Hey Everybody;

I am looking at buying a 1994 F-150. It has a 351, 4 Spd Auto, Ext Cab. I believe that it has the short box. It does have the dual tamks, body has a little blemish of rust by the drivers door. I took it for a drive and it shakes when I applied the brakes - guess that it needs a brake job. It also has about 335 000 kms or 201000 miles. It felt solid until I applied the brakes. The owner is asking $3500. Any ideas as to what to look for. I am planning on using the truck to pull a small travel trailer.

Thanks for your time.

Big Willie

 

The shake when you apply the brakes may just be worn rotors, easy fix of rotors and pads. However it could also be worn ball joints and/or suspension bushings, more expensive to fix. If you can, check frame for rust. Hopefully someone who knows the F150 better will chime in.

 

Not sure where it is located at, Some states you can not get away from the frames having rust on them. So it just depends if it is just surface rust or badly pitted rust that is weakening the frame of the truck. The wobble that you feel when you apply the brakes, is it in the steering wheel feedback as well or just the whole truck shaking? If it is the Steering wheel, you are looking at new front rotors, the whole truck shaking with no distinct location could be a sign of major transmission issues. With 200K miles on the truck, I would say it is just front rotors, PITA with a 4wd not so much with a 2wd. So you would be looking at a major overhaul of the brakes just to make sure you are stopping a small travel trailer. Which you didnt say its weight and if it had brakes as well.

 

i would agree with alxsnmr about the rotors. if it only happens when you apply the brakes then a front end brake job is all that is needed. as far as the bushings and such the other guy was talking about i wouldnt worry to much about them. if the bushings are bad then it will shake whenever and at no given time. you will feel it through the steering wheel at first then it will feel like you are about to lose a tire. been there done that. and as far as cost they really aint that bad. not as bad as you would think. after you redo your breaks balance your front tires. it will help in the long run.

good luck

 

As for things to watch for rust related damage, check the radius arm bushing brackets and the rear spring hangers. Haven't seen too much as far as true rust issues regarding the frame itself, but these particular items do indeed rust through here in the land of salt. Both are items riveted to the frame and are replaceable, but a bit of a PIA yourself or perhaps an unexpected bill at the shop (and both can prove a safety issue if missed so do check them out). Also, regarding rust..those supercab bodies really like to rot out from the cab corners to the doors as well as the standard above the rear wheel wells and bottom of the front fenders so look close for previous repair, etc. For a truck with that kind of mileage at that price range it should be pretty genuine and pretty nice. That isn't necessarily out of line for $$ if it is really nice, but just make sure you are getting what you are paying for. If you think fixing brakes and mechanicals is expensive...take a look at what good rust repair and body and paint costs!

 

for me, that much money is way too much for the miles. especially with rust.

I would expect the body to be straight with decent paint and 0 rust. also, I agree that is sounds like rotors.

did both gas tanks work? that can be a major PITA to fix a fuel pump in these trucks