Reliability
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,512
Likes: 3
From: Panama City
I agree 2500 is too much. But that truck can be as reliable as any thing on the road now. And you can fix anything yourself without needing an electical engineers degree. And it should pull just about anything you want to hook up to. If you buy it you might want to change front brakes to discs. That is pretty easy and inexpensive to do. Having said all that, the oil pressure deal really needs checking into. Roll around under it and see how rusty it really is and how much gunk is caked on it, that is a pretty good indication of the life it has had. I would bet it has been rode hard and put up wet.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Washington
"....Also, I (personally) would not trust a kid who would "work" on or drive trucks like ours while wearing sandals. That's just me."
I wear sandals in all my trucks. I work on them in sandals. Wash them in sandals. Only time I wear boots is on the way to and from work. Just curious why you wouldn't trust someone in sandals. There has to be a story...
I wear sandals in all my trucks. I work on them in sandals. Wash them in sandals. Only time I wear boots is on the way to and from work. Just curious why you wouldn't trust someone in sandals. There has to be a story...
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
Agreed that $2500 is way too much...considering:
1. He took out the radio and ashtray, no TC shift ****, sloppy rug install, no clutch pedal rubber - Why is that?
2. Driver's mirror looks.....misplaced. No Ranger XLT badging on the exterior, lower right side moldings missing due to getting banged up, does he have them? The cancer on the right rear wheel well...will it stop you from getting an inspection sticker?
3. Highboys' frames are 4" narrower than 78 - 79 trucks. The bed is from a 78 - 79...looks off kilter. How is it anchored, considering the mounting holes are wider on a 78 -79 than on a highboy bed?
4. From the videos, the gas gauge doesn't work, and on his "cold start," the oil pressure gauge hardly moved. You know when oil is cold, pressure is way up there. Red flag there, for me. Oil gauge moved to the middle when warmed up and goosed, but came back down to low - or so it seemed.
I know it could be wiring issues in the dash or an old oil sending unit, fuel sending unit or gauge, etc, etc, blah, blah....but you asked for extra eyes and questions for the dude. One question stands out, though....why is he selling after putting in a bunch of "new" stuff? Was it not running before?
And at 135K, timing chain, cam (depending if he used ZDDP in the oil), etc, might need looking into. Don't get me wrong, they're very reliable.....just needs some dollars and time invested.
Please excuse the novel.....Also, I (personally) would not trust a kid who would "work" on or drive trucks like ours while wearing sandals. That's just me.
Good luck
1. He took out the radio and ashtray, no TC shift ****, sloppy rug install, no clutch pedal rubber - Why is that?
2. Driver's mirror looks.....misplaced. No Ranger XLT badging on the exterior, lower right side moldings missing due to getting banged up, does he have them? The cancer on the right rear wheel well...will it stop you from getting an inspection sticker?
3. Highboys' frames are 4" narrower than 78 - 79 trucks. The bed is from a 78 - 79...looks off kilter. How is it anchored, considering the mounting holes are wider on a 78 -79 than on a highboy bed?
4. From the videos, the gas gauge doesn't work, and on his "cold start," the oil pressure gauge hardly moved. You know when oil is cold, pressure is way up there. Red flag there, for me. Oil gauge moved to the middle when warmed up and goosed, but came back down to low - or so it seemed.
I know it could be wiring issues in the dash or an old oil sending unit, fuel sending unit or gauge, etc, etc, blah, blah....but you asked for extra eyes and questions for the dude. One question stands out, though....why is he selling after putting in a bunch of "new" stuff? Was it not running before?
And at 135K, timing chain, cam (depending if he used ZDDP in the oil), etc, might need looking into. Don't get me wrong, they're very reliable.....just needs some dollars and time invested.
Please excuse the novel.....Also, I (personally) would not trust a kid who would "work" on or drive trucks like ours while wearing sandals. That's just me.
Good luck
I miss this forum! I guess I should clarify that I understand this would be a "fixer upper" and expect to put time and money into it over time. I am hoping it can be reliable enough for a few short trips this summer. I know that it is impossible to KNOW what I am getting into. Here is some more info I found out.1. He is going to lift the carpet and send me pictures tomorrow. Radio was fried. I didn't ask about the ash tray, he told me previously about the shift *****. no reasons really.
2. Colorado doesn't have vehicle safety inspections and I live in a rural county that doesn't do emissions either.
3. I'll ask about more pictures of how the bed is mounted. He said that the mounts on one side are a little more squished than on the other. It does have dual tanks also.
4. He said the gas gauge works. I see what your saying about the oil. in the warm video, I think it goes to just short of the the middle of the operating range. When it first fires up it definitely looks like it is on the very low end of op range. I asked him about it.
His response:
5. He gave me this for a VIN: f26yrc09448 Googled it for no results.... may be too old?
Let me know your thoughts. And thanks a ton!
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,595
Likes: 5
From: Pasadena, Ca
His ad has been up 6 days now, and if he is actively taking all these pics and satisfying your questions, i would guess that you are the only or one of few, that he is getting a call from. The neighborhood looks to have nice houses, 2 chevys in the background and some toy haulers.
