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Apr 10, 2009 | 08:07 PM

jerem0621

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opinions please...

I'm looking to purchase a truck soon. I want it for just a second vehicle to tow an old boat to the lake and maybe pull a midsize camper in the future. I have an old 79 f-150 4x4 that needs some work before I can drive it. Here is my problem. I found a 94 f350 2wd crew cab long bed with a 5.8 automatic. The mileage is around 200k (guess) I can buy this truck for $2000.00 maybe a little less. The body has some dents but nothing to bad, the 79 is a rust bucket in need of extensive restoration. Another thing that turns me off to the old truck is that I have a young family with my wife and two young sons. I can't carry them all in the 79. Should I just buy this f350 and dump the 79? Is the 5.8 enough to haul this beast around while towing? I like the idea of having more truck than I need but I'm a little afraid of something this old having more problems than its worth (kind of like my 79 lol) Maybe I should just look for something else, but the price is right on the f350.

Thanks for the opinions,

Jerem0621

Apr 10, 2009 | 08:12 PM

70torino429

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From: Mass.

the 351 is a pretty decent truck motor and will have no problems moving the truck itself. 200k is a lot of miles though but what do you plan on towing? how much does whatever you plan on towing wiegh?

Apr 10, 2009 | 08:21 PM

jerem0621

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I have an old bass boat that weighs about 3500 lbs. My wife and I would like to purchase a travel trailer in the next year or so. One of my neighbors has an 86 model 5th wheel camper that weighs about 6-7k lbs. that we are thinking about purchasing. I have a good car for my dd and would like to have a truck as a second vehicle.

Thanks!

Jerem0621

Apr 10, 2009 | 08:33 PM

Old93junk

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From: McKenzie River

As long as the engine is tight and the tranny is good, the 5.8 in the 94 F-350 has MORE than enough power to do the job.......Just dont think you are going to pass a line of traffic, or climb a steep grade at 70mph while towing.

Apr 10, 2009 | 08:44 PM

70torino429

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From: Mass.

id be weary about the 200k miles on the truck you mentioned. but yes the 351 in good shape with the right rear end gearing can pull that. ive pulled a 3500 pound lightweight camper with the smaller 302 with the right gearing and was fine. the 351 should do the job alot easier

Apr 10, 2009 | 09:09 PM

jerem0621

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thank you for the reply. I really appriciate the input. I'm going to look at it tomorrow and take it for a test drive and see if I like it. I hope I will.

thanks!

jerem0621

Apr 10, 2009 | 10:59 PM

Dean88

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From: Sweetwater Texas

My grandfathers 92 F250 351W ZF5 has over 250K miles on everything, and it has been dogged most of its life, that truck has seen more miles pulling his 4 horse gooseneck than regular miles, so the motor does have the capability to:
1. Tow a good heavy load
2. Last over 250k