We are looking at an '85 F250 4x4 diesel (XL Lariat - I think). It is in combination with an '87 5th wheel camper that we are very interested in. (Our '79 F150 supercab won't pull anything that heavy)

Anyway, the guy selling the truck talked to me over the phone. (I'm the Mrs.) He said the truck had 97,000 miles on it. He had taken it in to be serviced at a local dealership and they had broke off the tip of a glow plug and dropped it into the engine. They rebuilt the engine and that was only a few thousand miles ago. He also said that this model truck was a 1 ton pickup. (I thought they were 3/4 ton pickups, but he said NO that year was special and it was a 1 ton truck.) I try to be informed, and don't want him to think he can pull anything over on me because I'm a woman, so I'm asking you guys for any info I can get on this year truck. We are going to look it over and drive it on Tuesday, and I want to be well informed and know what questions to ask. What should we look for? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

F250 are 3/4 ton pickups. always..

Wm
'96 F450 White with Grey interior Crew Cab. Banks Turbo, Intercooler and Exhaust,
Power pack Chip, shift kit, Auxiliary transmission, electronic enhanced transmission control,
16 forward and 4 reverse ratios. 340hp 660ft lb 4 wheel drive, 4.10 gears, 12,ooo# winch

 

I have a 1986 F-250 6.9 and it is definitely 4 tons.
See if it starts-up well when cold and doesn't smoke, especially blue smoke ( oil ), oil pressure has to be good, no strange noises besides " diesel cakle ", put it to the test in 4x4 driving and watch for overheating and transmission noises.

1985 is pretty old but my 1986 works super well,I really have to trust my truck since I can to order spare parts only from the States, cand find any parts here in France !!

Magic Mike FRANCE

 

The easy way to tell is all 85 f-250 (3/4 ton)had ttb supension in the front and the f-350 (1 ton) have a solid axle. The 6.9 is usaully a pretty reliable motor as long as it has had proper maintence, although I have never thought that the pulling power of a 6.9 or 7.3 with no turbo is anything to brag about. I have know people with 6.9's that have got 300,000 out of them with no major problems, and some that shelled out the cam lifters and rockers after 130,000.


Brian:-)

 

Don't be too surprised if the 6.9 diesel pulls worse than your 79F150. I have an 86 F250 extracab with a 6.9L. I love that truck, always starts, never gets stuck (4x4) but whenever I hook up our 6x8 trailer with a couple of cycles in it, we are forever destined to the slow lane on our trip out of the foothills (ElDoradoHills) to our favorite riding spots in Lake Tahoe. Spend the extra bucks and get a turbodiesel!

 

Agree,
the 6.9 isn't too big on power. with a 4 speed transmission the 3 to 4 jump is too big on the hills! need to add a aux over drive. you will chug away, and get there with a grin on your face since you are getting nice mileage. Averaged around 18 mpg with my 2wd 83 6.9, moderate weight in bed.
N

 

I have an 88 F-250 (3/4 ton) 7.3 diesel. I installed a turbo and aux overdrive transmission. Also converted it to dual rear wheels. the turbo definitely made an animal out of the truck. Find one with a turbocharger on it ( either factory or aftermarket). good luck with your adventure.

 

the F350 and the F250 both have twin I-beam front suspension. The F350 "Super Duty" will have a solid front axle, but not all F350s have solid front axles. At least mine doesn't.