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1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Project

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Rembrant

1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Project

This post was updated on .

As some of you may know I have been roaming the countryside looking for another Bullnose. What exactly I wanted was never really clear, but I have more or less been looking for a 300/6 truck, preferably a 4x4 short wheelbase....but that has just been impossible to find, especially at the prices I'm willing to pay. I later changed my mind and decided to just look for the parts to do a 4x4 swap on my '84 2wd Flareside at a later date. Next winter maybe.

Anyway, I ended up buying a 1985 F150 reg cab LWB 4x4. It has a non running 302 EFI with an AOD trans behind that. It has 3.55 open diffs (8.8 rear). The body is bad, but the frame and running gear appear to be in decent condition at a glance. Cab floor is rusted badly, as they all get around here.

Plans are not 100% known at this point. I may just part it out and keep what I want off of it. Once I get a better look over it, I'll see if I can fix the cab floor. It wouldn't be allowed on the road here with the floor in the condition it's in.

What I do need to do is get the 302 EFI running. Whether I part it out or keep it, I need to know if the thing runs OK. Apparently it is not getting any fuel. That's all I know at this point.

Any words of wisdom from the EFI experts on where one would begin?

1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

grumpin

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Congrats! I think!

On the EFI, my 92 Bronco has a test port on the fuel rail where you can see the fuel pressure with a test gauge. If you have one on the 85 I would start there.

My Bronco was hard to start when cold when I got it. Got a good deal IMO. It ended up being a bad coil.

I ended up getting a code reader like below that has been a great help.

https://www.innova.com/en-US/Product/Detail/3145?r=0.33925862207167196

Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona

Rembrant

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

grumpin wrote

Congrats! I think!

On the EFI, my 92 Bronco has a test port on the fuel rail where you can see the fuel pressure with a test gauge. If you have one on the 85 I would start there.

My Bronco was hard to start when cold when I got it. Got a good deal IMO. It ended up being a bad coil.

I ended up getting a code reader like below that has been a great help.

https://www.innova.com/en-US/Product/Detail/3145?r=0.33925862207167196

Interesting. I keep seeing those #3145 code readers for sale online for $20 used and was wondering if the 85 era EFI Fords had any code storing capabilities....

The other one I see fairly often is the Equus 3007 model...

https://www.ebay.com/p/Equus-Model-3007-Ford-Computer-ECM-Code-Reader-1981-1995/663190544

Gary Lewis

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Administrator

In reply to this post by Rembrant

Yes - congrat's, I think.

On EFI, I really don't know much. But here's some info: http://www.garysgaragemahal.com/efi.html

With the truck being a long-bed you'll need to acquire a different rear driveshaft. And if the AOD is a different length than an M5OD you'll need a different front driveshaft. Right?

Speaking of the tranny, any thought of using the AOD? If not won't you need to find a 4wd M5OD?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Rembrant

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Gary Lewis wrote

On EFI, I really don't know much. But here's some info: http://www.garysgaragemahal.com/efi.html

Gary,

I was just reading through your stuff! Thanks for all the info you have on there.

Won't know more until I get the truck later this week, but I was just studying what I could find on the fuel system to prep myself.

Anyway, it's no big deal. I'll see how bad it is when I dig into it further;). Apparently it was drivable not long ago and was running fine, no smoke, etc. However, now it just cranks & sparks, but no fuel.

NO plans for the AOD just yet Gary....anything is possible. I've collected some parts for a manual swap, so I already have a hydraulic clutch pedal assembly from an 86. We'll see where it ends up, but I'd prefer a manual trans, and it's an easy swap on these trucks.

Rembrant

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

Gary Lewis wrote

Speaking of the tranny, any thought of using the AOD? If not won't you need to find a 4wd M5OD?

Oh...if I convert my 84 to 4x4 then yes, I'd need a 4x4 M5OD or ZF5, whatever.

There is a guy only 10 miles away that has a 4x4 M5OD for sale....or at least he did a week ago.

Have to wait and see where this is going first...lol.

Rembrant

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

In reply to this post by Rembrant

So, here are some pictures of this old pig. It's future is totally unknown at this point and time, but first thing on the agenda is to see if I can get it running. Even if I part it out, a proven running 302 is worth more than one that isn't. This won't be happening quickly. I ordered an 85 FSM that will be at least a week getting here, and I need to order a code reader as well. Once I have the tools, we'll find out why she's not running.
It's as ugly as sin, but if it will run and drive down the road on it's own, I'll see what's worth fixing and what isn't. It was apparently running smoke free and driving fine, but then just wouldn't start one day. I really only bought it for the 4x4 running gear and other odds and ends (one stop shopping...lol)....the 2 new front fenders and SRW are items I can use. Maybe some others.

