I'm looking at a 1998 F150 Lariat package with the 5.0 Motor and a 5 speed manual transmission. The motor has 133K and the transmission was rebuilt less than 10k ago by Aamco.

It has new belts, hoses, water pump, plugs, temperature and oil sending units, radiator recondition, battery, valve cover gaskets, Pentium gaskets within the last 2k.

He says the fuel gauges work for both tanks, but when they get low the low sensor acts erratic. Not sure exactly how to describe the issue as this is all he said. The other issue is the radio only makes a 'fuzzy noise' when turning it on, but other than that all works.

He's asking $1,800.00, but would hope to get it for $1,200 to $1,500. If I am able, do you all think this is a good deal? How long/many miles, do you think the motor will last if I take good care of it driving wise and with routine maintenance? What kind of experience do you all have with similar setups? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

PS: He said A/C is working and I'm assuming this is R-12, is that right for this year? Also, what is a Pentium gasket? Even Google isn't yielding positive results on this.

 

Plenum gasket? The radio is no big deal yank it and replace it. The 5.0 (302) is a bullet proof little motor as long as it has been maintained. As far as the 5 speed being rebuilt with that little miles on it tells me he has been rough on that truck. Test drive it and see what you think. As far as price I think that's the funnest part of a vehicle. He is asking 1800.00 take what ever you are willing to pay and take a buddy with you. Take what ever you want to pay and keep it in your pocket give the rest to your buddy and when it comes time to pay pull out your cash then start talking price. Worst case you have to get some money from your buddy.

 

An '88 will have an R12 system. The plenum is often referred to as the upper intake manifold. The plenum gasket goes between the plenum and lower intake manifold. The lower intake bolts to the cylinder heads, the plenum has the throttle body attached.


Condition is a big factor in value. Rust? Interior? Also check the ball joints and steering linkages for looseness. Brake and tire condition/wear are another thing to factor in.

 

Thanks for the info and advice. It must be the plenum gasket, I must have read wrong or heard him wrong at first. Thanks again!

 

Let us know what you come up with. There are way to many open ended threads here