1971 F350

[JJZ 109]

Spotted this on the local CL: Dump Truck - 71 Ford F350
Debating whether to go look it over and make an offer. Not all that serious about it at the moment. My uses would be fairly limited, maybe a load of gravel to touch up the driveway now and then or maybe to pull my 6x12 dump trailer with a Bobcat S185. Again, that would be very sporadic also. Then I wouldn't have to unhook my '97 F Super Duty bucket truck from the business trailer that it tows every day.
Of course if I go over and look at it I'll wear work clothes and crawl under to check out the frame and then have him raise the box to get a peek at the hydraulics, etc. Any other suggestions on what to look for?
How about some opinions on pricing and if the truck would do the job for me? Thanks all!

 

[Diamondpilot]

That price is insane. My neighborhood bought a 76 F700 with a 391 for $1800. He also bought a 78 Chevy C60 with a 350 for $1500. These trucks are cheap in my area.


Both of the ones he bought run, drive, dump, ect.

Chris

 

[crazyal]

1 tons seam to go for more money that the larger trucks. My guess is that the insurance scares people off. I got my 2 1/2 ton 4wd International for $800 simply because it had air brakes and it had to be insured as a commercial vehicle. I was looking for an old 4wd 1 ton but everything I found (early 70s) was $5k or more or was so rusty the frame was about to break.

It's hard to tell if that rust is just surface rust or a real issue. If you do decide to look at it check it over for rust real well. Once they get that old things like seals go. The last thing you want is to be breaking off every nut and bolt each time you have to replace a part.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Around here we put farm plates and insurance on them. Its dirt cheap.

Chris

 

[JJZ 109]

That price is insane. My neighborhood bought a 76 F700 with a 391 for $1800. He also bought a 78 Chevy C60 with a 350 for $1500. These trucks are cheap in my area.


Both of the ones he bought run, drive, dump, ect.

Chris

It is the Northeast Chris. Everything seems to have a crazy price, especially used trailers. Like I said, just kind of kicking the can around. Thought I'd get some opinions before I made the 25 mile drive to look at it.
After checking up further on the local CL, Al seems to be right. There are some bigger dumps for sale for the same or very little more money. I've got a Class A CDL if needed, but the bottom line is they're just way too much truck for what I'd do with them.
Thanks for the advice and opinions Chris & Al.

 

[cockeyedMFer]

I had a few 67-72 Fords and they're pretty straightforward trucks. Typical PTO hydraulics and running gear. Not a lot of weight carrying capacity. IIRC the front end uses kingpins so check for wobble. Disc brakes up front were an option but not common. Cabs are tighter than later trucks and the seating position is less comfortable. Also look closely at the rear spring hangers. They tend to hold dirt and moisture and rust badly, or crack from stress. Ford used the design up into the 90's which is surprising and sad at the same time.

 

[JJZ 109]

From my days working for a blacktop outfit almost 30 years ago, I sure don't remember our 5 yard dump trucks being that small. I wonder how this dude calculated that figure in such a small truck?

 

[paulharvey]

With the board sides im sure it physically is 5 yards. Now, no way it will haul 5 cy of dirt, rock, or asphalt; would brake in half. 5 cy of brush, or maybe dried manure.
8 ft x 6 ft x 3 ft =5.333 cy

 

[cockeyedMFer]

at 1.5 tons per yard of gravel, that's 7.5 tons! You might do that once or twice with the F350 though

 

[sld]

Price may seem high to some, but if it works like it should and you need it, it's only 2900 bucks......I like those old Fords.

 

[JESSE1]

Nice 1 ton. A '71 would have had either a 360 or 390 V8.

 

[JJZ 109]

Nice 1 ton. A '71 would have had either a 360 or 390 V8.

I also wondered about that. A 351 didn't seem like a standard truck motor (at least in the 1 ton world) from those days from what I can recall.

 

[JESSE1]

I believe Ford started installing the 400 and 351 in '77. I bought my first new truck in '76 (F-150 w/460) and they still offered the 390. I know that the first big Bronco in '78 had either a 351 or 400.

 

[schmism]

I had a 85 C30 dumptruck with plow. bought for $1500. sold for $1800

 

[JJZ 109]

Here's another: 1995 FORD DUMP SUPER DUTY POWERSTROKE DIESEL DUMP TRUCK 82000 MILES
I already own a '97 F Super Duty with the 7.3, which is auto but I really would rather was a 5 speed. So I have at least a little working knowledge of these trucks.
But in the final analysis I think I'll just hold onto my money. Might be a long winter!

 

[cockeyedMFer]

Wow - around here I'd expect an asking price of 6500 or more considering the low miles.

 

[JJZ 109]

It's 2 years older than mine. Wonder if the Powerstroke is turbo or not?

 

[Peacock]

It's 2 years older than mine. Wonder if the Powerstroke is turbo or not?

All Powerstroke engines are turbocharged.

 

[merlynr]

I've had a 71 F350 for about 4 years and it was $1500. The cab was eaten up and one fender. The truck came with extra cab and fender. I switched it all over and now it's not too bad. It's got the levers in floor for dumping.
I only haul about 3.5 tons max from the quarry,but if hauling wood maybe a little more. The sides are 4' but the bed is only 8'.
The guys are spot on about capacities. I've got the 360 with 4 speed and it's a little slow but won't give up and 50 mph is about all I want to drive empty.

 

[JJZ 109]

All Powerstroke engines are turbocharged.

Chances are good that I was confusing it with an older IDI.