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sws55 04-09-2009 21:38:33 173.17.179.101 3331 Report to Moderator

Ken, I had a much lighter version of your truck, a 1986 F-150 4x4 with similar Minnesota rusting (85% rust free!). To be safe, you might want to inspect your steel brake lines for rust spots and pits, or carry a bottle of brake fluid just to be safe. My little truck always pulled well and had good strong brakes to match. Your's should be a great hauler! But back in 1997 I had a steel brake line on the rear axle let go on that '86 F-150 while I was helping someone move from St. Paul to Hutchinson, on a Sunday afternoon naturally. The brakes were spongy and about gone when I limped into Hutch down shifting to slow down before braking, the dashboard brake warning light burning solidly. Luckly a NAPA store was open and I bought a couple bottles of brake fluid. The 75 mile trip home was without a load and on flat roads, but it still wasn't any fun. Stopped to top off the master brake cylinder several times along the way when the brake warning light started blinking. The brake line was inexpensive to get fixed, around $50 at that time. I wouldn't wish a trip like that on anyone especially with a heavy trailer in traffic. Good luck and happy hauling! [Reply]   [No Email]