buying truck
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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buying truck
I'm new to the truck world so I need some advice.
I'm going to look at a 1988 F250 this afternoon.
So far what I know about the truck is that is has a rebuilt
small block with 30,000 on the clock, rebuilt auto tranny
and body in pretty good shape.
What should I look for, or what should I be aware of on an older truck
as such.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated
Thanks.
I'm going to look at a 1988 F250 this afternoon.
So far what I know about the truck is that is has a rebuilt
small block with 30,000 on the clock, rebuilt auto tranny
and body in pretty good shape.
What should I look for, or what should I be aware of on an older truck
as such.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated
Thanks.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 103
From: Ashland City, TN
if its a stick. really push the engine to see if clutch slips.
ball joints big time thing ot check!!!!
Check for any grease or stuff on transmission. anything that looks like a drip by a plug whipe it with your hand, and check it after you test drive it. if teh drip is back its leaking. Could be the plug isn't tight enough though. Check around transmission for signs of leakage.
Check your exhaust for sure, specialy if its a 302. might sound like its running really loud. means you have some exhaust manafold issues. and it will ahve to be welded, replaced, or honed to fit the block properly.
88 tailgate latches suck if i remember, check those. =) if there a lil stiff some wd will clean em up.
Winshield wipers.
If only high works, then the wiper regulator needs to be replaced or fixed. I wrote an article on that on the forums here.
If its 4wd, make sure to check for transfer case clunks. while in 4wd, with overdrive on or off from the dash.
ball joints big time thing ot check!!!!
Check for any grease or stuff on transmission. anything that looks like a drip by a plug whipe it with your hand, and check it after you test drive it. if teh drip is back its leaking. Could be the plug isn't tight enough though. Check around transmission for signs of leakage.
Check your exhaust for sure, specialy if its a 302. might sound like its running really loud. means you have some exhaust manafold issues. and it will ahve to be welded, replaced, or honed to fit the block properly.
88 tailgate latches suck if i remember, check those. =) if there a lil stiff some wd will clean em up.
Winshield wipers.
If only high works, then the wiper regulator needs to be replaced or fixed. I wrote an article on that on the forums here.
If its 4wd, make sure to check for transfer case clunks. while in 4wd, with overdrive on or off from the dash.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 0
From: va
What size engine?? EFI ?? Does it have two fuel tanks? Check the fuel selector valve. When bad it pumps fuel from one tank to the other tank and sometimes builds up pressure and over flows. The 2 or 3 fuel pumps maybe getting old?? A bad fuel pump will sometimes have a load winning sound , its under the truck about were your brake pedal is. I had the oil pressure low reading twice, it was a sender on the engine. All easy to fix and cheap. Except the intank pump and sender. Depending on were you live check fuel tanks for leaks. Thats about it if it runs well, and passes a state inspection. My 1987 f150 4.9 should be about the same the 1988 if it has a 4.9 efi.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 3
From: Centerville, Iowa
All 88's are EFI, 87 was the only year of crossover where a carbed engine resided in the F-series line with the "new" bodystyle.
Being an F250, his only options for motor are 300, 351, 460, 6.9 Diesel, and maybe the 7.3 IDI.
I'd say just be ready for parts to want to be replaced. Luckily it looks like the engine and transmission crapped out long ago and got taken care of. Don't let him use those as too much of leverage on you - just because it was rebuilt doesn't mean he can charge MORE, it just means you can't work him down further on it. Unless of course he rebuilt it with a better cam, heads, etc.
Like I said...the truck has entered its golden years. It's going to start failing here and there, and will need replacements as needed. That's why I got a second truck to compliment my 89 beater - at least I know ONE will be running at a time.
Give us more info. ^_^
Being an F250, his only options for motor are 300, 351, 460, 6.9 Diesel, and maybe the 7.3 IDI.
I'd say just be ready for parts to want to be replaced. Luckily it looks like the engine and transmission crapped out long ago and got taken care of. Don't let him use those as too much of leverage on you - just because it was rebuilt doesn't mean he can charge MORE, it just means you can't work him down further on it. Unless of course he rebuilt it with a better cam, heads, etc.
Like I said...the truck has entered its golden years. It's going to start failing here and there, and will need replacements as needed. That's why I got a second truck to compliment my 89 beater - at least I know ONE will be running at a time.
Give us more info. ^_^
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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Wow, I would like to thank you all for the over whelming advice.
It's nice to know that there are good people all around wanting to help each other.
I've not driven the truck yet I call him and his never home.
When I first talked to him he said it had a rebuilt small block but he didn't say
what size. He did say it was EFI And for the tailgate it doesn't have one.
I'll try contacting him once more if he is not their this time then I will look else where.
Again thank you all, I will keep all your coments in mind as I shop for F-series.
It's nice to know that there are good people all around wanting to help each other.
I've not driven the truck yet I call him and his never home.
When I first talked to him he said it had a rebuilt small block but he didn't say
what size. He did say it was EFI And for the tailgate it doesn't have one.
I'll try contacting him once more if he is not their this time then I will look else where.
Again thank you all, I will keep all your coments in mind as I shop for F-series.
