I am looking at an older work truck. I want a truck that i can tow a bobcat with, and that i can use to haul my 4 wheeling chevy. I want a 6.9 diesel, but i am not sure i can find one in my price range, 2000-2500 (im 16). I like the 85 f250 extended cabs. How would one of these be for work, and towing, and what are they getting for mileage? Also, could a 351 tow around this load ok?

 

The 460 will be able to pull that load if the truck is set up for it. By that I mean in terms of suspension and rearend gearing. You will not get the same gas mileage as a diesel but you will have the TQ.

 

Ok, thanks what are you guys getting for mileage in say a 85? i want a stick, and a long bed. Would i be able to get around 12 without towing, and 8-9 towing? Also, what should i expect to pay for a f250 with a 460 around 1985. Could i be able to buy something decent for 3000?

 

Ryan welcom to the forum.
You will have to do a little reserch on pricing. The price can varey dramaticley from area to area. I sugest you get on a web site like cars.com and do a serch in your price range and see what is out there. I think you can withe a little work get 12. I would look for a 5 speed and stay stay away frome the 4 weel drive trucks as they won't get as good milage. But if you need a 4 weel drive well you will have to live with the milage.
Good luck
Bill

 

I just bought a 95 460 3/4 ton 4x4 with a flatbed for $2300. If I were you, I wouldn't even consider a carbureted model. Too much trouble.

The trick to deals is not to get too excited and not to fall in love. Keep all you options open, and find the one that someone can't sell. You'll find a good deal when you don't NEED it. When I was 16, I needed everything. Show up with cash, and don't act excited. Tell him "I just don't think it's worth nore than $xxxx to me." Start about 2/3 what he is asking, even if it's a steal. You can always offer more, but not go down.

 

mgraveman has some very good advice so don't ignore it.

On that note, I have an 86 F-250HD 4x4 with a 4 speed and a 460 and unloaded it get 8-9 mpg's. Towing a boat, it get around 7 mpg's, and when I moved from Reno to Billings, (around 1000 miles), while towing my 1972 Pontiac 3 years ago it got a whopping 6 mpg's. The point is, the heavier the load and the more your foot is into the gas pedal, the more your mileage drops, (obviously).

 

I'm running an '84 F250 Supercab, Superduty (heavy 3/4 ton or a light 1 ton, however you want to look at it) 460 with C-6 and 4.10 rearend. Stock it got 7.5 empty and 6 loaded. Now with 3" exhaust, recurved distributor and a real Holley carb (junk the 4180, the carb swap was worth 1 mph by itself) I'm getting 9.5 mpg empty and 7.5 loaded. FYI, loaded is with a 13' 10" Camper weighing close to 4400 lbs ready to roll and towing either the quad trailer (dual axle and carries up to 6 quads) or the boat trailer. The mileage probably would be better, but I drive a bit aggressively.

 

FYI - I get 9-11 in my 460. It's EFI, and all of it is cutting firewood, pulling a small trailer - or taking my mower around, ect. I have a new truck that I drive on trips, and with big trailers, etc.

 

When i was 16, I had a job working for a local moving outfit. They had a Ford 700 or? with a 460, 5 speed. Strong enough to pull a loaded 40'van. It got a whopping 3 mpg + it was s l o w. Either engine will work. If it was me, I'd go the diesel route. If there is any distance to your jobs the more mpg's becomes very important. + the diesel can be hopped up as you can afford it to improve perf.. (turbo, exhaust, etc.) My 2001 250 4 by with a 6.9 got 17 mpg towing my 8000 lb 4by + I smoked those gassers up hills.

 

I paid $1900 for my 85 F-250HD with 109k miles at the time. I think they were having trouble selling it due to the rust and body damage. I drove all over town looking for this style of truck, and the only other one was a diesel that was going for $5-6k and I only had $2500 to spend. I would have preferred a diesel, but the 460 has not let me down yet. After the swap to 4:10 gears, I was getting 10mpg empty, but I keep adding weight with the bumper, tool box, wheels/tires, etc. that I get about 8mpg empty and 7 loaded. I have had a GCWR of about 13k and still get up to speed without any problem. I am currently toying with the idea of a diesel swap or a performance buildup of the 460 when it dies.