I just bought a '89 F150 with 165k miles on it. I plan on putting on a 6" lift and tires, a new engine, and some body work into it. If anybody can offer me any information of what to do with this truck, what parts to get, etc. I would appreciate it. I would specifically like to know what kind of engine could I fit into the truck, preferrably and 8 cylinder.
Thanks,
Kris

 

how deep are your pockets? YOu could put a 460 in it but as far as limits there aren't many.

 

Alright i see how it is. My pockets aren't too deep at the moment, so, will my 6 cylinder be able to handle the big tires for a little while till i can afford that engine?

 

With the right gears, any motor can handle big tires.

The six puts out more low end torque than the 302. Personally, I wouldn't trade my six for anything, especially with gas prices these days. When you go up to the bigger motors, the 351 and the 460, sure, you get more power, but they will drink your wallet dry.

But the 302 has a lot more aftermarket support, but that depends again on your pockets.

 

so my six can handle big tires no problem? I don't take this thing on the highway so i don't need to go fast.

 

put 4.10's in it and it can handle the big tires

 

ok. oh yeah i forgot to mention this thing has 165,000 miles on it. so that might make a difference. I'd like it to last me maybe a year but then i'd like to put a new engine in. any suggestions?

 

if its been taken care of, your about halfway through its life

does it leak anything?

 

it has a tiny transmission leak, (i think it was the transmission) but I everyone I've talked to says that's normal for any american truck that old. I'd love it if I could not do any engine swapping or stuff like that for a while and go for a 6" lift.