Oh well...brain damage...

Gary Lewis

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Administrator

You are absolutely right - it is UGLY! However, there are LOTS of good parts on there.

And if you can get it running then it'll be worth far more that if not. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

grumpin

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

In reply to this post by Rembrant

It's a gem!

Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona

Rembrant

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

Gary Lewis wrote

You are absolutely right - it is UGLY! However, there are LOTS of good parts on there.

And if you can get it running then it'll be worth far more that if not. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Yes sir, you're right. I dunno...around here a non-running 302 with unknown history is only worth it's weight in scrap metal. At least if it is running I can check/verify compression and oil pressure, and it's value will increase...at least a little bit...lol.

Is that the 1985 pressure sensitive trim I've read you guys talking about Gary?...lol.

Anyway...all I was really after was the 4x4 running gear. We'll see what happens if we can get the old pig to run.

Gary Lewis

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Administrator

Yes, that's the pressure-sensitive trim.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Rembrant

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

From the Project Definition Department:

I got to spend a (very) little bit of time on this old pig this weekend, and removed about 40 feet of wiring and crap that was just in the way of everything. Removed some of the junk and debris from in the cab and under the hood, etc. Going to start disassembly next week if all goes well. I have a sale pending on the 8 ft box and rear-step bumper. The cab is junk and will be scrapped.

I will be keeping the front clip, frame and running gear, etc. The frame is actually quite good in this truck...better condition than my old Blue Mule. There's just one small spot in need of repair.

Current plan is to remove 16" of wheelbase, and turn it into a Flareside (I still have a second Flareside bed...in need of rehab, but it's mostly all there).

Only thing I am going to need really....and it's a big one, is a replacement cab.

Gary Lewis

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Administrator

Sounds like a plan, Stan. But, will you use the 4wd components on your current Flareside? Or make this one into a 4wd Flareside?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

FuzzFace2

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Floors & rockers are not that hard to replace

Now on the cutting of the frame.
You know the older Fords had a long bed flare side. You can tell them because they have 3 stake pockets on each side. 1 front & rear corners and 1 in the center.

If you have a bed and a half, 2 front cross members for the running board mounts and 4 running boards I think this could be done pretty easily.

Then again I have been told I'm "just not right" LOL
Dave ----

Dave G.
81 F100 flare side 300 six / AA OD / NP435 / 2.75 gear
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1980-Ford-F100?page=1
81 F100 style side 300 six/SROD parts truck -RIP
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1981-Ford-F100

1986F150Six

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Administrator

Thinking "outside of the box" is a good thing!

Frank Wyatt

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

In reply to this post by FuzzFace2

I like that idea! I think it was Studebaker or International that had a 10 foot step side in the forties. I am mostly sure it was Studebaker.

1981 F 150 Custom 300 ci with a fully rebuilt 1968 240 head Carter YFA T-18 3.25 9" rear 2WD
dual gas tanks
1990 Lincoln Town Car 5.0 AOD
Home town Mc Kenzie, TN

Gary Lewis

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Administrator

In reply to this post by FuzzFace2

That's a cool idea! The late 40's/early 50's Chevy trucks had a similar difference in bed length and the # of stake pockets.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Ford F834

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Administrator

In reply to this post by FuzzFace2

Here is a long bed flareside Bullnose someone made... Cory/BlueCollar4xFord wants to do this with his 6.9 IDI.

SHORT BED 4-DOOR DIESEL: 1986 F350 4x4 under construction-- 7.3 IDIT ZF5+GVOD

STRAIGHT SIX 4X4: 1981 F150 2wd to 4x4-- 300 I6 close ratio diesel T19, hydroboost brakes, Saginaw steering

BIG F: 1995 F-Superduty under construction— converting to 6.9L IDI diesel ZF5+DNE2

PetesPonies

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Long bed flare sides were made into the 70s at least. I guess maybe not into the Bullnoses. They are rare. As for your engine, when you turn the key you should hear the pump come on for a second or two,if you hear nothing, start there.

Pete's Ponies
Mustang RUSToration & Performance

1982 F100 Flareside
1983 Bronco

Gary Lewis

Re: 1985 F150 Bullnose 4x4 Donor Project

Administrator

In reply to this post by Ford F834

I'm trying to see it through the exhausts, mirrors, running boards, air horns, visor, etc. And somewhere down there I think there's a nice truck.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

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