89 f250 with a 460 manual 4x4...

I know it isn't new, but how dependable is this truck? I have replaced some electrical items, I am more concerned mechanically. Are there some items of concern I need to be aware of? I am not planning on driving across the country, I just use it to go to the ranch and back. More curiosity than anything. Thanks in advance.

 

As long as you keep a truck well maintained, it can be very dependable. I wouldn't have a problem driving my truck from WI to TX (but I might have to take out a loan for fuel). I know other people who are afraid to cross town with their vehicles because they don't take care of them.

As far as the specifics of your truck, your drivetrain is awesome. The ZF 5 speed and Sterling 10.25 rear end are very tough and will take a ton of abuse before malfunctioning. The TTB front ends are very tough. That'll all keep you moving as long as you keep her all greased up, keep up on oils and fluids, and toss in some U joints now and then. The 460 is usually a reliable motor as long as you pay attention. If it starts smoking or tapping, check er out. The biggest concern with these trucks is usually small electrical stuff. Relays and the like. Most of which can be taken care of with regular maintenance.
Hope that helps ya.

 

AS GNR mentioned, these trucks are some of the last well built trucks IMHO. As long as you do proper maintanance these trucks will run forever. Hopefully the previous owner(s) took good care of it as well.

 

Ive owned my 89 with the same trans/axle combo for 8 years now, used it as a mud truck, drag truck (stoplites in hs lol) pulling truck and work truck, and ive only run into 2 issues so far.

-On the rear axle the yoke nut is known to come loose, and it did on mine. This is bad because that nut is what holds pressure onto the pinion bearings. Let it stay loose for too long and it could wreck stuff. Mine was loose for who knows how long before i caught it, and everything was fine.

-If you have the dana 44 front axle it wont like bigger tires. I went through 3 sets of wheel bearings before switching to a dana 50 front.

If your keeping the truck stock height, i could see it going a million miles, and the body rusting off before the drivetrain crapping out.

 

inspect the spot where the clutch pedal lever enters the clutch master pushrod. the bushings there are a weak spot, along with the bushings on the pedal bracket.

my neighbour used to carry an ignition relay and an ignition module around with him when he was into fords, but he was often driving at night, 100 miles from nowhere.

 

Good advice Joey. The trunk of my 68 is full of enough parts to stock an auto store. Never hurts to keep and extra part or four.