Don't know what to do
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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Don't know what to do
Well I'm still on my endless search for the perfect truck and I might have just found it.
Well it's a 1977 F250 w/ a 6" skyjacker lift, 35" BFG mudders, tons of engine modifications(guy before him made it for truck pulling), the body is in great shape, it's a 4 spd, interior is perfect, and other stuff I'm probably forgetting.
But there is some stuff wrong with it. The driveshaft needs replacing, there are 3 holes in the floor under the carpet, and the thing that scares me most is the drain plug is welded shut. I haven't asked him about that yet (brought it to my mechanic yesterday).
I'm just wondering how much that stuff will cost to fix and if I can do any myself.
Well it's a 1977 F250 w/ a 6" skyjacker lift, 35" BFG mudders, tons of engine modifications(guy before him made it for truck pulling), the body is in great shape, it's a 4 spd, interior is perfect, and other stuff I'm probably forgetting.
But there is some stuff wrong with it. The driveshaft needs replacing, there are 3 holes in the floor under the carpet, and the thing that scares me most is the drain plug is welded shut. I haven't asked him about that yet (brought it to my mechanic yesterday).
I'm just wondering how much that stuff will cost to fix and if I can do any myself.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
There is no "perfect" truck. Everyone has a different way of doing things and a diff. definition of "perfect", so buy a truck that you like, and you think was well taken care of for a base for your perfect truck. If you look into this one somemore and decide you want it, well you already have a 6" lift installed which is a plus, and I'm sure it at least has the rear locked up with some good gears.
I'd ask what gear ratio it has 4.56 would be good, but 4.10s would work too.
Just make sure the frame isn't messed up since it was set up for truck pulls.
I'd ask what gear ratio it has 4.56 would be good, but 4.10s would work too.
Just make sure the frame isn't messed up since it was set up for truck pulls.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 675
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From: Springfield, OR
This is just me talking, but Id be real careful and go over it real good. If its "hacked" maybe its giving him some trouble. See if he'll let you drive it for a day before you decide just to make sure it's not a problem child, plus you could check out the gas mileage if that any concern.
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He said the engine drain plug was welded shut about a month ago. He said he changed the oil and stripped the plug so he just welded it shut instead of buying a new one since he wasn't driving it, he didn't wanna buy a new one.
He's got 4.10 gears on it.
It drives real nice too. He even offered to give us a spin around the block in it.
He's got 4.10 gears on it.
It drives real nice too. He even offered to give us a spin around the block in it.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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Originally Posted by ford390gashog
stay the hell away form it. if he was stupid enough to weld the drain plug then i can only imagine what else he did wrong.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Colorado
I agree with staying away from it....The same guy who welds an oil drain plug shut to avoid a trip to a parts store, and a $6 drain plug is the same who would run year round with no air filter, JB Weld the distributor in place if they loose the holddown clamp, run without a fuel filter, and just all out neglect thier truck.
I spent 6 hours one time to fix an oil pan drain plug after it stripped out on me. Ended up finding a drain plug off of a Neoplan Bus, and re tapped the hole. It was the only reasonable drain plug that was bigger than the stripped hole.
You will find another one, in better shape, if you wait for it. The deal with the truck isnt so much having to get a new oil pan as it is what else the guy might have done half-assed, and what damage it might cause in the future.
Just my opinion.
--John
I spent 6 hours one time to fix an oil pan drain plug after it stripped out on me. Ended up finding a drain plug off of a Neoplan Bus, and re tapped the hole. It was the only reasonable drain plug that was bigger than the stripped hole.
You will find another one, in better shape, if you wait for it. The deal with the truck isnt so much having to get a new oil pan as it is what else the guy might have done half-assed, and what damage it might cause in the future.
Just my opinion.
--John
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Abilene, Texas
Originally Posted by Colo79Ford
I agree with staying away from it....The same guy who welds an oil drain plug shut to avoid a trip to a parts store, and a $6 drain plug is the same who would run year round with no air filter, JB Weld the distributor in place if they loose the holddown clamp, run without a fuel filter, and just all out neglect thier truck.
I spent 6 hours one time to fix an oil pan drain plug after it stripped out on me. Ended up finding a drain plug off of a Neoplan Bus, and re tapped the hole. It was the only reasonable drain plug that was bigger than the stripped hole.
You will find another one, in better shape, if you wait for it. The deal with the truck isnt so much having to get a new oil pan as it is what else the guy might have done half-assed, and what damage it might cause in the future.
Just my opinion.
--John
I spent 6 hours one time to fix an oil pan drain plug after it stripped out on me. Ended up finding a drain plug off of a Neoplan Bus, and re tapped the hole. It was the only reasonable drain plug that was bigger than the stripped hole.
You will find another one, in better shape, if you wait for it. The deal with the truck isnt so much having to get a new oil pan as it is what else the guy might have done half-assed, and what damage it might cause in the future.
Just my opinion.
--John
also just my opinion
Scotty
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Springfield, OR
Guys, correct me if Im wrong, but on some of the engines dont you have to lift the engine to remove the oil pan? How the hell does that guy expect YOU to change the oil after you buy it?? Putting on a new pan could be a nasty job but I'll bet he didnt count on you seeing that weld and I bet he didnt volunteer the information either did he? I would pass on it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,956
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From: Abilene, Texas
Originally Posted by T18skyguy
Guys, correct me if Im wrong, but on some of the engines dont you have to lift the engine to remove the oil pan? How the hell does that guy expect YOU to change the oil after you buy it?? Putting on a new pan could be a nasty job but I'll bet he didnt count on you seeing that weld and I bet he didnt volunteer the information either did he? I would pass on it.
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Originally Posted by T18skyguy
Guys, correct me if Im wrong, but on some of the engines dont you have to lift the engine to remove the oil pan? How the hell does that guy expect YOU to change the oil after you buy it?? Putting on a new pan could be a nasty job but I'll bet he didnt count on you seeing that weld and I bet he didnt volunteer the information either did he? I would pass on it.
I am also concerned about what else might be wrong, but my coworkers didn't find anything else(that's not listed) wrong with it.
I probably won't get it and continue the search.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
If you know that would be the only thing you know he rigged on the truck, then it wouldn't be that bad of a truck. You could put a new oil sump, or drill and tap a new drain hole.
The truck has alot of the things I would want, but it just sounds abused.
It was built for pulling, so you know something bad would have to happen sooner or latter on a truck that does something that serious, needs new driveshafts, what did he do to them to need new ones!?! The rust holes could be fairly easy to fix though.
The truck has alot of the things I would want, but it just sounds abused.
It was built for pulling, so you know something bad would have to happen sooner or latter on a truck that does something that serious, needs new driveshafts, what did he do to them to need new ones!?! The rust holes could be fairly easy to fix though.