I know similar threads have been posted. This isn't a "should I or shouldn't I" or a "how much will it cost?" or "lets see your high mileage" or "who's better? jasper, PP, etc" post. I've committed to keeping my Truck on the road and just fixing it as I go rather than buy a new one. I have an '06 F250 with the 5.4 as a work truck. It has 217,400 miles and is adding 30K+/yr. I know I have 3 big expenses in my future....motor, transmission, cosmetic/paint work, and a worn drivers seat needing a new pad and seat cover. I'm a proponent of the idea that its cheaper to fix, as long as it's done right, than buy new.

What I'm curious about is who has gone this route and I'd like to hear about success stories. Honestly, I figure if I have to spend 15K over the years to get 500K+ miles out of this truck, I come out OK. So far, its running strong and I don't see any reason that it won't make 300K miles before I start having big mechanical repair bills.

I know there are a lot of people on here with high mileage trucks on the road, what I haven't seen are a lot of people who have spent the money to just keep a truck going rather than trade up. For those that have thrown motors in, and transmissions, and done what it takes to extend the life of your truck far beyond original components....do you regret it? Was it a successful path to follow?

I have a hard time seeing trucks as "disposable" after a certain mileage or cost of repair. They are machines that can be fixed. As long as machines are maintained and repaired, there's no reason not to see exceptionally long lives out of them.

So my basic curiosity here is pretty broad: Who's gone this route, how successful was it, and do you regret it?

 

I find your question "Speaking my language".
My favorite feature of my truck is the title in my desk drawer.
I bought my 2003 F-250 S/D XL with 46K miles on it in 2006. CHEAP.
I had knowledge of this truck watching a co-worker buy it new. I told him when he's done with it...before he trades it.. I'll give him $100 cash over their number.
So he had it.. and I bought it.
5.4 2V was rod knocking to high hell and it barely ran. He had 'no idea' what happened.
So I bought a 'select' remanufactured engine from Grooms. groomsengines.com that had updated heads and every known issue addressed.
I put the new Dorman intake on it. My mechanic friend said they made more torque than the OEM piece. He was right.
Anti-seize on the plugs. New coils and boots. Dielectric grease on every connector. Anti-seize on every nut and bolt.
I put JBA headers on it.. P/N 578-1679S I think. Stainless Ceramic coated. Stainless bolts with anti-seize instead of studs.
I did the 5-star Y-Pipe http://5startuning.com/product/2000-...04al-su0004al/
Out of the cat, My buddy had a piece of 3.5 inch pipe, so we put a 45 degree bend on it with a hanger and welded it on. It comes out the passenger side just in front of the back tire. No exhaust, not loud, and best of all.. CHEAP....nothing to rot or fall off. It's right at face level when I need to pass somebody that's being a dillweed.
I have no idea how people believe I'd give up torque with this set-up. It pulls a twin axle enclosed trailer sacked out full at 8600 with no issues.
It's no diesel but I DON'T NEED a diesel, nor do I want the associated issues. It runs great.
While we did the engine swap...The trans got a total flush. New filter and fluid obviously.
It got a new oil/trans cooler too. I couldn't see the sense of taking a chance with the old one just cleaned out.
It needed a box a few years later. I bought a new take off from a 2014 and put it on.
The rockers started to go...so before they were shot.. I went deep on both sides. New steel. Coated and clean. Installed and painted right.
I love this truck and it would cost $20K to replace it. I've got $12K in it. including tires, brakes, brake lines, and annual undercoating with Berkebile PFC.
http://www.berkebileoil.com/pfc-undercoating.html I'm keeping her alive the right way...
130K miles now. 13 years later...
I'll throw a picture of it on here later...
Here's an old pix of it from a thread here..
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14691799

 

 

I'll give ya this OP: you've got ***** choosing a 3V for a "never-dead" endeavor.

I've often THOUGHT I would take this approach with several of my favorite vehicles over the years, but when the time finally comes it's just never been practical for me to put huge amounts of time and money into something that is aging, esp given used vehicles on the market.

But what would be cool is to see your progress on your truck, so please keep updating as problems arise and are subsequently solved/repaired!

 

Agree: The best thing in the world about any vehicle is the title in your drawer. Thank you God

 

I only buy used low mileage, well maintained used vehicles and then maintain them very well myself. The garage (small independent diesel mechanic) only sees those jobs which are beyond my knowledge and skill level (which I'd classify as "average shade tree level"). I do own lots of tools and have all of the relevant factory service manuals for my truck. I also enjoy learning, am not afraid of getting dirty or bruising a knuckle and am not afraid to ask questions ... especially here on FTE where I know there are a lot of knowledgeable, skilled people ready and willing to help.

I figure if I spend between $1,500 and 2,000 per year for regular maintenance and repairs (including consumables like oil changes, tires etc.) on my 2001 F250 with the 7.3 diesel engine, then I'm doing pretty well. If you want to do some reading on this subject, just enter the phrase below in your search engine and go for it.

"average maintenance costs on a older light truck"

 

Agreed with the buy it used thing. I buy them 2-2.5 years old 30-40K miles for half price. I can not ever see spending 60-80K! on a truck thats gona rot away in 5 years if left untreated.(rust belter mentality). Krown rust prevention keeps them alive for 10.

To the OP if it's not rusty n crusty run it into the ground. I envy you dry climate people. Id do drive train replacement any day over rot/rust/crust.