F250HD Intro & Problems

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Mar 21, 2006 | 07:55 AM

RonH22

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F250HD Intro & Problems

I just bought a 1988 F250HD 4x4 5.8L 1,300,000 miles. It was cheap so there is a long list of known problem probably just as many unknowns too. Hopefully I will be able to find most of the solutions by searching.
Here are 2 that I could not find.
1) My Speedometer is about 30 MPH off. It will read about 30 when I am doing 60. The needle bounces a little about +/- 1-2MPH but not real bad. The Odometer is about just as far off too if that matters. So any ideas as were to start? What years can I use parts from at the junkyard if I just replace the speedo?
2) My steering column is lose but in a weird way. It will "tilt" left and right at the joint about 4 inches down from the steering wheel. I also have to push on the wheel to the left to get the starter to engage I sure this is the same problem. Replace it or is there some lose bolts in there?

Mar 21, 2006 | 08:32 AM

Fully_Loaded

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From: Gulf Shores, AL

As far as your speedo goes, if those miles are even remotly close it will probly be your plastick drive gears in the tail shaft. Is the truck lifted with bigger tires? Have the gears been changed? As far as your sterring column and ignition, you will probly need to start by pulling your steering wheel off. I hvve never had this prob or heard of it so maybe someone will chime in with a better answer on that regards.

Mar 21, 2006 | 10:10 AM

RonH22

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Looks like it is stock height and stock size tires. Not sure if it is stock gears or not. Is it posible to change the gears enough to be 30MPH?

Mar 21, 2006 | 07:02 PM

Fully_Loaded

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With a drastic change yes. What RPM is it turning at 60mph?

Mar 21, 2006 | 11:25 PM

RonH22

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Not sure of RPM at 60 but I do not belive it went over 3000 at 70MPH
I have some work to do before I drive truck again.

Mar 23, 2006 | 07:15 AM

jroehl

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From: Lafayette, IN

With a 4.10 rear and 235/85R16 tires, my engine turns just shy of 2000 rpm at 65mph. Do a search, there are several calculators online, try "rpm calculator" or something like that.

Jason

Mar 23, 2006 | 07:24 AM

tjc transport

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inside the steering column, there are 3 anchors and bolts that hold the tilt mechanism to the lower column. it sounds like yours are broke. it will be easier to just get another column from a junkyard and swap them then it will be to fix yours.