Hello Everyone I need help! I am a ford girl but a luddite when it comes to mechanics. I have the opportunity to purchase a clean 1 owner long box 1985 F250 only 88,000 miles and a "460" whatever that means. But there is also a 2001 f250 V10 short box 171,000 much cheaper but very used. Assuming there is a difference between the two engines I need help knowing which way to go. The main use of this vehicle will be hauling horse trailers.
I am glad I found this site and look forward to learning from all of you
thanks for any advise pjp

 

The 460 is the size of the engine in cubic inches. Also listed as 7.5L. This was the big block back in the 80's. Specs are 245 Horsepower, 380 lb ft of torque.

The V-10 is a 6.8L (413ci) engine. Specs for this are 310 HP, 425 lb ft of torque.

Few questions to give us a better understanding: Is the '85 long bed a standard cab or extended? Are either/both manual or automatic transmissions? 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive? How big a horse trailer are you planning on pulling?

I would take both to a mechanic you know and have them look both over to see the conditions of both. Also, drive both and see which one rides better for your taste.

You'll probably get a little better gas mileage with the '01 than the '85.

 

First thought that came to mind: Neither of either. Keep looking.

First question that came to mind: What size horse trailer? A two horse Circle J straight load bumper pull? Or a six horse SunDowner slant load with tack room and living quarters gooseneck? Obviously, there is a substantial weight difference between the two, so you will need to determine the loaded trailer weight you expect to pull.

First caution that came to mind: The initial cost of the truck is not the total cost of the truck. A 30 year old carbureted 460 (a V8 engine) that gets 5-6 mpg will cost a lot more to operate than a 15 year old fuel injected coil on plug computer controlled V10 engine that gets 10-11 mpg.

On the carbureted 460, good luck trying to find a working mechanic who knows how to rebuild and adjust a carburetor, and knows how to clock a distributor. Most of that talent has retired. Working mechanics today learned their trade on fuel injection. Not only that, but if you live in a smog state, a carbureted engine with a rotary distributor can be especially difficult to get to pass smog, once things get out of whack. And they drink the fuel. My 4 barrel Holley carbureted 460 got 7 mpg empty, and about 4-5 mpg hauling donkeys (figuratively speaking). I was constantly fussing with the advance (timing) and the jets. Don't miss it one little bit.

Ford eventually put fuel injection on the 460, but that didn't happen until 1987-1988. You're looking at an 85. If you've got a mechanic in your stable, then go for it. If not, then look at the lighter, smaller, cooler running, longer lasting, more fuel efficient, and arguably more powerful motor in stock form that Ford replaced the 460 with.... the Triton V10. Two more cylinders, yet more than a half liter less displacement.

No distributer. No carburetor. No timing worries. No fiddling with the screws. Just put gas in the tank and change the oil, and let er run.

However, you can probably find a V10 with fewer miles than 171,000, in nicer condition than what you describe your alternate candidate to be in. AND, it is important when choosing a V10 to pay close attention to the rear axle ratio, especially for towing heavy trailers. A V10 likes to rev to make power. It revs higher than the 460. Therefore, it needs a higher number on the rear axle ratio, which corresponds to a "lower" or "deeper" gear.

Example, if given a choice between a 3.73 rear axle ratio and a 4.30 rear axle ratio, you will likely be happier with the 4.30 axle ratio, because that will put the V10 motor in the peak "horse"power range through each transmission gear as you are pulling the hills. You'll get to use all 4 speeds instead of just 3, or all 3 speeds instead of just 2, when climbing steep.

However, the higher number the rear axle ratio, the less fuel economy. So that's why you should have a good idea of your trailer weight before shopping, so that you will know how much power you need.

I'd hold off and keep shopping, using more information about your specific needs, and the actual capabilities of the trucks you are considering, rather than simply picking between the two trucks that you described. Keep looking and learning. You will have a better chance of reducing your overall costs of acquiring, operating, and maintaining your truck with a little bit more research. Joining FTE was a good move toward that end. Welcome aboard!

 

double post.