Hi all, I'll try and make it brief and to the point. My '97 F250 Ex cab LB is suddenly showing its age. Its got 305,000 mi on it now. Overall, it runs good but needs a ton of stuff, especially before the fall 'cause she don't like cold starts. Between what I can do myself and what I'll have to go to a shop for.............. my guess is I'll be out 5-6 Grand to do it all. This truck is by no means ready for the junk yard. My issue is more on the financial end. I'm the only income in my family of 4. I've got a special needs son, who needs momma home. Money is tight, so I don't want to throw good money after bad.
If I dump my truck now, with all its issues, I'll take a beating as well. I've got to come up with big money ( by my standards) either way, 'cause I'll need to buy something else. Of course, I'll be looking at another vehicle thats not perfect either for that kind of money. BTW I must have a truck for my line of work. I really need some input. I trust this site and its members. I'm really sweating this one. Thanks, Vinny

 

I'd say make it right. That way you know what you have.

 

i agree. it will most likely cost far less to fix what you have than to buy an unknown vehicle and have to fix that one to make it dependable.

 

Other than the hard cold start what else needs to be addressed?

 

Ok, well I feel better already. Thanks. I need a front end rebuild,and u-joints (+ 4 tires), Oil cooler...... again. Guessing, most everything under the valve covers, maybe not new injectors, but o-rings. Other nickle and dime stuff.... gear shifter, lock cylinder. Also, the prevoius owner jacked up the dash by the gauge cluster.I can't even remove it to replace bulbs back there. I figure i'll have to get a new one if I can. What sucks extra is that if my truck is laid up..... I don't work. My time is limited and I don't trust a sole around here to do right by me( repair shops I mean). Thats why I'm thinking, get another and keep working. Rather have mine though

 

I say fix if you can do it. Repair shops suck! Just take the worst item and fix it, one thing at a time. Research it and have the parts before you start.

 

Aww Cumon vinney you CAN do this. One baby step project at a time. Eat the elephant just one bite at a time. 305k?!?! Just a baby yet. The ol gal is paid for, let her keep paying you back.
I feel your discouragement I promise. IMO new trucks just aren't as good as these ol dinosaurs.

 

Each of those items can be fixed one Sunday at a time

 

do one wheel at a time, then once everything up front is done get the new tires and front end alignment done.

there is no reason to pull the whole front end out of the truck unless you can afford to have it laid up for a while. waiting a week or so between doing sides is not an earth shattering event.

 

Heck. I tear into mine find problems put it back together so I can drive it then order parts. Not the best and I get lots of wrench time which she doesn't agree with.

 

You can do it Vinny. One project at a time, just like Tom said. One wheel at a time. Then just do one side of the motor at a time. You can do this. Just plan ahead and don't try to do too much in one day

 

Almost always better to keep and fix what you have. This sounds one of those situations.

 

I'd hate to throw that much at my ole truck... BUT. I've driven older high milage vehicles most of my life and much prefer the "junk" I know to that I don't. Heck, I took 1990 Ford Festiva to 180K and a 1993 Taurus to 283K, lol, and had a 2003 Mustang GT that was going strong at 170K. These motors hold up well, and suspension is replaceable (new bushings make a world of difference) I'd say fix it and mind the budget all you can.

 

Vinny, I think I can speak for most of these guys and say, we will help you however we can. I feel your pain and understand your situation. It does get a little overwhelming at times, especially financially, but I agree with these guys. I think you'd be better off fixing your truck. Unless you buy another truck from a friend or someone you know and trust very well, and know exactly what you'd be getting, you may be inheriting someone elses troubles, and be in the same situation or worse.

 

Hey Guys, Can't thank you all enough for the responses. Too bad we're all 1/2 the nation away ' cause I wanna buy you all a beer ! I'm convinced to keep it...and just chip away and not lay it up indefinantly. I'll need help, so you will hear from me alot. Cool thing is......the wife supports my decision too. She knows I love the old PSD. I guess front end, one wheel at a time is step 1. The warm weather gives me a stay of execution on the oil leak and cold start issues. Again, thanks all. Love this site and its members.