I have posted here before and found the answers always helpful.

Here is My situation:

Base XL 94 F150, Auto, 4.9( dang workhorse of an engine) with a Lot of Miles (271,000) I am an Older Gentleman (63) and I don't want top get rid of this truck because of what I paid for it and The fact that it has given me very little trouble in the last 2 years of ownership. No Leaks, No burning oil. I love this truck
I replaced the Rotors,Pads and Front Suspension a month ago. Alternator a year ago.
The belt started to squeal a week ago and I think the Power Steering Just went Out Yesterday.
I have a little money to fix it (power steering and belt squeal etc. etc.). **But where should I start? I don't want to keep putting this thing in a mechanics shop.
I am also getting some clunkes when the transmission shifts. It doesn't feel like the transmission itself, somewhere behind it.
So again, **Where do I start to essentially rebuild?
and **What should my Long Term plan be to put enough money into the truck to get it worry free or running properly? **What should I ask the mechanic to look at?If that is anywhere near possible. An engine swap is not out of the question. (depends on money)
This is a Great Older truck that I want to take me into My Retirement Years and beyond.. So, again I am looking for a long term plan here!!!

Thanks so much for ANY!!! help

Greg

 

If you're not doing the work yourself, (and I understand that), I would make a list of the things that are wrong, symptoms, such as the power steering, take it to your reliable mechanic and ask for estimates. It's possible the belt is squealing due to the power steering pump or visa versa. Are you thinking an engine swap may be necessary due to the mileage? If so, get mechanic to do a compression check and go from there.

 

Well, this actually can be pretty simple-

Depending on your personal wrench skills, if the power steering pump went, well, replace it. they run like 150 bucks its not that bad.

Belt Replace the belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys (After the power steering pump is replaced, or during if mechanic does it)

the clunking is most likely a u-joint, if you havent dont them since youve owned the truck do them all, they are not expensive.

Honestly just fix whats broken, dont go nutzo and spend a ton of money- just remember with age, a lot of small things can start to go at once.

My basic rules for vehicle repair are as such

1st- mechanical stuff required to keep running/driving
2nd- comfort systems (Ie heating/AC or car stereo related, interior, seats, etc.)
3rd body and beauty stuff (All the other crap that doesnt really matter)