I just replaced the wires, plugs, rotor, rotor cap and belts on my 1989 under 30,000 original miles F250 (460 C6). Everything was original and I got to say the plugs were pretty rusted and the #8 plug was a b#tch to get out due to no room to work. the rotor was pretty worn but the rotor cap did not look too bad and the plug wires still looked good. I expected them to be brittle. They still had 1989 stamped on them. The belts did not look too bad for being over 18 years old either altho they were starting to crack in the grooves. Hopefully the tune up will improve on the 9 mpg I am getting. The motor just purrs. I just need to replace the lower radiator hose (already did the top) and everything should be good for another 18 years LOL. I also want to go with a 3 inch cat back exhaust hopefully that will help the mpg a little too.

 

Well hopefully the next tune up will be done BEFORE another 18 years goes by...

I can certainly see how the ride would smooth out after a tune up that major. I can't believe it had the original plugs and wires!

 

How did you end up with an 18-19 yo truck with less than 30K original miles?

 

right...sounds like a gem found in an old barn somewhere!!! Nice find!!

 

It belonged to an elderly couple that bought it new when they retired in 89. They planned to pull a 5th wheel all over but ill health prevented them from thier plans. They were the parents of a friend of mine and when my friends father passed away last month he told me it would be up for sale. I paid top dollar ($4800) but the interior is show room new and body is excellent with a few paint chips but absolutely no rust or even door dings. The paint is still shiney and has 0 oxidation. It actually ran perfect before the tune up, but I figured after 18 years the plug wires would need changing and figured I would do everything all at once while I was doing it. I do plan on changing the tranny fluid,transfer case, rear end, front end power steering and brake fluid when the weather gets nicer. I changed the oil and filter the day I got it and it had been about a year since it had been changed and only had about 500 miles on it. This did not get driven much in the last several years. I was a little worried about gaskets and such I have put about 300 miles on it since I got it and so far no major leaks. It does seep a little around the transmission pan and there is a little (very little)seapage in the area that the distributer goes in. None of the seapage is enough to drip tho.

 

Depending on what area you're from, you'll want to look under the truck at the spring shackles and the rest of the frame in general. Those shackles LOVE to rust out. They're available and a pretty easy fix.

If it was stored on the tires it came with you'll probably want to think about some new rubber. At the same time, check the weather seals and bushings and make sure they're ok. They get brittle over time.

Sounds like a great deal, it's a real shame they didn't get the chance to use the truck for its original purpose. Do them the honor of taking good care of it and enjoy it in the way they had hoped to.

 

Lucky I am in a no rust belt (Montana). The frame and shackles has no rust and the weather seals and bushings are all excellent.

The tires were replaced in 2000 and I have the paper work showing that the tires have about 8,000 miles on them. I am guessing the originals were replaced due to weather checking or tire rot. The ones on there now have like new tread but are starting to weather check a little but not too bad.

 

i remember this truck.

they were asking 5k and you said you did a good look under the truck before you bought it.

sounds like she is getting good care now.

good luck.

 

No not in a "rust belt" but Montana did use salt on teh road for a long time and that will cost rust. My 69 got a bad case of cancer after just 2 winters, such a shame, now shes sitting patietntly waiting for the time for massive surgery. So i would still check the shackels just to be safe.

 

I have been thru this top to bottom and every nook and cranny.

 

alright sounds good, rather through out some advice then see someone wreck a nice truck. I lived in missoula, where are you from?

 

jadmt:

How about some pictures of this 89 beauty??

 

Yeah I remember you posting pics too. Gorgeous truck if it's the one I'm thinking of.

Good luck with it, sounds like you're really gonna take care of her the way she deserves