looking at a very very clean decked out '86 crew cab long bed f-350 4x4 with an auto and a 460.

what should I look for on this truck. how reliable is an 86 460. i will be leaving this 100% stock! that is untill the body is perfect and then my 12v cummins would have a new home. or maybe my 300-6 in my 150 i dont know.

 

Well, if the truck does not have high miles, was kept away from salt and had reasonable maintenace, then it should be fairly reliable.

If however, it has upwards of 200k or more miles, then it is only a matter of time before it just plain wears out. If it has been run hard and put away wet, then even at less than 100k miles it might need freshening up.

Or if it has not been maitained or has seen a bit of winter salt, these all take a toll on the long term reliability.

On the positive side, the 460 are fairly long life engines in stock form, well suited for there load moving capability. The C6 is a great automatic, strong and simple, BUT lacking a fourth or fith gear, it is not as versitale as newer automatics as the gear spread is just too close to have both super low gearing to move that load , while having a higher gear for those times that you want to run down the freeway with zero load.

I would also be a bit concerned about more than just the engine and tranny, I would also consider the wiring, the suspension and other items, after all, no sense having a great low mile engine if the frame is rotted out from road salt. Or if evertime you use it, some electrical glitch shows up from green corroded wiring, connectors and sockets. Finding and fixing these little glitches can be fustrating at best, and madening at the worst.

Remember, it is almost 25 years old. A lot can happen in that time.

Just my two cents. BTW - the 80-86 styling is by far my favorite! Good luck,

David

 

heres a link to the truck Im looking at dealer said it runs as good as it looks Missoula Car and Truck :: 1986 Ford F-350 Missoula MT 758 : Used Cars Missoula MT,Used Trucks Missoula MT,Pre-Owned Autos Montana,Affordable Autos Missoula County,Used Car Dealer Clinton,59801,Used Truck Dealership Missoula,Affordable Vehicles Lolo,C

 

If the truck is as clean and solid as it looks it sounds like a fair price for what it is. My daily driver is an '86 Supercab 460/ZF5/NP208/Dana60/10.25. Great reliable trucks and simple to work on.