I'm going to see a kid about a 1980 300 straight 6 F250 4X4 4spd with 8000 lb winch and 'big tires', lights and sound system. My current vehicle is a rusty 76 4X2 with the monster 460 and C6 that I bought super cheap - great machine but too thirsty. Can anyone spell out the most important problem areas to look for in this kid's 4X4 other than rust? He wants $2000 and I've already told him he can keep the sound system and big tires - I'm too old for that stuff - just want the vehicle and winch. Thanks for advice!

Oh yes, I read that there are several different 4 speeds on these trucks along with different axles - which are best/worst Thanks again!

 

Look for oil under the engine, transmission and transfer case. Make sure the seals are good. Check the wheels for brake fluid leaks. Try the wipers and heater. Look inside the fuse box and make sure none of the fuses have been paper clipped or anything. Test drive and make sure the transfer case shifts smoothly without too much grinding. Check the tie rods and the wear pattern on the tires.

 

I am guessing that since it has the 300 six, it will be a light-duty F250. In an F250, you should only have the granny low 4-speed. I'm pretty sure that it is the NP435, which is a great tranny.

Axles will most likely be a Dana 44 front, which is just an eight lug version of the F150 front end. If the front locking hubs are small, it is the 44. Rear will probably be a semi-floating Stearling 10.25, also not super-stout, but not bad depending on what you plan to do with it.

You need to look closely at the frame. One of Ford's better ideas in 1980 and continuing to 1982 was to lighten the frames in a vain attempt at better gas milage. They accomplished only making the frames weak and prone to twisting, especially if you use a handyman style jack on a corner to pick up the truck. If the truck is lifted with big tires, also look at the frame near the stearing box, on the inside, right where the front of the box meets the frame. They are somewhat prone to cracking there, not as prone as chebbies , but it is not uncommon (my '84 did it, of course that was with 38" Swampers ).

The 300 is a great motor with lots of torque and a good lifespan if taken care of even a little.

It sounds like the truck is worth a look, just be aware of the potential problems it may have.

 

I don't think a little oil on the bottom side of a 26 year old vehicle is unusual.

 

Thank you gentlemen! I've made a check list using all the points you made. Phoned the kid last night and will get out to see the truck sometime this week. He said he has changed the diffs himself to 4.10 due to the big tires (wonder if he did a proper job?) - might be a problem if I go back to stock wheels/tires.... Also, he says it has Honda buckets, so I'll check out the cost of a decent bench seat at the local boneyard. Appreciate your comments!

 

Even if it is a light duty F250, it should have had 4.10 gears from the factory.

 

You also might want to look underneath to see if the fuel tank(s) are dry *not leaking* and also check to make sure that the parking brake is working properly.