swapping 05' F150 for a 94-98model 250 or 350

[displacedPA]

I have been considering lately if I should sell my 05 F150 STX 4wd and go back to a more simple truck. I like basic! My first truck was a 94 F150 5speed with a straight six. That truck was bullet proof. It wasnt rust proof though...

The trucks Im considering are the 93-97 250s and 350s. The truck is not a daily driver It would just be used to haul trailers and highway road trips back and forth to PA form NC.

I was thinking I could sell my truck for 10 or 12 thousand and maybe pick up a used 250 or 350 in the 6K-9K range. Anyone advise me away form this>? I like when trucks were trucks and not grocery getters.


thanks,

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have been considering lately if I should sell my 05 F150 STX 4wd and go back to a more simple truck. I like basic! My first truck was a 94 F150 5speed with a straight six. That truck was bullet proof. It wasnt rust proof though...

The trucks Im considering are the 93-97 250s and 350s. The truck is not a daily driver It would just be used to haul trailers and highway road trips back and forth to PA form NC.

I was thinking I could sell my truck for 10 or 12 thousand and maybe pick up a used 250 or 350 in the 6K-9K range. Anyone advise me away form this>? I like when trucks were trucks and not grocery getters.

thanks,

I would keep what you have if its been good to you. You are talking about buying a 20 year old truck.

In the case of a gas 250, if you have the 5.4 your 150 is about a equal truck.

Chris

 

[displacedPA]

I would keep what you have if its been good to you. You are talking about buying a 20 year old truck.

In the case of a gas 250, if you gave the 5.4 your 150 is about a equal truck.

Chris

I have the 4.6 its is great for around town stuff but hauling and highways are not its strong suites. I see what you mean keeping what I have because it has been reliable. Just wanted to see what others thought.

 

[hodge]

If you are going to tow heavy, the 250 or 350 will handle it better and safer. If you are going to primarily make road trips with it, the 150 will be cheaper and more comfortable to drive.
I'm where you are- I would rather have an older truck and it be simpler, than a newer truck that is more complex. I also prefer a manual transmission over an auto. So, a mid to late 90's truck is appealing to me, too (which is what I have). Fuel mileage will be miserable unless you find a powerstroke, and then you will pay a premium for the truck and have a relatively expensive computer managed diesel engine to maintain. So, it will be a want, not a justifiable need. At least, that is how I process it for my considerations.

 

[Verticaltrx]

If towing is what you mainly want it for you should look for one with the 7.3L or 460. If long distance towing and road trips are in your plans then I'd opt for the 7.3L. I have a '88 F-250 with a 460 and it does tow very well for what it is (up to about 10K). But, when towing the mileage plumets. It will get 13mpg on the highway at 55mph empty, loaded to the max with a trailer it's more like 8mpg.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If towing is what you mainly want it for you should look for one with the 7.3L or 460. If long distance towing and road trips are in your plans then I'd opt for the 7.3L. I have a '88 F-250 with a 460 and it does tow very well for what it is (up to about 10K). But, when towing the mileage plumets. It will get 13mpg on the highway at 55mph empty, loaded to the max with a trailer it's more like 8mpg.

This is my point. I have a 06 F350 diesel and a 08 Nissan Titan. The F350 gets 17 mpg average with 23 on the highway. The Titan gets 14mpg average and 17 on the highway. I tow a 9, 680# boat with the Titan and it gets 9.3mpg. With 7, 000# behind it it gets 12mpg. I don't get the diesel out of the barn till 10, 000#. The Titan is as much or more truck then the gas 3/4 tons I had in the mid 90's.

Chris

 

[Egon]

You want simple? Look for a 12 valve Dodge with the Cumin's engine. Gets good fuel mileage too.

 

[joe t]

I'd do it if you want to. 6K is a bit low to get a nice one though. I'd budget more towards 10K.


Also, some of the newer half tons are almost on par working compared with the older 3/4 and 1 tons. They are better designed. The axles are better on the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks though.

 

[windy acers]

I have a 1989 f-350 and a 1999 f-250. The 89 is a TRUCK. The 99 is is a well enginered comfortable to drive and haul truck. the value is 3000.00 and 8000.00

 

[Verticaltrx]

Also, some of the newer half tons are almost on par working compared with the older 3/4 and 1 tons. They are better designed. The axles are better on the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks though.

Yes and no. Power and braking may be on par, but axles, frame, suspension and weight wise they just don't compare. When I'm working a truck, be it hauling or towing, I don't care how fast it can go, but how sturdy, stable and safe it feels. 10,000lbs behind a half ton truck doesn't feel safe to me.