also get the 4x4 Posi-lok setup with a cable actuator. If you permanently engage the axle you should either switch to manual hubs or leave the front diff open. I'd put some Warn hubs on to help cut down on driveline drag on paved roads.
Exhaust - No. I would go to a performance shop that does Diesel work and see if they won't sell you a 3" stainless take-off setup from a factory Diesel, then have the Y fabbed up and hangars modified as needed. Or you can buy a generic 3" tailpipe and do the same.
Interior? dunno. JC Whitney?