Buying a 95 truck with 100k, what’s it going to need?
#1
07-20-2018, 09:02 AM
Buying a 95 truck with 100k, what’s it going to need?
Hi guys, so I’m going to look at a 95 F-250 4X4 out of state with just over 100k on it. The truck looks clean and all original. But at this age i’m wondering what should be replaced before it leaves me stranded somewhere. I plan on doing all the basic service items if I buy it, but what would you guys replace just for a little Pom? Alternator? Fuel Pump? IGN module? And besides the front ends wearing out on these trucks, what else would you be looking at on a 23 yr old truck if you were thinking of buying it? It’s a reg cab, long bed, 460, 5spd, with 4.10’s. Appreciate any info. I know this is the best place to get it.
#2
07-20-2018, 09:38 AM
Cargo Master
This applies if you plan to hold on to this thing, maybe a bit overkill (?): I'd replace plugs, cap, rotor, wires (clean coil contacts at this time), fuel & air filter, change oil, change atf in the zf5 & BW13-56, change gear oil in axles, change power steering fluid (type F ATF, if I recall right?), repack front wheel bearings. Inspect u-joints. Inspect brakes. Clean battery terminals. Check coolant, probably old, so replace it while doing new hoses. While doing all of that, you'll get a good idea of other stuff that may need attention. Then I'd get some miles on it. Need brakes? Tires?
You can keep a few spare parts in the glove box, but I wouldn't go replacing sensors and pumps until you have a reason to. Oxygen sensor(s) is probably old and slow, replace. My original alternator came off with 245k miles on it, two years ago, but only to upgrade to higher output model I had on hand.
Spend time on dirt? Time for Bilstein shocks?
Front end worn out?
You can keep a few spare parts in the glove box, but I wouldn't go replacing sensors and pumps until you have a reason to. Oxygen sensor(s) is probably old and slow, replace. My original alternator came off with 245k miles on it, two years ago, but only to upgrade to higher output model I had on hand.
Spend time on dirt? Time for Bilstein shocks?
Front end worn out?
Last edited by GoinBoarding; 07-20-2018 at 09:43 AM. Reason: Added to list
#3
07-20-2018, 09:56 AM
This applies if you plan to hold on to this thing, maybe a bit overkill (?): I'd replace plugs, cap, rotor, wires (clean coil contacts at this time), fuel & air filter, change oil, change atf in the zf5 & BW13-56, change gear oil in axles, change power steering fluid (type F ATF, if I recall right?), repack front wheel bearings. Inspect u-joints. Inspect brakes. Clean battery terminals. Check coolant, probably old, so replace it while doing new hoses. While doing all of that, you'll get a good idea of other stuff that may need attention. Then I'd get some miles on it. Need brakes? Tires?
You can keep a few spare parts in the glove box, but I wouldn't go replacing sensors and pumps until you have a reason to. Oxygen sensor(s) is probably old and slow, replace. My original alternator came off with 245k miles on it, two years ago, but only to upgrade to higher output model I had on hand.
Spend time on dirt? Time for Bilstein shocks?
Front end worn out?
You can keep a few spare parts in the glove box, but I wouldn't go replacing sensors and pumps until you have a reason to. Oxygen sensor(s) is probably old and slow, replace. My original alternator came off with 245k miles on it, two years ago, but only to upgrade to higher output model I had on hand.
Spend time on dirt? Time for Bilstein shocks?
Front end worn out?
#4
07-20-2018, 10:21 AM
Swapping a rebuilt Dana 60 into the front will eliminate most of the problems you will find on an F250 with 100k miles. Most other things have been mentioned already
The other thing I would recommend is a timing chain - I just changed one on a 93 460 with 103k and was a little surprised to see it had more play in it than on most 302's I have opened up with a lot more miles. It might have been a fluke but with a 460, I would do EVERYTHING I could to improve performance and fuel economy.
The other thing I would recommend is a timing chain - I just changed one on a 93 460 with 103k and was a little surprised to see it had more play in it than on most 302's I have opened up with a lot more miles. It might have been a fluke but with a 460, I would do EVERYTHING I could to improve performance and fuel economy.
#5
07-20-2018, 10:31 AM
Cargo Master
Ya I plan on keeping it for a long time. So I had planned on doing everything you mentioned. I’m just wondering what are the things that start to go at this age/mileage. I wouldn’t have thought an alt would last to 245k, wow. You got your moneys worth outa that one. But that’s the kind of stuff that i’d Like to just go ahead and change if it’s even suspect on a truck this old. If there’s any parts that are common to fail, i’ll Just change them as long as it’s not a huge dollar part.
If the truck is rust free, there's less to address with age. Midwest & northeast trucks usually need rear spring hangers at a minimum.
#6
07-20-2018, 11:17 AM
Lead Driver
I'm short on time but for sure if you buy it, check the belts and carry some new ones. Also make sure the jack and other items are there for a flat and wheel removal. I'm sure you will get more but I have an alignment appt. 
