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One more thing that came to mind with this truck specific to the 79 model year.
This was the first year the ford installed cat's and air pumps, and a bunch of other breathing, circulating, and efficiency reducing gadgets.
Usually a properly tuned engine with an after market high quality cat will pass a smog test, but if not, everything needs to be fixed. Several system's with vacuum lines, belts, and pulleys will likely need replacement.
If you are unsure of the exhaust in any way, replace the cat back, most OEM manifolds I've seen were still intact, it's the crap afterwards that needs replacement. If it still has a stock cat, it needs replacement.
Sometimes the 'good' shade tree mechanic...I count myself in that group, does more harm then good ;-)
I've learned the hard way about several of these projects.
The Ford elimination kit is a popular option, and really improves efficiency, particularly in the MPG measurement. These systems must be eliminated cleanly, effected hoses and valves removed, and open vacuum connections plugged.
The carb is particularly susceptible to things since it has vacumm advance, secondaries, choke, and multiple idle parameters. Must make sure everything has vacuum to them afterwards.
With a new after market cat, and the ford elimination kit. I have passed inspection.
best,
-bear
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