So, I just joined this forum after hunting for somewhere to discuss possibly purchasing a 1989 F250 Lariat 4x4 Reg cab/ long bed with a 351/5 speed (guessing the ZF-542), prob. a 4.10 axle, and only 83,000 miles. It's got cruise, and pd/pw, a brush guard, and looks 90% besides a beat up tailgate from another truck and a rip in the seat. 2nd owner is asking $3,100 OBO. I found the truck listed locally, and have emailed back and fourth with the owner to set up a time to see it.

I need a new personal work truck because I have an antique short bed truck with a 3 speed/ 6 cyl 1bbl carb and I'm always tired of having to borrow my friend's 3/4 ton trucks to do any real work. I am a ch*vy man, but one of my buddies in high school owned a '90 F250 gasser and abused it horribly; it bent but never broke, and another friend has a '96 that he has worked real, real hard and at 220,000, it's still going. I have gained respect for Fords.

My question is, Is this a good truck--for the money--for someone who does kinda-frequent hauling and needs to tow 2,500-7,500 lbs. on occasion? (landscape, vehicles, furniture, and other stuff) What are some of the problems with these models that I should look out for?

Thanks muchly folks. Roll Tide.
abwilsonF250

 

My neighbor used to have a truck that same description right down to the 4.10 axles, except it was a year newer 1990. He bought it new and had nearly 250,000 miles on it before he gave it to his daughter. We talked a lot he pretty much told me every time his truck took a sh**. Probably the most major expense was when twice the clutch slave cylinder blew out and required the transmission to be pulled to replace. Two ignition modules went dead, which was perfectly normal for this vintage of Ford vehicle. Other than that just normal little things. I would say all in all a pretty good truck. That 4.10 axle should be perfect considering the larger tire size of the F-250, my neighbor claimed 2200 rpm at 65 MPH in 5th(overdrive) gear.

 

Buy it!

 

offer 2,200.

the trans is worth that much.

buy it today.

 

Thanks for the prompt replies, folks.
Are there any specific problems with this model truck I should look for when I go drive it? (Like specific electrical grimlins, strange transmission noises, or anything that seems to be common.)
Also, is the 351 a pushrod Windsor? How do they last, and do they produce adequate power?

 

No specific problems I know of. The 351 windsor was a good motor(and yes pushrod) with adequate power, but it depends on how well it has been maintained. Keep in mind it is a 20 year old truck so you don't know what might show up bad on it(probably after you buy it, if you buy it). The owner is claiming 83,000 miles but it could be 183,000 miles, as there is no extra digit on the odometer. I would crawl underneath and check for rust and leaks.

 

Check to make sure it doesn't say Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, or Nissan on it anywhere, if not it's OK.

 

rust, abuse, worn clutch, etc.

all the usual stuff to look at.

 

What part of the country are you in? That truck would be worth $1500-2000 around here. (Here being upstate NY).

 

I'z from Alabama (thats southern talk). I KBB'd it for price, but on the options, they didn't have a place to list the Lariat package, whatever options it brings. So, i just put the power windows, locks, cruise, etc in on the options. I know the price is set to where it can be negotiated down, and i was thinking about opening with an offer of $2,200, which is below book value by very little. Should I start lower?

 

Two things make the KBB next to useless for older vehicles now: 1) in the north (why I asked where you are) if the vehicle can push a snow plow or has one on it, it's worth much more this time of year. 2) This economic situation has values of old trucks and things like that in the toilet. I picked up a running, driving (but badly rusted) 1989 F350 4x4 7.3 diesel with a Fisher plow for $550 in mid August for parts. Now that truck would probably bring a grand as a parking lot plow.

Being that you're in the south I don't know what factors may influence truck prices for you, but in general lowballing is probably the thing to do.

 

start low and walk away if to much.

 

like stated start around 2200 but since hes listed at 3100 buy it anyways up here in canada that things probably worth at least 4k

seems like a pretty good find man never offer the listed price cause you never know where the seller might settle...ive sold some stuff and i always list over what i decide what i want for it

 

Hand the man 25 $100 bills and walk away with your truck. Set aside 10 $100 bills for minor repairs or a clutch.

Tim

 

Ok, so I'm getting this feeling like ya'll think I should buy it.....ha.
I have a good mechanic who will be able to take care of everything I can't, my real problem is how do I break this to my mother? She will kill me when she finds out that I now own 4 running vehicles. Guess its time to start paying my own insurance.....