This is a long post, but I'd apprecitate you reading it and responding.

I have an '89 F-150 that my daughter is currently using as a daily driver. I'm currently driving an '02 Explorer. My plan is sending her off to college in the explorer and doing some work to the '89 and making it my daily driver.

I want some opinions on how to prioritize what I'm going to do.

Particulars about the truck.

XLT Lariat Regular Cab Long Bed

Body is straight except for a 16 year old girl fender bender on the right front. Paint is extremely faded. I can get the body work done and a cheapo paint job for $1000 approximately.

It has the 5.0L engine and AOD transmission. The truck has 233,000 miles on it. My Father-in-Law bought the truck in 1994 when it had 85,000 miles on it. He and my Brother-in-law are both mechanics and the truck has been taken extremely good care of. Oil changed every 3000 miles (which I have maintained) and all regular maintenance taken care of. Had a low-end overhaul (bearings) done in the mid 100,000's miles. It burns no oil, starts every time and sound like a new truck when it runs. It feels like it has good power.

I drive between 15,000 and 18,000 miles per year. The motor seems sound so I am considering dealing with the paint and body issues first. The problem is that I know that the engine has a lot of miles. What, should I do to assess the engine's possible longevity, or is that possible? Or should I just bite the bullet and get a reman engine. I can get one installed here in Dallas for approx $2000, but that would mean postponing the paint and body work indefinitely. I need the truck to last me around 3 years, putting it near 300,000 miles.

I know this is a long post, but I could really use your opinions.

 

If the motor has been maintained as well as you indicate, has good compression and doesn't burn excessive oil, there's no reason to think it will just up and quit. Lots of people here with well over 300,000 on these Fords...

 

I agree...keep it maintained impeccably as you and the previous owners have been doing and you'll be fine....

JR

 

Yeah i agree if its been maintained very well like you said i wouldnt worry it shouldnt just up and quit like that if its got good compression and not burning lots of oil i wouldnt worry like Conanski said many people on here have these trucks with 300,000 plus

 

fix the body and make it look nice. that in turn will give you incentive to keep it running good, and stay on top of the rest of the truck. you may then find yourself in the position that it will make no sense to jump into a payment, when you have a great looking and running truck. you let the body go, and the pride in keeping it up fades away rather quickly. dont let the mileage scare you. Dan

 

I like Dan's idea on this. At the end of three years, you might want to look at a new longblock then.

 

That was the way i was approaching it.

Keep the suggestions coming!

 

A leakdown test could show a trend toward valve train wear, but as you and everyone above said it seems very healthy and well cared for.
Pretty it up and don't worry until it starts to act up.