Good luck. Sandy
Also I would carfax the vin before you go and another thing that I did is facetime. I had the guy I was buying from go over everything I wanted to see. It was almost like being there. I had a whole check list I had him video while I looked. All of this is to help you decide if it is worth looking at and then buying it and driving it home. The other suggestions on here now are great ideas when/if you get it. Sandy
Good luck. SandyAlso I would carfax the vin before you go and another thing that I did is facetime. I had the guy I was buying from go over everything I wanted to see. It was almost like being there. I had a whole check list I had him video while I looked. All of this is to help you decide if it is worth looking at and then buying it and driving it home. The other suggestions on here now are great ideas when/if you get it. Sandy
#7
07-20-2018, 11:29 AM
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#8
07-20-2018, 11:42 AM
Swapping a rebuilt Dana 60 into the front will eliminate most of the problems you will find on an F250 with 100k miles. Most other things have been mentioned already
The other thing I would recommend is a timing chain - I just changed one on a 93 460 with 103k and was a little surprised to see it had more play in it than on most 302's I have opened up with a lot more miles. It might have been a fluke but with a 460, I would do EVERYTHING I could to improve performance and fuel economy.
The other thing I would recommend is a timing chain - I just changed one on a 93 460 with 103k and was a little surprised to see it had more play in it than on most 302's I have opened up with a lot more miles. It might have been a fluke but with a 460, I would do EVERYTHING I could to improve performance and fuel economy.
#9
07-20-2018, 03:30 PM
Last Fall I bought a 95 F250 SC 460, automatic/OD and 4.10 gears. It hit 100k as I was driving it home. All I've done so far is to replace the fuel filter and oil and filter. Looked like the brakes front and rear were done before I bought it. Did the usual check of belts, fluids, etc. So far 3 - 1200 mile trips from NY-VA with no issues.
2 WD
2 WD
#10
07-20-2018, 05:23 PM
Senior User
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Might I suggest first and foremost to invest in an OBD-1 Code reader.
I use this one and can't tell you enough how important it is to keep an eye on the things that you can't see.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/i...iABEgIUMfD_BwE
Use this first as well as all maintenance mentioned above have been performed.
I use this one and can't tell you enough how important it is to keep an eye on the things that you can't see.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/i...iABEgIUMfD_BwE
Use this first as well as all maintenance mentioned above have been performed.
#11
07-20-2018, 05:43 PM
Last Fall I bought a 95 F250 SC 460, automatic/OD and 4.10 gears. It hit 100k as I was driving it home. All I've done so far is to replace the fuel filter and oil and filter. Looked like the brakes front and rear were done before I bought it. Did the usual check of belts, fluids, etc. So far 3 - 1200 mile trips from NY-VA with no issues.
2 WD
2 WD
#12
07-20-2018, 05:45 PM
Might I suggest first and foremost to invest in an OBD-1 Code reader.
I use this one and can't tell you enough how important it is to keep an eye on the things that you can't see.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/i...iABEgIUMfD_BwE
Use this first as well as all maintenance mentioned above have been performed.
I use this one and can't tell you enough how important it is to keep an eye on the things that you can't see.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/i...iABEgIUMfD_BwE
Use this first as well as all maintenance mentioned above have been performed.
#13
07-20-2018, 06:10 PM
Ya, the F-350 front axle swap would take care of the front end issues? I thought they were just as bad. Good to know, I like the way that the 350 sits level vs the 250 anyways. Thanks for the tip on the timing set. I will be going into the engine for more power so that’ll get done. It’s been awhile since I had an older Ford truck. Can’t wait to get this thing. It’ll be my 3rd 90’s era F-series. And somebody mentioned rust I think. It’s a west coast truck so none of that.
#14
07-20-2018, 06:33 PM
Fleet Owner
Hi guys, so I’m going to look at a 95 F-250 4X4 out of state with just over 100k on it. The truck looks clean and all original. But at this age i’m wondering what should be replaced before it leaves me stranded somewhere. I plan on doing all the basic service items if I buy it, but what would you guys replace just for a little Pom? Alternator? Fuel Pump? IGN module? And besides the front ends wearing out on these trucks, what else would you be looking at on a 23 yr old truck if you were thinking of buying it? It’s a reg cab, long bed, 460, 5spd, with 4.10’s. Appreciate any info. I know this is the best place to get it.
No need for ANYTHING you mentioned. The 20+ year old original parts are better than pretty much anything you would replace them with. But I would consider a tune up(plugs, wires, cap rotor, fuel filter) and a fresh oil change on all the systems(Front + rear axles, engine, trans and t-case)
Check over the ball joints and steering linkage, replace if necessary. Also the TTB front ends like to EAT the upper shackle bushings
#15
07-20-2018, 07:18 PM
No need for ANYTHING you mentioned. The 20+ year old original parts are better than pretty much anything you would replace them with. But I would consider a tune up(plugs, wires, cap rotor, fuel filter) and a fresh oil change on all the systems(Front + rear axles, engine, trans and t-case)
Check over the ball joints and steering linkage, replace if necessary. Also the TTB front ends like to EAT the upper shackle bushings
Check over the ball joints and steering linkage, replace if necessary. Also the TTB front ends like to EAT the upper shackle bushings