1995 F150 300 6cyl 5 speed

[deerefan]

As some previous posts stated, I am looking for a good run around truck. My 97 F150 has over 200k miles and needs some work. I plan to park it for some refurbishing and repairs and would like a truck to drive while it is down and then to split driving with the 97. I looked at a 03 F150 the other day but was not pleased with the overall appearance. I came across a 95 XL with 65k miles, 2wd reg cab with the 300 6 and a 5 speed stick. I like standards, the stick is a plus. I also like simple trucks, hence the XL. Any issues with the 300 to watch for? I helped rebuild one in 91 and recall a lot of carbon buildup but it was very easy to work on- a huge plus. Thanks everyone for your time while I continue to shop. All advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[2458n]

Ford 4.9 engine has been around a real long time. The straight six is only 2 inches smaller then the v-8 302. Everything is located where it should be and you have room to get to stuff. Ford sold alot of the 6's for a long time.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Great combination.

Chris

 

[930ck]

300 inline 6 and manual transmission was one of Fords best combinations in a 1/2 ton pickup at that time.

 

[tcartwri]

I had one new, paid $12K for it! It was a fantastic towing truck. With a two horse trailer you could just let the clutch out at idle with no throttle and it would pull smoothly away. Imagine my remorse when I traded it for a HD 250 with the 5.8 and it pulled like a slug...

Those straight six trucks sold for more used than what I paid new for many many years.

 

[tcartwri]

The one thing I do remember about mine was the howling power steering pump, which was considered normal at that time. It also ate front brake rotors but I think that was a function of the cheap components from that era.

 

[pmsmechanic]

One of the better motors that Ford ever made.

 

[motownbrowne]

Love my 300. Everyone who asks what's under the hood says "that's one of the best motors Ford ever made" when I tell them it's the straight six.

Mine's in a 3/4 ton so it's a different five speed. From what I understand the Mazda 5 speed in the half tons is not known to be amazing. I think you're not supposed to tow in fifth gear. I don't think it's a bad transmission or anything, just not the best they made.

Sounds like a great truck. It'll hold its value well.

 

[motownbrowne]

Whoops, double post.

Forgot to mention, though, that truck will get great mileage. If you're lucky, you'll see twenty on the highway.

 

[Duwop]

Purchased my 96 F150 XL new Oct. 95 300-6 cyd. 5 spd. Manual trans. I still have and use it daily, it has had just normal wear and tear items over the years. I think from time to time about selling it and getting a new truck but it's paid for itself many times over. The rear gear is a little week for pulling heavy loads but mine has never failed me. I've had the bed loaded with cement roofing tiles weighing about 2800 lbs and pulled small camper and utility trailer, just a real work horse. I have taken good care of it since I purchased it and at times think about taken it in to a body shop and having the few dings pulled and a new paint job as a new truck still would cost me more. I believe Ford stopped making the 300-6 because you can't kill them if you change the oil regularly. Ford use to make trucks to last and to work, I wonder if a new truck could do what has been asked of ole brownie over the last 19 years, heck or even if a truck today would last that long. I guess you could say I'm partial to my F150.