Looking at getting another truck...

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Looking at getting another truck... Some help wanted...

So yea... both my Ranger and my Choptop are down for repairs. My 88 has to disappear soon as the weather permits access to it. And I'm thinking of starting my own business, which would almost demand having at least a fullsize pickup.

So I've started watching for trucks for sale. Of course I want to have a Ford. :laugh: I'm mostly looking at F-150s, but would consider an F-250 if it had a diesel or gas motor smaller than a 351. But I have no idea what to look for with these trucks... I know the trouble spots to look for on a Ranger, BII or Explorer, but don't really have much experience with the bigger trucks aside from my boss's two F-350 dumps with 460s. I also have no idea what fuel economy is like with these trucks I'm looking at... I've heard good things about the 300 I-6, and I've heard people say the 302 motors in trucks are junk. And I know that the 7.3L diesel has a decent reputation. Aside from that...

My only real requirements right now are a smaller motor or diesel (should I even be considering a diesel? I have no idea what their fuel economy is like or cost to maintain), a manual transmission, 4x4, 8' bed preferred, and that it not take much to get inspected.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for what to look at an what sort of fuel economy I can expect?

Right now I've been looking at:

94 F-150, 4x4, 5-speed, 300ci, new clutch, dual tanks, bedliner, toolbox, decent condition, but not inspected and he's asking a bit more than blue-book for it

88 F-150, 4x4, 5-speed, 300ci, newer clutch (less than 20k on it), needs some work, toolbox, ladder racks, 130k miles, not inspected, asking 650 but willing to negotiate lower

94 F-250, 4x4, 5-speed, 7.3 turbo diesel, extended cab, 8' bed, needs tires and some work, sunvisor, grille guard, 200k miles, not inspected, asking less than blue book but will stretch my budget to get

 

[One Sick Puppy]

When I briefly looked at the entry level F150 with a 4.6L V8 I was amazed that it got virtually the same gas mileage as the 4L V6 Ranger.

That's all I know. If anything, though, this post was good for a bump.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

My grandpa had the 300 I6 in a '92 F150 that he used to use on the farm all the time, and pulled a cattle trailer with 6-7 cattle once a month like nothing at all...

 

[swynx]

i just bought a 88 f 150 with a I-6, been reading around and askin at shops, everyone says its bullet proof

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Turbo Diesel, can't go wrong, tow anything like it was nothing and get good mileage all the time. Plus diesels do well with upgrades (aka More power and better mileage) the 7.3L is an excellent engine as is the 300. But I would go diesel for the added power and stuff. My IDI 7.3 Navistar is plenty powerful, no problems I have had with it, but since its non turbo so that hurt gas mileage for me, but it can still average 15-16 mpgs with or without our camper on it.

I vote the diesel, even if it needs a bit of work.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I'm gettin nailed at every turn here... The guy with the 94 F-150 is firm on his price, he insists it's worth it (it's bondo'd up pretty good). I'm not gonna spend that much money for a 94.

The diesel I'm trying to get something worked out on.. but it's a long road trip to see it. So I tried to find out what's wrong with it... well, I can take it in an get it looked at on monday (I can get a ride down there on monday), but they want $43 to look the truck over (more to inspect it). The guy said he'd take it to a mechanic he knew to have it looked over and give me a call so I don't make a trip for nothing, but he can't get it in till tuesday or wendsday. Argh!

Called for a couple others but they're sold or not what I'm lookin for. This is getting frustrating.... I need a truck bad.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Thanks for the info everyone, I ended up looking at a 95 F-150 this morning and getting that... needs a lil work but it had a fresh inspection sticker. Still kinda wish I would have at least looked at the diesel, but if anything would have gone wrong with the diesel after I bought it, I would have been stuck with no truck again.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Whats in the 95?

I hope you got the 300...and not a 302. 302's are worthless in a work truck.

later,
Dustin

 

[Southern_Trendkill]

I don't know why everyone's hating on the 302. It's every bit as good as the 300, and it has more aftermarket parts available. The gas mileage isn't too great, but it's only marginally worse than the 300.

 

[DumpsterGuy]

I had a Bronco with the 4.9 and a five speed with well over 200k on it. just make sure you keep the transmission full of fluid. Mine was leaking and before I even checked out the fluid level I lost reverse and fifth. It's a great combo though. It had lot's of torque, and great mileage. That diesel would be nice though.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Whats in the 95?

I hope you got the 300...and not a 302. 302's are worthless in a work truck.

later,
Dustin

In that case, you'll be happy to know that I got the 300.

What in the way of aftermarket stuff is there for that motor? I'd like to be able to wring just a few more horses out of it if its possible without being overly expensive...

 

[864x42.9tsr]

well since were talking about this i dont mean to hijack your thread but i am also looking at getting a mid 90's f150. anyhow it has a 300 in it backed by an automatic transmission i was wondering if the automatic 300 was still i decent combo.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yep.

I got a 96 4x4 with the 300. Great torque and they run forever. I pulled 10,000lbs worth of bobcat and trailer with mine (3.55 gears) and it had no problems even at 60mph (with O/D off of course).

The automatic 300's arnt as snappy as the 5sp ones, but they seem to pull better. Obviously you cant expect them to pull like a 460, but there isnt anything really in its Cubic Inch class that can touch it for torque.

Lil blue, go to www.fordsix.com there is TONS of info on that site abot how to hop up a 300. The biggest thing about a 300 is you gotta understand is there not a revver, they like to be lugged and worked. A 5000RPM screamer they aint, but if you need something to grunt down and lug they'll never let ya down.

Trendkill, the 302 isnt a bad engine by any means, but it has its place, in Fox bodies and crown vics.

later,
Dustin

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

There it is in all it's glory... needs some rust repair and stuff, but overall not too bad. Biggest problem is that it needs new rear shackle hangers, both are rusted to hell an back. Fortunately that's something I've fixed before on other trucks so I got a pretty good idea on how best to approach it, lol. I'll prolly try to get another couple pics today.

So lets play a game... how many trucks can you spot in the picture? lol

 

[rusty ol ranger]

My rear shackle hangers got replaced on my 96 before i bought it. It seems common with this generation of trucks. I put 3/4ton springs in mine because 3 of the leafs were broke anyways. Gave the truck a much more aggressive stance and it will carry alot more of a load.

Is that truck a 5sp or automatic? If its an automatic make sure you change the fluid and filter in it soon.

These trucks really seem to have no weak links in the drivetrain. If i had to guess at something to go out 1st under hard use it would probley be the rear end. But if the wimpy lil 8.8 does go out a 9inch from a 80-84 F series will bolt right in.

later,
Dustin