hello all,

I’m looking to buy or possibly build an F150 as a daily work truck. Let me give a little backround info on what exactly I need.

I’m in the process of getting a lawncare/landscape company off the ground within next couple years. I’ve got a ‘02 superduty that i’ll be using for all the heavy hauling. But I also will be needing a F-150 for towing a small trailer; nothing over 4,000.

Basically i’m looking for opinions on what engine, transmission, gearing, etc. would best meet my needs.

I’ve been looking at F150s from mid ‘80s to mid’90s. Hoping to get opinions on whats the most reliable, fuel efficient drivetrain offered in those years. Also which engine is the easiest to work on and get parts for? Which engine least expensive to rebuild when the time comes?

I doubt I’m going to be able to find every feature I want that’s why I mentioned building it. Love the look and ride of new trucks just can’t afford the price.

My plan is to build ‘new old trucks’. Meaning find a truck with a good body and frame. Drop in a new rebuilt engine and tranny. Rebuild brakes, suspension if/as needed and have a reliable company truck for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. Look forward to hearing from y’all.

 

Let me ask the question this way: would you rather have the 351 V8, 302 V8, or 300 inline in an all purpose F150? Also, what tranny would be your first choice?

And why? Thanks.

 

If it were me I would have a 351W stick shift (M5OD or ZF5 swap it). The later transmission being better.


Most people say 302s don't do the best towing (they do ok but not the best).
E4OD autos I personally hate towing with.
Trav

 

Either one of those engines will last a long time and get roughly the same gas milage, I'd suggest 3.55 gears for a good compromise between towing performance and fuel milage. But you're not going to see more than 12-14mpg towing with any combo in an f150, but you could get nearly double that with a Ranger.

 

Um, in my business man mind the idea should be to minimize costs and maximize profit, are you the only driver? You said you are getting you lawn care business off the ground(bu dup bump) so I will assume you are the sole operator. If I were you I would drive the '02 all the time and save the money you would spend on the 150 build for expences.

 

Thanks for the replies,


Old Trusty:


I've definitely considered starting with just my superduty. But the lawncare business racks up a lot of miles quick on a truck and I really think i'd be best off having a backup in case my other trucks in the shop.

 

351 or 300 six would be my first choice backed by a 5spd. See if you can find a light duty F250 with the semi-float rear. The last year for them is 91. If your state charges by weight class for registration it'll be about the same as an F150 with some extra strength. I'd skip the 302 if you can, but it does ok.

Since you have another truck I'd find one that doesn't need much and do basic maintenance. Don't worry about rebuilt engines and such, just switch trucks and deal with it as needed if / when it breaks.

A factory tow package would be nice as would a receiver hitch. 2wd is all you need unless you want / need to deal with snow, but that's a whole different discussion.

 

Best towing truck I think would be the 300 and the ZF, the 300 has fantastic low end torque and has good empty gas mileage, the 351 has the closest torque curve to it but it won't get a good sized trailer moving quickly from a stop. An auto trans shifts anorexically with a 300 motor or anything similar, it will be more obvious with bed or trailer weight

 

300 straight 6/E40D auto trans/3.55 gearing.
cummins 4 bt/E40D auto trans/3.55 gearing.