I'm looking at buying a friend's truck. It's an 89 with the 4.9 I6, 4x4, stick shift, and 33s. It currently isn't starting. He was able to short the solenoid and get it to crank once, and once it started no problem, but otherwise it's not even cranking. No click from the solenoid or anything. The lights and stereo still get power.

He wants $400. Any advice? I'm thinking of getting it to drive around, see what kind of mileage it gets, maybe resell it once it's running. I currently also have a 73 2wd F250 and the 4wd on this one would be nice to get out into the desert to haul junk out.

 

I'd get it for $400. Absolute WORST case scenario the motor is seized and even then you can probably get your money back for it or get another engine off craigslist. Most likely it's a bad solenoid or starter.

 

I'd give that for it.

 

I've seen it drive, he delivered a mini truck camper to my house with it about 8 months ago. He had it running a month ago.

He's replaced the solenoid already and I think the starter as well. He got a new ignition module (the funky gray plug thing in the steering column) at the same time, but no difference was made.

What kind of mpgs can I expect out of it?

 

The 33's are going to hurt the milage. A stock truck like that can get from 16-21. With those tires could be 10-15mpg. Depends on the gears and your driving style.