Hi name is Micah and I just yesterday joined the forum. I did so to gather and glean as much information as possible to make a informed and educated decision for the time and money I intend on spending on my truck. That being said, I recently purchased a 89 f 250 2 WD 5.8 it was manufactured in Canada, if that might help too.
But I intend on making it a hauling/towing and daily driver. I would like to improve performance and fuel mileage but I don't have a money tree either.
:P
So I would greatly appreciate any advice and knowledge. Thank you.

 

Start with the basics. Full tune-up, new fluids and filters, check for codes and repair any issues that may arise from checking the codes.

 

Hey there, welcome to FTE!

I agree, start with changing all the fluids and filters, get the alignment checked out (shouldn't cost you anything to just have it checked) and look for old radiator/coolant hoses, cracked vacuum lines, etc. Just little things that add up.

If you're doing a tune-up, might as well do the "Sixlitre tuneup" like this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/n...e=1&p=14701436
Now there's some debate on whether or not you should replace the factory coil. I did the tuneup and stayed with the factory coil and all was well.

When you change the power steering fluid, refill it with Mercon or Type F instead of generic p/s fluid. Keeps it from whining.

 

Thank you Evan And Dixie.
I am intending on trying to upgrade a few things over time. But my priority is trying to get the under-body and bed sand blasted and coated before winter.
I live in MI and the salted roads tend to reek havoc on cars. And since this truck came from New Mexico before it arrived here in MI the body is in very good shape, rust wise.
And I intend on doing what I can to keep it that way.

 

If your looking to increase fuel economy and do it on the cheap, then stay the heck away from any thread I have started. I am the worst case scenario for both of those categories.

If your building a truck you can pick 2 of the following 3 traits:
1. dependable
2. powerfull
3. cheap

You may not pick all 3. Heck I didnt even get 1 of those when i built my truck.

 

Thank you for your advice also big blue.
I had initially decided to drop a couple K into it before winter.
but unfortunately the finances I was expecting is going to be delayed a bit.
So now I get to do just the basics.
But yes I understand about the parameters of building a truck.
And I know a 5.8 is not a platform to do it with.
Possibly one day I will tinker with it and turn it into something more.

 

The 5.8L engine is a great starting point for a project, much better than the 5.0L in a truck. It is quite capable of decent mileage and power with the right modifications (without blowing the budget). Just be aware the cam is tiny, intake is restrictive and the E7 heads are the next bottleneck.

Paul Conanski has plenty of posts about the suggested mods for the cam, intake,heads and headers.

 

The only problem with BigBlues truck is it's sitting on 44" rubber, I mean that's not a "problem" if you want that stance but it's exactly what you don't want to do if fuel milage is one of your goals.

 

So basically you're saying that if the CAM were larger, it had a unrestricted manifold and if the heads were ported, polished and maybe bigger valves that it would get better MPG?

 

A more powerful engine is also one that is more efficient with the gas it uses so it can get better fuel milage.. as long as you're not using that extra power. We see this with all the newer trucks, doesn't matter what engine you consider they are all more powerful than what was installed in these old trucks and they can all get better milage than the old engines.
But that doesn't mean the old engines are junk and can't be improved, I actually think Ford gave up on the pushrod motors too early because I have personally been able to achieve better fuel milage and much better power from them with improvements to airflow through the engine.
As Randy(RLA) pointed put these Windsors are well know to have badly undersized cylinder heads, the 5.8 intake is actually smaller than the 5.0 version(no they aren't interchangeable), and the early motors in particular(pre '94) got rediculously small camshafts. Upgrades to all these components can generate positive results but it has to be done in an organized manner.. you choose parts that complement each other, and the rest of the package has to complement the motor.. meaning the truck it's going in has to have gearing and a tire size that will work with the engine to deliver the desired goals.. be that better fuel milage, or increased towing power, or to do a better burnout.

 

Welcome, Micah, and congrats on your acquisition.

Here's my advice, for what it's worth.

Since you say it's got very little or no rust, before the salting season begins, I would do something to help protect all the metal.

Inexpensive, quick method: Spray all the metal you can see underneath with WD-40, Liquid Wrench, or P'Blaster. Wear safety goggles and at least a paper mask (a respirator is much better) while you spray, you don't want to inhale the fumes/liquid or get it into your eyes. Protect your brakes and tires from the spray! I would even spray the backside and bottom edges of the body panels you can get to. This may prevent rust for up to one season. These products will prevent paint or other protective coatings from sticking in the future, so they must to be removed in the preparation process if being coated by something more permanent. Spray bolts and other metal fasteners while you're at it.

A better way: coat all the underside with liquid bedliner - available in spray or roll/brush-on formulas. Make sure all surfaces are clean and free of loose/peeling paint, etc.

The best way: use POR-15 to coat everything underneath. Look it up online and follow the directions using the proper preparation. That stuff is supposed to be fantastic. Other members here can confirm.

Obviously, for the exterior of the body, remove any rust you do find, coat any bare metal with primer or paint, wash and wax it very thorougly. POR-15 is supposed to stick best to rust, & convert it to an inert material, I think.

 

Thank you guys !
I really do appreciate your advice on the course of action I should take.
And yes as of right now my priority is getting it road worthy and the body is as protected as possible for this winter. The previous owner said it sat for 10 years.
So I am going through and having all the fluids flushed the seals and gaskets replaced if need be, new hoses, belts and tires.
I ordered new rotors, callipers, pads and serpentine belt for now. Then once I can afford it I will attack the under body.
My intention is to make it a hauling/over the road truck.
I do a lot of driving so fuel mileage is a big priority. But power for hauling is runner up.
I have priced out new Heads, Cams, Intake and Headers. I also looked at upgraded injectors. As for porting and polishing Im sure I don't need to go to that extent.
If I can get 325-350 HP after im all done and said ill be happy.
Those upgrades will come at a later date though.
As I said in a previous post my finances are spread thin currently so im just trying to get the necessities for now.
But I am more than willing to listen to any and all advice. So thank you and I look forward to learning more.

 

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forum! You've had a lot of good advice given to you already, so I don't need to add much to that. The only thing I'll say is I understand your money being spread thin. I have a recent purchase of my own that's it's killing me to not be able to fix and/or improve every little thing I want to do. But be patient and over time you'll have the truck you want/need.

Have fun with it and keep us posted on your progress. Oh, and we love pics! Yes, please post pics!

 

Thank you Stevearoo. I appreciate your encouragement. I do have a few "irons in the fire" as they say.
Two other vehicles I have had for years that I have tried to get worked on and as usual the almighty dollar is my kryptonite.
But I intend on sticking to it.

 

Your situation sounds a lot like mine.

I'm guessing that you're aware that getting 325-350 hp from a stock 5.8 will definitely take some significant modifications, if not a full rebuild with high-performance parts.

Regarding fuel economy - Don't expect more than about 17 mpg highway from your truck the way it is.

Best wishes, at least you have a good truck to start with.