I've had an F150 (2WD, 302) for many years. I've been keeping my eye open for a 4WD, and today I bought a nice 1997 F250 HD XLT 4WD 5.8 FI, auto, auto hubs. 27K original miles. Has a nice Western plow thats been lightly used. Very clean inside and out, no rust, good maintenance records. Paid $9K. Might be a bit on the high side, but the plow has to be worth at least $1000, right?

A few questions ... what exactly is Heavy Duty about an HD? Anything in particular I need to look out for compared to my F150?

And hows that 5.8 V8? Its the 351W, correct? I figure with only 27K miles on it I've got some room to go with it. Literally belonged to an older guy that used it to plow his driveway ... that's about it from what I can tell. Not driven much, garage kept, but no leaks that I can see.

So, how'd I do? I'll check out all the fluids, etc, but any advice on other things to look for, or should I just drive it and see what happens? Outer tie-rods don't look so hot with such low mileage ... is that from the plowing?

Thanks much.

 

I think that the ptice was decent considering the low miles. I also just bought a 99' f250 crew cab super duty. The heavy duty is just the name used for your year. It was changed to super duty in 1999. Personally, I would make sure everything is greased properly and definitely change out the fluids. Most likely, the tranny/differential have not had the fluid changed yet. Yes, I believe the 5.8 is the 351 engine. Good luck with your truck.

 

As compared to your 150 the HD will ride a lot stiffer, has larger brakes, everything is just plain beefed up from a reg 250. You did well with the pricing and the front end takes a beating from the plow being on. Drive with it off unless really needed. It will cut down gas mileage by the plow being on and wear front end parts faster. Enjoy!!!

 

Yep, I really have no need for the plow, so its coming off ASAP and going on Craigslist. Front tires are a bit worn as well, so I'm assuming if I get that plow off I'll get a nicer ride and less wear.

I've usually put cold air-intakes and bought chips/programmers for my other trucks, and a nice exhaust when its time. Any suggestions on what works well with the 5.8L?

Oh, one more thing ... and I should know this, but I'll ask anyway ... dual tank switch works fine, but fuel gauge doesn't work (for either tank). Think I've got a gauge problem, or bad sending units?

Thanks again.

 

I found the 5.8L to be a rather lackluster engine. We've had them in a couple trucks, and I can't really say there was anything outstanding about them, especially when compared to the 1999 redesign options like the 5.4, 6.8, and 7.3. It will work, but don't expect the world from it.

 

Wow it's kind of hard to believe that the truck only has 28k miles. I guess it was only used for plowing. I have no experience with the 351 in a truck but it was a nice motor. I have a 2000 F250 with the 5.4 that I put a lot of miles on and I love how it's behaved. I got it with a lot of miles, it had over 230k but I gave it a lot of love and it treats me well. Do that to your truck and it will treat you well also.

 

Dumans24 try listing the plow in the classifieds here on FTE. Give one of your fellow members a shot at it. You can go to craigslist later. I'd be interested but we have not had any snow here since '96.

 

Congradulations on finding a truck like that with only 27k on it

Take extremely good care of the transmission, especially since it was a "plow truck". I would service it now as a matter of fact.

Concerning performance/mileage upgrades, I put JBA headers, a Borla exhaust, Jacobs ignition, and a cold air intake on a F150 and seen 20 mpg highway (witha bedcover). The 3/4 ton weighs slightly more and may have a higher final drive ratio so your results may not be as good.

 

last pickup i had was a 95 4x2 F250. 351 runs fine, but as previously stated, they're not a super spectacular engine. she ran like a top and was probably the most dependable pickup i've had yet (granted, i ain't had that many of them), but she did like gas. i think my average most of the time was 13 to 15 for the most part, and that was on 3.55 gears and a 5spd. probably would have been better had i learned to drive slower sooner... it'd pull a 20' stock trailer, too, just not with a heap of anything in it. grunted and groaned the whole way, too.

 

Thanks for all the info, guys ... appreciate it.

I pit a K&n cold air intake and Superchips programmer on my Grand Cherokee Hemi and was amazed at not only the HP increase but the increase in MPG as well. Should I expect the same if I do something similar with the 5.8?

I really feel like I lucked out on the 27K miles ... the motor seems barley broken in for a 12 year-old truck (built Sept 96). So I'm hoping to get a lot more out of it over many years. No surprises that I can detect so far.

Snowbird, good advice on listing the plow here ... it actually never occurred to me. It too is in like-new condition, so I think it will move quickly. I searched on Craigslist and see many in my area (Northern NJ) in the $1500 range or even more .... sound about right? Receipt says it was over $3200K new installed. I just don't see my self using it, so I might as well let someone else have at it ... I'm going to need the as money I think!

 

Sorry - meant Shorebird!

Thanks again ...