INFORMATION ON THE ANTIQUE 6.9 F-350 4X4 PLEASE

[Lone Ranger]

Help please, there is no postings on the 6.9s for 30 days, no one might notice so I am putting my question here about restoring an antique...

I have a chance to buy a 1986 F-350 Dually CC 4x4 Auto, called "Centurion". I am thinking about restoring it to NEW CONDITION if I buy it. Can anyone tell me about these trucks Please?

1) Fuel consumption on the 6.9 non Turbo diesel? Good or Bad?
2) Weaknesses in these trucks in body or running gear?
3) Front end looks a bit different, is that front diff OK?
4) Transfer Case OK in these trucks?
5) Could I buy a new or good rebuilt 6.9? Or is it just getting to old?
6) It has a C-6 auto in it, supposedly upgraded with a tow package... If the 6.9 is tired would a non turbo 7.3 fit in the bolt patterns?

Overall what is their reputation in the U.S.A.? This was a Texas Truck, no rust, straight body, and I was thinking of a full restoration to as new condition with NO ELECTRONICS on board.... A work horse for the remotest part of the Outback.. What do you think??????????????????

Thank you very much for your response, in advance, , from Australia
lone Ranger (old fashioned diesel 4x4 lunatic)

[Fireman5606]

Well, the independent front suspension that was used on those trucks worked well. The only trouble with them that I know of is alignment...good luck. The 6.9 is still available from a few places as an exchange crate engine usually around $3500 for the complete engine (minus alt,a/c, pwr steering etc) however I would replace it with a 7.3 IDI non-turbo, or if you get lucky you might find a 7.3 IDI with a turbo ford did make them as well, just weren't very popular around the eastern end of the US anyway. As for fuel consumption on the 6.9 I am not sure...my Father still runs a 1993 F-350 with a 7.3 IDI non-turbo and is getting around 17 miles per gallon with an overdrive auto tranny. My guess would be around 15mpg or so with the C-6.
Hope this may have helped a little I am sure there are plenty of others on here with more useful info. Good luck with the restore. post some pics when u can.

[Hazcat@charter.net]

My dad has a 87 f-350 6.9 dually 4x2 we use to pull one of our cargo trailers, with the c6 and 4.10s, and a banks kit. plenty of power for a 10k trailer. pulling we get around 14/15, mostly town driving. A c6 tranny is hard to kill. I like the 6.9 it is the same block as the 7.3 so it should be interchangeable. there is a aftermarket turbo for the 6.9, I have seen them, I found one on ebay for like 600. I decided against it as I have way to many projects.

Centurion is well know for upgrading fords (they made a 4 door bronco) everything I have ever seen them do has been really nice.

sorry I don't know about the 4x4 set ups in the f-350s of those years. I have a 89 gas full size 4x4 bronco with the twin I beam set up, with c6 tranny and never had a problem and I run 35s with an open front and a locker in the back.
hope this helps

[bigcountrysg]

The 6.9L was a good solid engine. How ever they were not very powerful. They also are not that buildable. But it should not leave you on the side of the road broken either.