The eco-cheapo-franken-F350

[funkhoss]

Cool! Looks like it's about $90 in USD, which isn't bad at all. I don't know if it would be worth changing mine now, but if I had known about this option when I put the truck together I probably would have tried to source one of these levers.

[freebeard]

The search term is 'cutting brake':

MotorTrend
Cutting Brakes - 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine - MotorTrend
Cutting brakes are a system of levers, switches, or pedals that allow you to lock up individual brakes in order to stop one wheel and then use the other wheels to drive the vehicle, thus pivoting ...

[funkhoss]

Originally Posted by freebeard

The search term is 'cutting brake':

Yes, I'm familiar with the term. Unfortunately, results from Portuguese-language shopping sites didn't appear when I Googled it, for some reason.

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

The steering box has play adjusters...

I tightened the steering box a little bit earlier this week, making sure not to over-tighten it. It made a noticeable difference. Thanks again for the tip!

[Phileaux4]

Excellent! With a bit more extrapolation you could publish.

[Nissandriver]

Originally Posted by funkhoss

There’s much more that I could say, but this post is already far too long.

I don't think it's too long. I read and enjoyed every bit of it. I admire your work. I wish I actually liked mechanic work. I do it for no more reason than the savings.

If you were to drive the truck a lot, I'd do the aero work too.

34.67 mpg is excellent. The best I could reproduce with my 1991 Toyota pickup (2.4L I4 5 speed) was 35-36 mpg. That was empty, tailgate down, and a steady 55 mph. I did get unusually high mileage once. I got 41 mpg driving Hwy. 60 from central NM to Amarillo, TX. I had a 40 mph tailwind at least 75% of the way.

It's a shame nobody anymore seems to make a full size pickup with a long bed, regular cab, 2wd. I've been looking for one of those or an Isuzu NPR diesel. I never could justify buying a large pickup but I've begun to think I could make good use one.

[me and my metro]

Very nice I love your projects.

[nella]

Great build, the dual transmission concept is super clean.

For power steering, consider the Prius EPS setup. It’s an electric column-mounted unit and is often used in classic car swaps since it doesn’t require hydraulic lines or a pump.