I need help
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 8
hi ... i am new here, but having been burned on some used vehicle purchases ( i have also done very well on some) allow me to throw my 2 cents in ...
the seller states that the "cam sensors" and "angle sensors" have been replaced, along with a rebuilt "disturber" . clearly he was trying to solve a rough-running engine problem and has failed to do so, claiming that it just needs to be timed by a mechanic. my b.s. alarm is going off big-time; timing the engine should have been one of his FIRST steps, before he started replacing sensors all over the place.
he also is claiming a new clutch, and i forget what else ... if you can verify that he has, in fact, recently replaced all the parts that he claims to have replaced, then you probably have a good platform from which to work, but IMHO timing this engine will not solve whatever problem it has so if you buy it, be prepared to spend time and money whipping it into shape.
might be better to keep looking; good luck .
the seller states that the "cam sensors" and "angle sensors" have been replaced, along with a rebuilt "disturber" . clearly he was trying to solve a rough-running engine problem and has failed to do so, claiming that it just needs to be timed by a mechanic. my b.s. alarm is going off big-time; timing the engine should have been one of his FIRST steps, before he started replacing sensors all over the place.
he also is claiming a new clutch, and i forget what else ... if you can verify that he has, in fact, recently replaced all the parts that he claims to have replaced, then you probably have a good platform from which to work, but IMHO timing this engine will not solve whatever problem it has so if you buy it, be prepared to spend time and money whipping it into shape.
might be better to keep looking; good luck .
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
That's a good point. I'm looking at a lot of stuff right now to be honest I'm looking at 2 dodge Dakotas as well so to be honest I don't know what to do lol. Im a die hard ford guy I do like dodge too though. Anyway I really want a f150 but if I cant find a good deal then I don't know.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 26,195
Likes: 4,151
From: Near Cal. Avenue
My neighbor has a dakota and the only thing wrong was the OD on the shifter. Not available as a seperate switch but as a handle assembly. He's happy with it. Has had it a couple years now. Him and the misses go for/to daily jaunts in it.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Yeah my dad and aunt both have one I'm actually using my aunts right now. I like it but like I said I'm a ford guy so my first choice is a ford f150 from 1994-1996 with a 4.9 or 5.0 but if I cant find one which I like the 96 I have been talking about then I'm going with a Dakota for awhile till like summer when trucks are dirt cheap. Or keep the Dakota no offense I think the Dakota is the best small pick up going.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Depending on how far your commute will be I'd recommend something more fuel efficient. I know this may seem like blasphemy but once mom and dad stop paying for fuel you will definitely feel the hit to the wallet.
Every day i'm driving my work truck to job sites and while i'm on the highway I see office workers commuting in pickups. I truly don't get it. If I had the choice I'd give anything to be in a more fuel efficient vehicle. Maybe there is something i'm missing.
Not trying to be an ***, just trying to help you out. Its your life so do whatever you want and be happy doing it.
Every day i'm driving my work truck to job sites and while i'm on the highway I see office workers commuting in pickups. I truly don't get it. If I had the choice I'd give anything to be in a more fuel efficient vehicle. Maybe there is something i'm missing.
Not trying to be an ***, just trying to help you out. Its your life so do whatever you want and be happy doing it.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Well currently school is like 5mi away because I go to a tech school. Work is 25mi away but m looking for a closer job. I want a truck because I have dirt bikes and tractors and plus im trying to moonlight as a mechanic and maybe start plowing (like 10 drive ways maybe). I have a car that gets 23mpg its a 95tbird 4.6l. Currently in the middle of a engine swap. (Car has been big headache)
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
I understand you need a truck and by all means get one. You can always have a 2nd small commuter car. You can probably pick up a decent commuter that will pay for itself within 2 months of lower gas bills. (i'm not kidding).
My buddy used to commute in his 02 f250 with the 6.8 v10 getting 12 mpg average. When gas prices hit $4 per gallon he bought a 91 honda civic crx for $550 Anyway he claims he gets 35 mpg avg.
60 miles a day commute
5 gallons in truck for $20.00
1.7 gallons doing the same commute in his car for $6.80
One month of commuting (approx 20 days)
100 gallons in truck for $400.00
34 gallons in the car for $136.00
After 1 year of driving
1200 gallons in the truck for $4800
408 gallons in the car for $1632
1 month of commuting in the car saves $264
1 year of commuting in the car saves $3168
10 years of commuting in the car saves $31680
My buddy used to commute in his 02 f250 with the 6.8 v10 getting 12 mpg average. When gas prices hit $4 per gallon he bought a 91 honda civic crx for $550 Anyway he claims he gets 35 mpg avg.
60 miles a day commute
5 gallons in truck for $20.00
1.7 gallons doing the same commute in his car for $6.80
One month of commuting (approx 20 days)
100 gallons in truck for $400.00
34 gallons in the car for $136.00
After 1 year of driving
1200 gallons in the truck for $4800
408 gallons in the car for $1632
1 month of commuting in the car saves $264
1 year of commuting in the car saves $3168
10 years of commuting in the car saves $31680
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
And I perfectly understand that haha. And ive thought about that but i cant afford insurance on two vehicles etc. I can afford a truck that gets like 14/15 city and 17/20 highway. Which is why im looking at Dakotas, and F150s with 4.9 and 5.0. Also im looking for a job 10x closer to where I live. Speaking of which I have a question Ive been looking at f150's still and well I found 3 but ones a 1987 f150 bigfoot cruiser with a bad 5.0l is it worth it? He wants 1900 obo. Theres to others but there both 95 f150 xlt with 5.0 i was just wondering what the big foot cruiser is ive never herd of one. And according to the ad its a recall survior. The more i keep reading the more I like it and finding how rare it is.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Okay well ive got some news, one I got a new job 10x closer and the pay is way better so im unrestricted by gas mileage. Anyway i think i found the truck im going to get its a 1987 f250 xlt lariat diesel ext cab with 97,000 original miles. Never been plowed with. 1800 obo.
1987 f-250
I do have one question what is the apprx mpg on that lol and is there anything i should look for when i look at it?
1987 f-250
I do have one question what is the apprx mpg on that lol and is there anything i should look for when i look at it?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 26,195
Likes: 4,151
From: Near Cal. Avenue
If it runs with blu smoke ? If it runs with a slight odd sound ? If it starts hard below 50 degrees ? If U notice a slight miss ? And of course any loss of coolant/overheating or leaks ?
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Okay again im really sorry for doing this to you guys! But i have to say my dream truck is a 1997 f150 regular cab stepside 5.4l 5speed. I found one but its a 4.6l so heres the question how hard would it be to swap a 1999 lightning motor into the truck? And is it worth getting a 03-04 motor for the extra 20hp and 10 torque?