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Topic: Buying a used truck. Suggestions? (Read 3034 times) previous topic - next topic

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #15 –
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the F Series trucks. I've had I6's and the V8's, sticks and autos, and they all have their strong/weak points. I've pulled cars on trailers to from MN to CA, TX, FL, NY, etc and had awesome luck. Basically, like mentioned above, if you can get a truck that was reasonably well taken care of, you'll be fine with any Ford. Good luck!!
1987 Turbo Coupe - Son's car
1987 Super Coupe - Son's project car
1934 Ford - My project car
 

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #16 –
I have not dealt too much with the 5.8's, but they couple I have driven were good on power, even with over 250,000 miles. 5.0's are fine for a commute, but alittle bit lacking up steep hills, but still get the job done fine. Never driven a 5.0 4wd. 4.9's are perfect for towing, but alittle bit worse on gas then the 5.0. Never seen a 4.9 that didn't run...
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #17 –
I might be able to pick up an 85 I6/4spd combo for $500 tomorrow.  It is going to depend on how solid the frame and box are, as well as the condition of the floorpans.  If it runs and drives, I figure that I can't go wrong at that price, even if I have to put another 500 into it.  Is there anything specific I should look for as far as known problems?  Are there any rust pr0ne areas to check that aren't plainly visible?
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #18 –
if the rear abs light is on(if it has 1), pay no attention to it.. they NEVER work

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #19 –
Quote from: amooset;337009
I might be able to pick up an 85 I6/4spd combo for $500 tomorrow.  It is going to depend on how solid the frame and box are, as well as the condition of the floorpans.  If it runs and drives, I figure that I can't go wrong at that price, even if I have to put another 500 into it.  Is there anything specific I should look for as far as known problems? Are there any rust pr0ne areas to check that aren't plainly visible?


Floor Boards, cab mounts, over top of the rear spring perches (stuff likes to sit in the valley on the perch and rott out the perch and frame). Thats just what comes to mind,.

The '73-'79's are more my specialty :D!
...and there was light!

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #20 –
rear cab mounts seem to be the first 1's to go.. check the radiator support too. and if it's stock height, check to see if the front wheels have uneven camber.. that's the first sign of bad wheel bearings or balljoints. if you take it for a test drive, listen for a hum in the rear.. the 4.9's with a stick are typical of that from hard shifting with a load.. it's a sign of either a bad u-joint or the rear is on it's way out. 2 different tones, but still a concern

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #21 –
Quote from: turbo_88_XR7;336917
the 4 speeds really suck in my opinion.. 1st gear is practically useless unless your run bigger tires without changing gearing
  The five speed available in the 150 is perceived as one of the worst transmissions available in the F trucks.  What must be realized is back when the F- series had the 4 speed available no one was driving a truck for leisure.  That being said don't disregard a 300 / 4 speed truck.  I have an 87 f-150 4x4 300I6/ 4 speed and occasionally I will drive it on the 120 mile round trip to work getting 20 mpg.  Granted the truck only has 80k miles and runs remarkably well and $3k was given for it 3 years ago. 

Now the big trucks are nice work trucks and all but why not a ranger?  $1k around here and you could have a first gen 4x4 in pretty darn good shape. 

Other things to look for on older f trucks are rusted brake lines, worn TTB bushings, cracked leaf springs on the half tons and more than likely the gas gauge wont work.
One 88

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #22 –
Quote from: CougarSE;337107

Now the big trucks are nice work trucks and all but why not a ranger?  $1k around here and you could have a first gen 4x4 in pretty darn good shape. 

I am actually looking at rangers as well, but I would like the ability to actually tow home a parts car if necessary.  I don't think a ranger would be up to the task, considering the likely donor car would be a lincoln of some sort.

The truck I looked at today was a TOTAL disappointment.  He didn't even have the air cleaner on it and it had been sitting for quite some time.  The shifter pulled right out of the socket and the ignition switch was an aftermarket rigging, as the one in the column was broken.  The wheel wells were rusted through the bed and the bed was full of broken beer bottles and trash.  His asking price was 700 and I wouldn't have paid 100.  The search continues...
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #23 –
well that sucks.. if it was closer to me, i'd offer him 400.. i need a doner to build a ramp truck lol

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #24 –
I bought one today for 500. It's an f150 4x4. 302 w/ AOD trans.  The bed isn't too bad since it had a topper on most of its life. The rust is isn't bad at all on the cab and the interior is in good shape. It will need some brake work and probably new u-joints on the front. It runs great and shifts smooth. The transmission fluid is squeaky clean and doesn't leak a drop of that or oil.  It looks a little rough but I think I got a deal. Pics will be posted when I get a chance.
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #25 –
what year? ugly paint can be fixed easily with a bit of sandpaper and some satin black spray paint lol

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #26 –
Good deal, I'm interested in the year as well.  Big difference in years with 302's and AOD's.
One 88

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #27 –
1986. First year for fuel injection. It is going to take more than paint to make it pretty. The rear quarter is crinkled up a bit.
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #28 –
Here are a few pictures.  Nothing of the interior or under the hood yet.
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

Buying a used truck. Suggestions?

Reply #29 –
One more
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!