So I bought a 1990 F-250 Extended Cab 4x4, with a 5.8l, 5 speed transmission. I don't know much about these trucks as I was researching the hell out of 94 and newer but this thing came along at a screaming deal and I couldn't pass it up.
With that being said, it needs a new clutch and so far the only ones I've found are at the local Autozone's. The primary purpose of this truck is a weekend toy. It came with a 9' slide in camper so I will be hauling that plus pulling a trailer with two ATV's behind it when I go camping and hunting. When not loaded up, I'll be using it on weekends and occasionally my wife may need to drive it. She hasn't driven a manual trans in years so the first couple times will be rough on the clutch.

Should I go with the el cheapo $129 clutch kit or is there a better set up?

Thanks

 

I put a severe duty clutch for carquest behind my 5.8 and I like it. It was only like 150 bucks.

 

Thanks GNR. I see you have an 89. Are there any other quirks these trucks have that I need to watch out for?

 

Transmission wise? Not really. But if you want to do some preventative maintainance, this would be the time to replace the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder since the zf 5 speed has an internal slave cylinder.

 

Sorry, I meant in general. Yesterday I replaced the turn signal switch and harness. I'm going to completely overhaul the clutch system when I do the clutch.

 

No not really. The 351w is pretty reliable, the 5 speed is tough. If your truck has auto locking hubs, id swap to manuals. You also have to watch and see if your tires wear on the inside. The independent front ends really bow out when parts go bad.

 

Thanks. It has factory manual hubs. I plan to rebuild the front end. I can feel/hear something rattling when driving over bumps.