1986 F250

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Dec 5, 2004 | 05:02 PM

hollis

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5th Gear

Joined: Dec 2004

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1986 F250

I am looking at an 86 4x4 manual diesel F250 as a hauling/towing vehicle. I admit to being from the GMC side; this is my first venture into the Ford side of things. This is a really well-kept truck, reasonably priced, but I don't know what some of the drawbacks of this model might be.

Are the brakes in this truck sufficient to haul a horse trailer? Any particular problems to look for?

Thanks in advance,
Hollis

Dec 5, 2004 | 09:34 PM

85IDIDiesel

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Joined: Sep 2004

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From: Sierra Vista Az

How many miles are it? I think the weakest part of these engines are the headgaskets.So you might want to findoutif they have ever been replaced. Also maybe if injectors or Pump have been replaced. These are really reliable engines and very strong. Not goingto be running very fast with it though. Find out what gears are in it. 4.10's pull better than the3.55's but will govern you to 75mph. Brakes are plenty good enough to stop. I have an 85F350 and an 86 F250 with the diesel and love them both.

Dec 5, 2004 | 09:51 PM

hollis

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5th Gear

Joined: Dec 2004

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I think about 250 K max. And the fuel injectors were replaced about six months ago. Good to hear about reliability; we aren't really looking for speed. Will check out the headgasket. There may be some problem with the forward U-joint, but it doesn't sound like it needs anything really immediate. Thanks for the comments.

Hollis