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I know a 265 tire will fit. I don't want a 265 tire. I want a 245 tire since it came on the truck. When I find some factory aluminum wheels for the truck I might go to a larger size, but I doubt it. It is a 4x4, but even when I had the 4x4 Bronco I very rarely went off road. And since it is a F150 instead of an F250, or F350, I will not be towing any cars with it. Maybe I'll try the U-Ship thing and tow ATV's or motorcycles, but not cars. Maybe a small camping trailer. All of this is down the road, I need to recover financially from all the $$$ I have spent on it these past two months.
This is obviously not my truck. However, it is the same generation, and has factory aluminum wheels on it that I like. Just need to save up the money and start looking. Currently I see them on eBay, but they are a bit pricey for my budget at $90 each So, I will peruse the local junkyards when I get some money to spend on them.
Jim
Last edited by Nighteyez; Aug 1, 2023 at 11:39 AM.
Reason: add photo
Heatwave, eh? Must be nice. Well I got a call from the mechanic today. He wants $295 for the work done so far ($72 for spark plugs from NAPA) and says the timing guides are bad, but they don't replace them, too much work. He recommends a used engine. He also said I need a battery as mine is not strong enough to start the truck anymore. He took it in to get the smog retest, but it started sounding like a tractor and turned the check engine light on. That is what it was doing with me. Drive it around it is fine for a time, but then out of nowhere, it sounds like a tractor, and the engine loses all power. Since his brother has a bunch of connections, I told him to see what a used engine will cost. So, right now I am looking at a battery and a used engine. Plus paying for the work that has already been done. Of course, they will charge me labor for installing the used engine as well. Seems like for every step forward I take on this truck I am pushed back two steps. Now I have to figure out how I am going to pay for all of this. When this is done, it is still going to need two rear tires, and AC work. Still, I think once it is all done, I should have a decent reliable truck. Problem is, getting over the financial hump to get it there. I don't know if I can find an organization who will help since the mechanic works out of his house. Going to have to pray for this.
Every time the check engine light is reset, the computer has to complete a diagnostic drive cycle. Otherwise, when plugged in, the computer will read that it is not ready for emissions testing. As the computer tries to complete the diagnostic drive cycle, it will detect the same problems, and activate the check engine light. This continues until the problems are actually corrected and the computer detects that there's no problem.
In the old days, when they used that tailpipe sensor, you could beat the smog machine. A crooked smog tech would put the tailpipe snifter into a similar truck, like mine, and run the whole test. Today, the smog computer plugs into the truck. It reads everything including the VIN. No way to fool them.
You are just full of good news aren't you? I am well aware of the smog test scenario. I used to be a mechanic in the mid 80's and had my smog certifications. Right now I am looking for a cheap used engine from a company that will offer some form of payment plan. I got approved for $1000 from one site, but they want $2,400 for a used engine. That is of no help to me.
Jim, A lot of guys buy new trucks take the original tires and wheels off and install bigger, better tires and wheels. It sounds like tires are not the highest priority right now though. Start a go fund me..... "Help Jim a veteran in need get on the road! "
I have thought about starting a go Fund Me acct. can't hurt to try. According to the mechanic brothers who just dropped off the truck, they are currently doing an engine swap for a Volvo. They are charging her $900 labor and the engine was $650. He has a friend who works at Turner's looking for a low mileage 5.4L right now. So, with a bit of prayer, maybe one will show up soon enough to get it in before the 45-day temp permit runs out.
Low cloud layer. Fog bank. Light mist. It's wet outside. I had to drive with wipers and fog lights on. Luckily, I installed new wipers on my cars a few weeks ago.
Jim, I have a hard time believing that it would cheaper to replace an engine then to replace the timing chain guides.
OK, after doing a little research I can see the cost could be a couple grand to replace the timing chains all guides, new oil pump and associated parts. The problem with a used motor it is a gamble on how long it will last. I wish you the best of luck.
I bought a used motor once (well a couple of them) one was pretty much junk but the other turned out to be a great buy. The good one was a Ford 302 and it turns out it had been gone through, high compression pistons, bigger cam it was a real Hot Rod motor.
Jim
Not trying to sound like an idiot here but have you thought about buying a used truck and even financing a portion of? I dont know your credit situation but it seems like you have a bunch of nickel and dime stuff in addition to the motor issue. Might be a better route, I dunno
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That is what it was doing with me. Drive it around it is fine for a time, but then out of nowhere, it sounds like a tractor, and the engine loses all power. Since his brother has a bunch of connections, I told him to see what a used engine will cost. So, right now I am looking at a battery and a used engine. Plus paying for the work that has already been done. Of course, they will charge me labor for installing the used engine as well. Seems like for every step forward I take on this truck I am pushed back two steps. 
Now I have to figure out how I am going to pay for all of this. When this is done, it is still going to need two rear tires, and AC work. Still, I think once it is all done, I should have a decent reliable truck. Problem is, getting over the financial hump to get it there. I don't know if I can find an organization who will help since the mechanic works out of his house. Going to have to pray for this.
