Instructions call for furing strip at the bottom. Could I just rip a
hardeeplank up in a 1 inch widths and nail that to the edge of the 2x4
framing?


Yes, if you are talking about starter strips at the bottom plate.

Gracias.

However it'll be a lot easier to just buy some 1 1/2 X 1/4" treated
lath at lowes or HD to use as a starter strip. I just finished
residing my house and I'd hate to think of ripping 1" strips for the
whole perimeter! Dust, dust, dust...