1990 F250 pickup, Worth it? (pics)

[Slacker]

I need a 3/4 pickup to pull my FT 360TLB. Any "known" problems with this setup? 5 speed, 5.8L, 4x4? It won't be a daily driver. Just a tow rig and building material hauler. I like the 5 speed tranny. Never had a 5.8L engine. Are they known as dependable or junk? Thanks for any insight.


Ad from seller:
Everything is original on this truck, we have most service records, through the years most tune ups and check ups were done at M&H in Creedmoor, we moved to cary last summer and have need no for it now. just had it serviced in cary at Ray Weatherspoon automotive. Everything checked out well.
Excellent condition, only 107k miles, fairly new tires, the 4x4 works great, this truck has a 5.8l efi v-8 engine, 5-spd, 2-speed transfer case. dual fuel tanks, 37.2 gallons, seats 6 with a rear fold down bench seat. It has two hitches, one regular on the bumper, and one (fifth-wheel) in the bed of the truck. We used that for a horse trailer and Rv's. It is ready to pull a boat or any of the sort. Even could make a great work truck.
This condition of truck is hard to come by. $3900 obo

 

[caddelma]

From the pics, doesn't look too bad. Not sure on the tranny's on those, might want to find out when the clutch was last replaced (if ever). Seeing as they mentioned the fifth-wheel, they obviously towed some heavy loads.

As for the 5.8, not a powerhouse, but should be easy to work on (if needed) and will love the $3/gal gas. Don't recall any horror stories on the motor, by 1990 it had been around quite awhile (if memory serves correctly). Might have a few leaks...Not sure on the price thought, might want to check kbb.com to see if it is in line. Given the visual appearance/condition and low miles (for age), kbb might not be too accurate. On the flip side, if it fits the bill and really is in ok shape, could you find anything else for that price in what appears to be good condition???

 

[Ford960]

That's funny, I just saw this on Craigs List about 10 minutes ago. It has a goose neck hitch instead of a 5th wheel from what I see.
I had a 1990 F-350 diesel dually crew cab with a 5 speed and it was a good truck. However I was surprized at the increased brake capacity when I bought the 2003 F-350. The 90 had new brakes but couldn't hold a candle to the 03. The 90 also has drums on the rear.
That truck is good looking but I already have 2 and could use the money for other things now anyway.
Per NADA the clean avg retail is $4,575. Also, the mileage may be suspect as the odometer is only 5 digit and could have rolled over several times. Even Car Fax failed to report the actual mileage on my 90 and the dealer mis-represented the mileage. I found out when I got the title and it stated the mileage exceeded mechanical limits. The dealer offered to buy the truck back but I declined and they paid all the registration fees to smooth my feathers a little. A year later I got more for it trade in than I paid for it.

Good Luck

 

[RobertN]

Looks just like the '89 I had. Sounds the same too(options).

Price may be a bit high, but it does look clean...

Those 5-speeds are ok, but a little weak for a 3/4 ton. I replaced mine with a granny box(was cheaper than another 5-spd).

Is it IFS? If so, they have a tendency to sag and eat front tires. I had my springs rearched, which helped for a year. After they sagged again, I replaced the IFS with a solid front axle(bolt in replacement).

If you look directly at the front of the truck, you'll be able to tell. It will look like the front tires lean in...

The IFS rides nice, but the straight axle turned tighter and the springs don't sag...

My truck otherwise worked great. I got it with about 125k miles on it, and sold it with 225k miles on it. The 351W ran great. Although someone mentioned it was not a powerhouse, it was as good as any 350 GM(better actually, than the ones I had use of on occasion). Expect 10-11mpg...

At a little over 210k miles, I hauled an 11' cabover camper from here in Calif, up the coast, in to BC, to Alberta(Banff, Kootenay, Jasper), down to Wyoming, and back across to N. Calif. It was a really heavy camper for a 3/4 ton, but we did the trip fine, albeit at 8mpg. That 351 handled it fine.

They are GREAT trucks. Just watch those ZF 5-speeds, and the IFS sag...