You have his concerns up by now with all the knowledge you are throwing at him.
I say you lowball him and see how he reacts. Toss an offer of $1500 cuz of the drive for you, and the $1000 that you will have to put in it right away to get it reliable.
Just my opinion.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
Www.vinwiz.com
His ad has been up 6 days now, and if he is actively taking all these pics and satisfying your questions, i would guess that you are the only or one of few, that he is getting a call from. The neighborhood looks to have nice houses, 2 chevys in the background and some toy haulers.
You have his concerns up by now with all the knowledge you are throwing at him.
I say you lowball him and see how he reacts. Toss an offer of $1500 cuz of the drive for you, and the $1000 that you will have to put in it right away to get it reliable.
Just my opinion.
His ad has been up 6 days now, and if he is actively taking all these pics and satisfying your questions, i would guess that you are the only or one of few, that he is getting a call from. The neighborhood looks to have nice houses, 2 chevys in the background and some toy haulers.
You have his concerns up by now with all the knowledge you are throwing at him.
I say you lowball him and see how he reacts. Toss an offer of $1500 cuz of the drive for you, and the $1000 that you will have to put in it right away to get it reliable.
Just my opinion.
Do you think I'll actually need another $1000 right away for mechanical soundness? If so, what parts do you think I'll be buying?
I could have misinterpreted your post, if so, sorry. I know the odds and ends parts and the time I need to take checking wiring, fluids, and just getting familiar with the truck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,701
Likes: 6
First, are you going to be doing the work, or taking it to a shop?
For me, $1000 will go a long way since I do my own work, but $1000 doesn't go very far at a shop.
For me, $1000 will go a long way since I do my own work, but $1000 doesn't go very far at a shop.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,595
Likes: 5
From: Pasadena, Ca
Nah, i doubt $1000 right away. Thats just to move a price.
If it makes it the 3-4 hour drive home, i would guess that you will be good for trips into and around town. Fix stuff as you go.
And i hope that you realize that i am not the most knowledgeable guy here.
If it makes it the 3-4 hour drive home, i would guess that you will be good for trips into and around town. Fix stuff as you go.
And i hope that you realize that i am not the most knowledgeable guy here.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
And Jklnhyd, I appreciate your opinion regardless.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
I too thought $1,000 would go really far! It didn't. That got both axles built and a few small things.
Start a list of parts you know or think the truck will need soon. You might consider putting in a new oil pump and pickup. If its original, replacing it would be a huge peace of mind.
Carpet/ rubber mat- (fix what he has) or 150
Cam/timing chain/lifter/springs kit- 300-500
Primer- 200
Paint- 500-2,000
Patch panels- ??
Head unit- 150-300
Fixing the PO's hack jobs- ???
Start a list of parts you know or think the truck will need soon. You might consider putting in a new oil pump and pickup. If its original, replacing it would be a huge peace of mind.
Carpet/ rubber mat- (fix what he has) or 150
Cam/timing chain/lifter/springs kit- 300-500
Primer- 200
Paint- 500-2,000
Patch panels- ??
Head unit- 150-300
Fixing the PO's hack jobs- ???
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,677
Likes: 999
From: Near Yosemite CA
I too thought $1,000 would go really far! It didn't. That got both axles built and a few small things.
Start a list of parts you know or think the truck will need soon. You might consider putting in a new oil pump and pickup. If its original, replacing it would be a huge peace of mind.
Fixing the PO's hack jobs- ???
Start a list of parts you know or think the truck will need soon. You might consider putting in a new oil pump and pickup. If its original, replacing it would be a huge peace of mind.
Fixing the PO's hack jobs- ???
$1000 seems like a lot until you start using it!!
And yes, they can be as reliable as you make it.
They ain't like the newer trucks and drivers who gas-n-go, take it to quick-E-lube while they sip their latte and know nothing about their vehicle, hell they even call a tow truck to have their tire changed so they don't break a nail.
I would hop in any of my trucks and go where ever I needed to go, whenever I need to. Part of that is paying attention to it and preventative maintenance. I change my own oil, and check out the whole truck while doing it, I have a check register in each of my trucks to keep track of mileage, oil changes, tire rotations, repairs, brakes and basically everything I do to it. This is just an example from my Excursion,,,
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
Thanks for all the advice guys.
Luckily he already replaced a lot of stuff.
I have been looking at parts and making a list, but first I need to get it and go through it. I am really excited to get a new project, and something older and simpler than the modern vehicles. It's nice to see that the oil pump is only 50$
I'll keep you posted on where it goes. Haven't heard from him in a day or so.
Luckily he already replaced a lot of stuff.
I have been looking at parts and making a list, but first I need to get it and go through it. I am really excited to get a new project, and something older and simpler than the modern vehicles. It's nice to see that the oil pump is only 50$
I'll keep you posted on where it goes. Haven't heard from him in a day or so.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
I think about my truck vs new granted its a project truck but in the end its more joy with these older trucks than the new. I can say hey look what I did vs look at the new truck that I can't work on. BTW good choice. I love looking through the posts and seeing everyone's project trucks...