86Bug Truck

Hope all are doing well. Haven't posted an update in awhile, but have I have been busy with the old truck. I finished prime/paint on frame, and got the rebuilt axles and fresh suspension mounted. Engine is out and away for rebuild. Slow and steady progress... Y'all have a great week, Laurie

Update because it was a big weekend. Got the rebuilt diff/axle/brakes back and mounted up And most of weekend was spent uncovering more ugly - removed AC system, radiator and support (and a lot of electrical labeling) Haven't looked real hard, but looks like there's no aftermarket AC option for this model? Oh! And scored a Blue Top Steering Gear - arrived Saturday. Hope y'all have a great week! Laurie

Found a local identical year/model as my project (86 F250 4X4 6.9 IDI) Has a lot less rust damage and a solid bed. It runs, interior is shot, but lots of usable parts. I swear it just kinda followed me home.

Dave - thanks so much! That's really helpful info on the cab (no lift here and a solo adventure). I'm in a similar boat, getting it down to frame and reworking/replacing everything (also learning as I go, so slow progress). It seemed initially there would be lots of aftermarket stuff, but where the engine bay is involved, I'm finding less so for diesel models. Some of these truck's parts are just too far gone to be workable, but I'm hanging on to everything just in case. If you get a chance, would love to see a pic of the finished product. Thanks again, Laurie

Thanks! The way I read the LMC description, it's only for gas engines. Don't know enough to know if that matters, but I figured it wouldn't work. Appreciate the input and leads on radiator stuff.

I'm convinced that somebody could make a good business around modding gas core supports with the drop to fit IDI radiators. (I doubt there's enough in it to justify a set of stamping dies a short run) Maybe Tabco would be willing? Another update on the work. Removed the dash and rest of interior trim (also all door glass after photo was taken) Also pulled steering column, shaft, linkage, power steering pump, and steering gear box yesterday (and right fender). Column is on its way to DRB in VA for a rebuild. Hoping to source a Blue Top soon and still need to figure out what to order to replace the power steering pump. Having heck finding a replacement passenger battery bracket - there wasn't much of one left in the truck. And speaking of hard to find things - looks like the radiator has a "lean" to it? Hope y'all's builds are going just how you want, have a great week, Laurie

Thanks Gary. I didn't have to look too closely though. This is just below the air intake on driver side. The hits keep on coming! LOL Have a great weekend

Just an update for those that might be curious. Found a great diff specialist in San Antonio, dropped the axle off Wednesday, and here's what the inside looks like: A bit of damage to the carrier from the pinion migration, not a huge deal. While they have it, going to do a full rebuild, swap for a long pinion yoke (1350), and upgrade to a helical posi-traction unit - fix it right the first time, yeah? Last few days I've been tearing down the front end. Hoping to salvage that radiator core support - they don't look easy to find for an old 6.9 Y'all have a great weekend, Laurie

Thank everyone for the excellent advice. It's never going to be easier than right now to pull the axle and get it over to a pro for work. And probably a good time to consider upgrades alongside possible repairs. The truck will stay pretty stock suspension-wise, and her days as a hard-using 4x4 and heavy towing vehicle are behind (I have a '12 F250 that handles all that.) I really appreciate hearing y'all's thoughts. I have a great local diesel mechanic who I've known for years - will hit him up tomorrow for recommendations on who can do the diff work. Plenty of other stuff to do on this truck in the meantime... Thanks, Laurie

Thanks for the info Gary! Even though it was bad news. Based on the expertise and equipment involved, I'm thinking a diff rebuild is best left to a specialist, will investigate options this week. Is there any basic diagnosing I can do in the meantime? Pull the pinion and look for damage? Or would the real evidence be inside the case itself? Next phase is start pulling apart the front end body, d/c the cab, and somehow figure out how to get the cab lifted off. Then start again from the frame out, cleaning and identifying problems. Happy Labor Day! Laurie

Been a week and a half, thought I would post some updates. I've primed and painted the rear frame, got new leaf springs and shocks installed. Waiting on Timkens for rear axle/wheel bearings Pulled the rear driveshaft this weekend, and much research/confusion about what to do with the yoke (sounds more complicated than I would have guessed to pull it out and re-install or replace). Also dawned on me after looking at other photos that this nut must have backed itself off considerably. This I suppose explains all the play (and partially a destroyed needle bearing cup in u joint). Got some Moog u joints on order. I understand there's a longer yoke that would be an upgrade, so may just try to remove this, confirm length, and order accompanying seal and bearing. More reading ahead, lol Oh, but the new rims and tires are looking rad!

Thanks guys - I ordered a set last night - hope it does the trick. Appreciate the direction, have a great rest of the week!

Just got a set of MT 3's in for my 86 250 4x4 with 10.25 rear. The wheel studs are 9/16 - was planning on replacing them. Did a quick fitment test on the rims before I mount the tires and ran into a problem: The lugnut is too close a fit in the rim hole (too tight to get a socket in there). The new studs are long enough to clear, just took a quick pic to show lug nut in hole. Has anyone run into this before? Any way to make it work - or ship these back and find new rims? Thanks

Wow - thank you so much for the info and especially the photos - that really helps a lot to visualize. Guess I have more room than I thought. Have an awesome day!

So after A LOT of reading and comparing and crunching (don't know why this is so confusing) I think I have landed on a new rim and tire combo for my old beat up childhood truck. It's an 86 F250 4X4 with stock suspension, 8' bed, sterling 10.25" full floater and TTB up front Rims: Mickey Thompson Classic 3's 16X8" with 4.00 backspace and -12mm offset Tires: BFG KO 2's 285/75-16 (33x11) I am certain the rims and tires will get along, and I am *pretty* sure I won't have any clearance issues on the truck. I am also looking at doing a Lugnut 4x4 rear disc brake conversion, and hoping that won't cause an issue. Any big red flags before I pull the trigger? Thanks guys