Hi to all-

I haven't posted in a while - truck's been running great! Hard to believe how much I like this old truck! Definitely was worth all the work I put in when I first got it.

BTW, the truck is a 93 2WD std cab, 2.3L 5sp, 215,000 miles

I replaced all the shocks when I first got the truck a year ago. They were rusted away and non-functional. I used some cheap Monroe shocks, they were like $18 each...

Early this spring I adjusted the steering box to take out some of the slop - which made a huge difference, but still not what the truck should be...

For whatever reason, I notice that when hitting what I consider to be mild bumps, I am getting what seems to be quite a bit of front wheel hop. Much more so than I experience with other vehicles at the same speed, location, etc... I don't recall this being so pronounced before.

Seems like it's time to think about some further maintenance - replace upper/lower ball joints, steering box?... What about new front springs? Probably could stand to have the U-joints replaced too.

I'm really undecided about putting more money into the truck, or looking for one a little newer... I could REALLY use the space in an extended cab... Thats a constant issue for me. Other points to consider are that the truck is very under powered (although it can often get 24 mpg), and I would really like to have 4WD. Finally, some problems with my left foot have me seriously considering automatic transmission (which I have always hated). But being stuck in traffic can be just downright painful...

Looks like ball joints are about $40 each, rebuilt steering box around $175. As far as labor, well I would probably plan on devoting a weekend to getting it all done. Haven't found springs, hate to call the dealer... Can't see getting used springs from the junkyard - how would you know the condition of what you are getting?

What do you all think? Do the repairs? Sell the truck? Where best to get springs? Can you all give me your thoughts and ideas please? Thanks!

 

all in all, id say its time for a upgrade, dont know what your budget would be, but you should be able to find a lease return 4wd auto s/c for less than new $ and alot les miles on the clock, sure, ball joints & ect will get you by for the time being, but with all that time on the clock (and if your in the rust belt) other gremlins may be lurking in the shadows. my '93 looks great on the outside but i shudder every time i roll underneath and see the signs of rust (and ive only got 97,000 miles) ive put a trans, clutch,front axle u-joints & ball joints in mine over the past 3 years. in the long run id think you would be better off, ecpessaly if your starting to have problems with your left leg and city traffic. (i love my std shift, but not in town!)

 

My '97 (224k) doesn't feel too great in the suspension department, either. When I was doing some work on the front end (maybe shocks), I noticed that there seemed to be too much play in the radius arm bushings. I don't want to change them, so I'm living with it for now (and hopefully for a long time...). I don't really know the proper way to check these bushings; I noticed the play when I had a jack under the radius arm and watched the movement around the bushing.

I'm the sort to get attached to a vehicle, so if it was me I'd probably keep the truck, though I certainly wouldn't blame you for getting rid of it with the reasons you list. I dunno, tough choice.

 

Yeah, I tend to get attached to vehicles I really like... know what ya mean...

A little about the condition of the truck - I put a LOT of work into it when I got it. Learned a lot, and mostly enjoyed the process... It looks really good for it's age / mileage. The paint is in pretty good shape, mostly shiny, little clear coat loss on the roof... very few dings over all... The only rust is a small amount on the bottom of the tail gate... Interior is pretty good - carpet intact, fairly clean - same for the 60/40 seat... Dash is excellent, not broken up, cracked apart like some I've seen. Basically, everything works! Not a small amount of effort, but I got there...

Brakes are fine, wheel bearings replaced one year ago... as were the fuel pump, clutch disk, pressure plate, slave cylinder, pilot bearing, shift rail plugs, shifter bushes, hoses, drive belt, ignition lock, broken seat belt, temp gauge and sender, all filters changed, fluids changed...

I got a few dollars in it, but prob would break even on a sale... not including my labor though...

Overall, a pretty solid truck... Still, a tough decision... And why I ask for the opinions of someone who's not close to the situation!

 

"WE now return you to an earlier statement..."

What you want to do, man?

In that circumstance, I would go with a MASTER BUSHING KIT and swap out the shocks and springs if I had to just to get it right again.

-Up to you...

Steering box don't even mess around with - just get one. And take this as GOSPEL:

DO NOT under any circumstances risk cross-threading the line fittings! Turn them in BY HAND at least three full turns before putting a wrench on them. That by itself will save you a whole world of trouble. Lube the O-rings with PS fluid before putting them in.

And DON'T use teflon tape on them - it isn't that kind of a fitting.

 

Well.. it would be nice if the cab would magically extend, and maybe sprout a front drive train...

Good info on the PS lines!

 

I would trade out for a newer truck maybe in the early 2000's.

 

I wouldnt sell it till ya had somethin to replace it. And since you say your at the break even point id say its that time.

 

0% for 72 months on the 06, and great rebates, it's a buyer's market right now, + ford needs the business, GO GET EM TIGER!!

 

I forgot to mention that the new 2.3 duratec 4 cylinder is much imoroved in hp, and torque over the old lima 2.3, I have one in my new focus st, and it rocks, they ain't your moma's pinto anymore !!

 

You Quit, And You Lose.

I Never Quit.

It's up to to you, ring "THE END" bell if that is really you....

I wouldn't

The truck you have there, you are not going to get back.

I just would not throw it away....

Besides - IT IS PAID FOR!

How deep in do you want to go????????

Look - would you rather spend a few hundreds at your own rate and time, or MANY THOUSANDS that you will be paying interest on at the front end?

Seriously?

 

Funny that you mention that... as thats exactly what I've mulling over...

Yep, new truck sure would be nice... but seeming much less like a good idea after looking at some trucks and their prices, and REALLY thinking about the math involved... I'm going to stay with what I have for now...

Now I need to get my head on straight about what it's gonna take to fix up this truck. What all is in a 'Master Bushing Kit'? Who carries them? And who sells front springs? Is that a dealer item, or are there aftermarket choices that are better...