[VAC] '66 Ford F-250

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob,

I assume you meant F-250 which is a pickup vice E-250 which is a van.

Check the GVWR rating tag in the driver's door.  It should be 7500 pounds if
it was equipped as the highest capability 3/4 ton Ford of that era.  If it
is less, a rating in the 6200 pound range, it would be a light duty 3/4 ton
p/u which would still be adequate for a smaller and lighter trailer.  The
"one ton drive train" claim may be only sales hype as 3/4 ton and one ton
trucks used the same engines and transmissions, only the rear axle and
springs were higher rated.  The one ton would have also had a thicker
stronger frame, larger brakes, and would require a three point race driver's
harness to keep the driver behind the wheel on a rough road.  If that truck
has a rear axle assembly removed from a one ton as the seller claimed, it
will probably have a 4.56:1 ratio which will have the engine buzzing at
nearly 4000 rpm at 60 - 65 mph.  One ton trucks of that vintage were "fender
side" pickups with 9' beds.

If the truck you are considering has a 351 Cleveland the original engine has
been replaced with a later engine.  A '66 Ford would have been originally
equipped with a 352 ci or possibly a 390 which is the same engine with a
longer stroke.  The 352 and 390 were a different design, reliable but slow
and not fuel efficient.

If the old truck is in good shape it will make a good tow vehicle for your
trailer but it won't be economical, even with 2 barrel carburetor.  You will
need all 60 gallons of $2/gallon gas to tow with it.

A C-6, if that is what it is equipped with, is a very tough old
transmission.  I think it is the basis of the later E4OD overdrive
transmission.

Harvey Barlow