Help.."on the fence"

[Mickey Bitsko]

Hey ya'll, For a bout 4 years I've been looking for a 78-79 f-150/250, well one came along. 78' f-250 super cab 400/4sp. 4x4 pretty much stock and pretty much pristine. asking $6500 or trade for ranger
This would be a DD for me.
cons: no a/c but plumbed for it, 8-10 mpg's,[ top speed with any kind of mpg's 55-60] Two gas takes only one works[no biggie]
Pros: easy to work on , and everything is MANUAL [I like]. a boat load of power and torque.

I have 2000 xlt sport ext cab 160k on the od. And runs great 16-20mpg A/C and cruises @ 70mph.
I do tow 2 atv's a lot in the spring/summer/fall. and getting a little concerned about the tranny[5r55e though it's not giving me any trouble at this time.
I need unbiased opinions.. HELP !!!BTW..my wife says if it makes you happy do it. [Not that that matters]...lol

 

[Ozwynn]

a 400 with a 4spd as a daily driver? 8-10 at 55-60 is a very generous estimate. I got closer to 6 rolling on 265/75/16 with 3.55/4spd/400...... but I lived in a mountainous area.....

excellent truck to have in the stable and it has power for days, it could pull a building if you could wrap a chain around it..... but not as a daily driver. If you do trade for it then get a small car for a daily driver. I paid $1000 for my 2000 buick regal and get 22 around town/27 on the hwy.... save the truck for doing truck stuff

 

[ab_slack]

If I recall correctly 78 was the last year trucks were allowed regular gasoline while for cars it was 74 I believe. I know our 78 Surburban took 89 octane regular. If that is the case with the ford, plus is no cat. Minus, if original engine, you probably need to use mid grade I imagine. Also pre-unleaded wasn't the lead important for cooling of the valves so older engines are at risk for burning up valves?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Unless you drive very rarely it will eat you alive for a dd.

Dad has an '80 400/4spd... it really really needs a fifth on the highway. And that can be done down the road if you want.

 

[Ozwynn]

If I recall correctly 78 was the last year trucks were allowed regular gasoline while for cars it was 74 I believe. I know our 78 Surburban took 89 octane regular. If that is the case with the ford, plus is no cat. Minus, if original engine, you probably need to use mid grade I imagine. Also pre-unleaded wasn't the lead important for cooling of the valves so older engines are at risk for burning up valves?

My 76 and 77 both said unleaded fuel only.... 76 F100 started with a 302 and the 77 F150 had a 400.

 

[96Indyram]

I would trade in a heartbeat. How often do you find a pristine 78 4x4 f250?
You can always get another ranger later...there everywhere!

 

[RonD]

I would do the trade.

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

I would trade in a heartbeat. How often do you find a pristine 78 4x4 f250?
You can always get another ranger later...there everywhere!

This is very true , i've been lookin along time for one this pristine. I'm going to test drive etc.etc. next week and if I do it I'll post pics.

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Unless you drive very rarely it will eat you alive for a dd.

Dad has an '80 400/4spd... it really really needs a fifth on the highway. And that can be done down the road if you want.

I live in the mountains at 7200' and from my house to town is 6-7 mi.uphill all the way there max hiway speed is 60. I'm sure the 250 has 4:10 [not positive but pretty sure]
my ranger 3:73 , be a welcome change with a little torque.

 

[Mark_88]

As much as your heart desires this truck...I'd stick with the Ranger. Main reason being the gas consumption and DD requirement. Unless you actually buy a small car as someone suggested for DD and use the truck strictly for truck stuff.

I couldn't see where you are from in your details but anywhere there is winter there is salt...would you really want to DD a pristine truck and have it rust out on you in 5 years? I know they are big, tough trucks that weather very well, but if you are doing this for your heart you really have to consider what you are going to put it through and the amount of gas you will require...

So, maybe more details on your area, how far you will be DDing it and how often you actually tow your ATVs might help others to put in their 2¢ worth...

I bought a pristine Suzuki Sidekick that I thought would last forever...it only took 6 years of winter driving to destroy some critical points on the body...like the mounts.

 

[Ozwynn]

there are still places in Oregon and Washington that don't salt.

 

[Mark_88]

I'm sure there are many places that don't and he may live somewhere that doesn't even get winter so I thought it might help...Ontario is one of the saltiest places on earth but they've started using some chemicals that leave a fluffy sort of power on the garage floor...it can't be good for the vehicles...I think there is a, ahem, conspiracy, to destroy all the vehicles so we have to buy new ones.

 

[Mac]

We had a '79' 400/auto but 4x2 and it never left the house unless it was going to haul something heavy. I had a D-50 4x4 that was just great for runs that need light hauling and wife/me both had cars for normal stuff. Just figure that the F150/250 is going to cost twice as much to run for gas.
Dave

 

[Ozwynn]

I'm sure there are many places that don't and he may live somewhere that doesn't even get winter so I thought it might help...Ontario is one of the saltiest places on earth but they've started using some chemicals that leave a fluffy sort of power on the garage floor...it can't be good for the vehicles...I think there is a, ahem, conspiracy, to destroy all the vehicles so we have to buy new ones.

we are in agreement sir

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

I'm sure there are many places that don't and he may live somewhere that doesn't even get winter so I thought it might help...Ontario is one of the saltiest places on earth but they've started using some chemicals that leave a fluffy sort of power on the garage floor...it can't be good for the vehicles...I think there is a, ahem, conspiracy, to destroy all the vehicles so we have to buy new ones.

Where we live they use magnesium chloride in place of salt it's supposed to be more environmentally friendly don't know bout that but definitely vehicle friendly.