Picked up a 93' F150 XL longbed the other day. Truck had a slight knocking noise in the front suspension....after looking at it I thought no big deal. Cold AC, 4.9/5 speed w/170K on the clock. A bunch of reciepts including a new clutch installed within the past year, and at 95K miles a reman jasper engine was installed (wonder why....)

Anyway, I ran it by the local shop, and was in near depression when I picked it up.

Repair estimate was $1600!

Needs:

Radius bushings
Oil pan gasket
Pushrod gasket
Oil pressure sensor
Exhaust manifolds cracked

Joy! Since I couldn't afford to spend as much on repairs as I paid for the truck, I dove in. Last night grinding/cutting off the rivets, installing ES radius bushings, and bolting the thing back together with grade 8 bolts/washers/locks. Truck drives and rides MUCH better now!

I found a set of exhaust manifolds on ebay (new ford parts), but I'm not sure about tackling that job. As for the oil pan....ugghh...not looking forward to that either. I think the side cover will be simple enough, and I'll do the pressure sensor at the same time (leaking, not inop).

I hope these trucks are worth it....seems like all the "fun" stuff was broken with this one, so my fingers are crossed it'll keep chugging along well into the 200k mile range without issue!

Great site BTW!!!

 

Now you`re talking. If you can do the radius arms everything else should fall into place.
Any questions just ask them here.
And what about some pics of the new truck?

 

Duckman, Where are you in Georgia? Welcome to the forum, there are many knowledgeable people on here to answer most any question that you may come up with. I installed new poly bushings in my suspension last year as well. Wow, now it rides better than it did new. As far as cleaning your engine bay, I have used Westley's Bleach White with much success, but recently I found some citrus cleaner at the dollar store that works just as good, and is only $1 a bottle. As far as the exhaust manifolds, they shouldn't be any harder than the radius arm bushings to replace. And, I've read on here that with normal maintenance these 4.9L engines will make 600,000 miles with no major issues. Good luck, and post plenty of pictures, we love pictures.

 

Duckman welcome to the fix it club. You seam to have the know how. Hows your time? For the first time in life I have had manifold bolts not come out after drilling and trying to extract (Yesterday). No fears its on a cat big truck motor, not ford. I dont think you will have issues if you take it slow. "IF" they were put in right (anti seize-ect) They will come out. Just take it slow and dont use force!!! brains, no brawn. GL and pics are always good ...

 

welcome to the forums (and the Fix It Club) I do agree pics are wanted and yes were pic wh0res here so get a taking with the pics lol!!! were always interested in updates and we will share any knowledge we can to help ya out