1977 Ford F350 Ranger ZLT Camper Special from North America - Comments

16th Jul 2001, 03:48

"Big, tough truck proves versatile and fun"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

A/C charge.

Carburettor.

Water pump.

Headlight switch.

Turn signal cancel.

General comments?

This is one tough truck. Push on the go pedal and it _goes_. The 460 will tow anything with (or without) wheels, and the exhaust note is heavenly.

The handling is, of course, truck-like. It won't be winning any slalom competitions, but as trucks go, it isn't exceptionally bad.

Stopping power is more than adequate thanks to massive disc brakes in front, and equally massive drums in the rear.

It IS thirsty (13 MPG is probably as high as it gets), but dual factory tanks add convenience; a switch on the instrument panel controls an electronic solenoid to switch between tanks while on the move.

Fit and finish are all what you'd expect from a '70's truck: lots of metal held together with big bolts and welds.

Aside from my own doings (letting it sit for almost a year), it has been amazingly reliable in nearly all areas except for the carb, which has been trouble from day one.


19th Jul 2002, 20:09

I'm assuming you have a Motorcraft carb and it's probably a variable venturi carb. This carb doesn't even make a good wall ornament, throw it away! Most states will allow you to "retrofit" a new carb to your truck. I use the Edelbrock carb and it has been reliable and very good driveability wise. There are smog legal versions.


11th Nov 2002, 06:00

I agree. I replaced the Motorcraft 2bbl on the 400cu in my 82 F350 with a 600cfm Edlebrock and Intake. That not only greatly increased starting and running, but my mileage went from 9MPG to 12. Had I spent the extra money for the Automatic Choke I would have been better off.

Other than carb problems it was a solid runner.


10th Apr 2007, 18:16

I just purchased a 1977 F350 Camper Special in norhtern MI, so far she's great, aside from the MPG. Any suggestions on the sloppy steering, or is this a trade mark of the old Fords?

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