Hey all I own a 99 SVT Cobra and I was thinking bout getting a 1992 F-150 XLT Flare Side with 145k. This was a famers truck so its pretty dirrty. Also it has some exhaust leaks. The oil pan gasket needs to be replaced. Probably needs a full tune up and everything. An alirnment also.

My question to you guys is. Knowing just a few of these problems.. would if be worth it to me to buy it for 2k or less? The body has no visible rust. The clear cloat is coming off on some spots. Interior is diry, dirty, dirty but with a vacum and 409 should look nice...

2 Major factors that I would like to know about:
1. How is are these trucks on Gas
2. How do they handle in the snow

What do you all think.. good deal or no?

Also can you all point me to some links on how-tos...
and some links about the specs of this Truck

 

How they are on gas is dependent on a lot of questions. Engine size, transmission, gear ratio etc. But generally stock 2wd they can get anywhere from 7-14 in town and 10-20 on the highway. Slightly less for 4wd. (I know...a big range)

As far as on snow. 2wd or 4? Even 2 if you put some weight in the back and have a good set of snow tires they do pretty well.

For under 2k, it is a good deal if it runs/tranny feels good.

Tune-ups and alignment are just Cost of Ownership items. Those will need to be done no matter what vehicle you own. As far as the oil pan gasket...probably only have to do it once.....

Jim

 

Its a 2wd 5spd 5.0 302

Also about the oil pan gasket needing to be replaced..

What would it cost to take to a mechanic?

or

How hard would it be to do myself?

 

On the oil pan gasket make sure its not a pourous oil pan. I have a pan that leaks -- a little jb weld fixed it.
You can try re-torquing/tightening the pan bolts to see if will seal or if you can see where its clearly leaking from drop the pan down a half inch and put some sealant in there to get you by -- careful with the U shape at the tail of the pan don't want to fall out of the grooves.
Are you sure its not the rear main seal?
If you're quick you can do a pan gasket in a 2-3 hours or less but that comes from having done the job a few times --the first time can take a while.

 

blu

Do you have any write-ups done? Also do you think it would be worth it?

 

In my mind the oil pan is an easy job and so is the rear main seal both are tedious and doing it for the first time you can run into issues due to unfamilarity.
Is it worth it??
Thats hard to say. I'd check the whole truck out starting with pulling tire and seeing how much rotor/pad is left on the front brakes. Look for rust at the radiator mounts, on the cab all around perimeter of door, make sure the power steering is decent shape, look at the gas tanks for rust or leaks, etc... I currently have 4 ford trucks and there easy to work on to a point but if the previous owner did not keep up with stuff you can be out a $1k real quick. If the body is not rusting out from the underside and the mileage is less than 120k I'd consider it but Not having 4wd would be an issue for me -- all my work trucks have 4wd and I would pass on it for that reason alone.
If I bought it I'd budget in a clutch and would bandaid the oil pan till the clutch job and would do the rear main seal,paint the oil pan,replace oil pump,replace the plugs on top of the transmission all in one shot. Is it the original clutch? If its not chances are the rear main seal is new etc...

A 302/5 speed driven at less than 70mph on the highway would probably get 15-18mpg around town it'll depend on how you drive it. Snow it'll be ok with a 300 lbs +/- 100 over the rear axle. Not great but ok -- need good tread as well.