Looking at an 88 250
#1
07-19-2013, 09:59 AM
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Looking at an 88 250
In my search for a truck that better fits my needs I've found one that on the surface appears to meet all my criteria.
1988 F250 diesel 5 speed ext cab 4x4.
I currently have a 90 5 speed diesel reg cab 2wd, and love it, but would like the ext cab and 4x4 would be nice to have if I'm getting a new truck anyway.
These trucks seem to be exceedingly rare with the diesel, 5 speed and 4x4. Bricknose is my favorite body but I guess getting old enough they're just not on the market as much anymore. the OBS style with a diesel seem to run $10k or more which is way out of my budget, plus other than the more powerful engine I like the bricknose better.
Since I have a 90 with the same engine and transmission I have an idea of what it should feel like power wise etc (though I think I have 4.10 gears despite the door tag saying 3.55).
Other than the obvious note that this 88 is 2 years older is there any real drawback to an 88? I believe it's the first year for the 7.3 and 2nd year of the "bricknose". Did the early 7.3 have any problems that were resolved by 1990?
The only thing I know off the top of my head that I have read is that some of the manual trans bricknose trucks experienced cab cracking near the clutch master cyl, and a reinforcement was added by 1990. Is that a "go/no-go" thing to look for or is it something that might be a little annoying that is repairable?.
Anything else I should make sure to check out? Owner says it takes a while to start, so I'm thinking air intrusion and it's probably due for IP/Injectors/fuel lines, but he's asking $1800 for the truck and my budget is ~$5k so I can take care of some of those type of issues. Claims it runs fine once it's started.
Just trying to get a heads up on what to look for, or if there's some reason to avoid an 88.
Thanks.
1988 F250 diesel 5 speed ext cab 4x4.
I currently have a 90 5 speed diesel reg cab 2wd, and love it, but would like the ext cab and 4x4 would be nice to have if I'm getting a new truck anyway.
These trucks seem to be exceedingly rare with the diesel, 5 speed and 4x4. Bricknose is my favorite body but I guess getting old enough they're just not on the market as much anymore. the OBS style with a diesel seem to run $10k or more which is way out of my budget, plus other than the more powerful engine I like the bricknose better.
Since I have a 90 with the same engine and transmission I have an idea of what it should feel like power wise etc (though I think I have 4.10 gears despite the door tag saying 3.55).
Other than the obvious note that this 88 is 2 years older is there any real drawback to an 88? I believe it's the first year for the 7.3 and 2nd year of the "bricknose". Did the early 7.3 have any problems that were resolved by 1990?
The only thing I know off the top of my head that I have read is that some of the manual trans bricknose trucks experienced cab cracking near the clutch master cyl, and a reinforcement was added by 1990. Is that a "go/no-go" thing to look for or is it something that might be a little annoying that is repairable?.
Anything else I should make sure to check out? Owner says it takes a while to start, so I'm thinking air intrusion and it's probably due for IP/Injectors/fuel lines, but he's asking $1800 for the truck and my budget is ~$5k so I can take care of some of those type of issues. Claims it runs fine once it's started.
Just trying to get a heads up on what to look for, or if there's some reason to avoid an 88.
Thanks.
#2
07-19-2013, 05:58 PM
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