Hey guys

well first, im new to the forum. right now i own a 94 F150 but i am looking at a F250.
heres some more info on the truck


its a 1986 Ford F250
its a 4x4 4 speed manual with 1 ton rear axle and leaf spring and 7.5 ft meyers plow.

it came from the factory as a 460 then a crate motor 460 replaced that one. after the current owner of the vehicle got the truck he put in the 351W for better gas mileage and so it could pass emissions (becaue the aluminum block welded itself to the iron exhaust manifold)
the 351 has a 2 BBl Carb. it has a new alternator, starter solenoid, PS pump, headlight swithc, the plow pump was rebuilt, same with front end gears. Manual locking hubs replaced, all Ujoints, all brake parts front and back, clutch plate, water pump, distributor, plugs, wires, and hoses alike. now the problem with the truck is it has 2 broken spark plugs so has 2 cylinders not firing but he claims it runs not so bad on just 6 cylinders. the back up lights dont work, steel cable running to the heater core is snapped so its stuck on hot, and thers just a little rust on the front of hood and some on bottom of doors. but it has lots of body work done to it. it also has American Racing Rims and new BF Goodrich tires

i have yet to see it but he wants 2000 for it.

is it worth it?
thanks for your time
thanks,
Bill

 

I wouldn't buy it myself. 2000 is too high, and plow trucks are notorious for being rust buckets and are usually wore out. They are like taxi cabs and police cars, and get a lot of abuse.

 

i agree with franklin. $2K for something on it's 3rd motor and it was used with a plow screams worn out. sounds like it'd be one big headache.

 

okay well what exactly should i look for? like what parts to be worn out?

 

Suspension parts like the springs and shackles,frame rust,4x4 components.Rust is a big one.

That lots of body work would be the deal breaker for me.Was it done right,or is there a 1/2" of bondo stuck over all the rust?There's alot more info needed than just what he told you.If you're serious about this truck and are willing to do all the work no matter what,you need to look the truck over from top to bottom and make sure you know what you are getting into.

 

first off when the blade strikes hard in the snow,it's a lot of shock to the chassis.check the body mounts for rust,check frame can be bent on plowtucks as well.front suspension components could be worn from the abuse as well.if you really want it,take it to a mechanic and have it inspected.my 86 was only 600.oo.2000.oo seem's a little high. imo

 

told me he replaced all the panels and all and the bed was completely replaced. im going to check it out tomorrow morning so ill check for everything you guys have told me to look for.

 

frame cracks.....

 

I'd be thinking - If the guy is prepared to neglect something as simple (& as harmful to the engine) as two non-firing plugs, what else has been neglected?

 

Yea, I love the ads in the paper that say "runs good, needs a starter".

 

i guess he was tryin to do a tuneup back in january and the spark plugs broke off. he tried to PB blast and EZ out the plugs but wasnt succesful. i plan on pulling the head and either helicoiling or completley replacing the head.

 

I definately would not spend that kind of money on a truck you have to pull the head off.

 

i talked the guy down to 1700. whole truck is solid, the frame, tranny, clutch, and all. just the 2 cylinders. probably going to buy on monday

 

Honestly dude, for the money you are spending you could most likely find something that hasn't been used as a plow truck in the same shape. My dad bought a '91 Dodge plow truck last year and the frame was cracked pretty badly in three spots. If you have your heart set on this truck, make sure you look it over really well.

 

yeah i cant find anything within the price range for better. i inspected the frame for about 15 mins top to bottom. no crack no nothing