question about 1975 F250s

[Orange73]

I saw a post here a few weeks ago about a nice looking old Pickup, and that got me thinking, might add one to my stable.

I have seen a few 1973-1975 Ford F250s on CL, they all have a 390 in them, I do not know anything about the 390, if a solid motor? as solid as a 302?

any one know the weak points of an older F250? seems like $1500 will get one that is in working order, but I don't want to get one then realize I need to pump $1000s into it to make if reliable for dump runs and the occasional tow duty.

Jim

[Sierra Backwoods]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

390 is a big block and is a great motor, much better than a 302 in a heavy vehicle.

The 390 is part of the "FE" family of Ford big block engines. Others available in these years include the 360 and 428.

After 1976, they switched over to the so-called "smog" engines, 351M and 400M. I think these engines are dogs because of all the smog crap, but like any engine, can probably be made to perform well with time and money.

429 and 460 are good motors.

Don't forget 1975 and below require no smog.

The main thing to watch out for is a worn out motor and/or tranny. Be sure to run a compression test on the motor.

Check this out:

1974 FORD F250, 74,000 original miles, runs, 4x4, Dana 60 front & rear end, 429 engine, 4 speed manual, asking $1,500. (209) 245-3275 Plymouth, CA

I'm tempted to go look, but I already own three 1970's Ford trucks.

[Orange73]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

this is the one that caught my eye, I would loose the camper, maybe get a few bucks for it....and keep the truck

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/1915801744.html

We have lowered the price again. "1975" Ford F250. 4 speed with only 5000 miles on rebuilt 390 motor. Needs paint but body is clean and interior is in great shape. Green on green. "The camper sleeps 4 comfortably and has a working 4 burner stove and oven and an ice box. You can use it for camping or sell the camper and have a great work truck. Runs good and you don't have to smog it. A/M, F/M, C/D player. Come take it for a test drive. 408-833-9511

[DirtDonk]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

Power steering is an aspect to look out for, as well as the front axles.
Steering was the much-hated "ram-assist" setup that was known for leaking. It worked fairly well, and had good road feel, but was not long-lived in the seal and o-ring department.
Front axles were typically Dana 44 closed-knuckle king-pin setups. I don't know if they all were, but all the ones I ever saw were. No real aftermarket support for things like axle shafts and brakes. Used to be near-impossible to convert to disc brakes, but that may have changed in the last few years.
Narrow springs with lots of arch made for a buck-board ride.
Main fuel tank behind the seat.

But with all that said, would I buy one? HELL YES!!!! In a heartbeat (to steal a little Chevy thunder).

Most of that is with regard to the 4wd models only of course. If you're just looking for a 2wd truck, then most of those negatives don't apply.
If it's really got 60's at both ends, then that one that Sierra posted looks like pretty a good deal just for the axles! Anything else is just a bonus.

Paul

[Orange73]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

how hard is a 390 motor to find?

this seems like it could be had for $500 or so......

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/1941436622.html



4x4 f250 1975 390 engine itis blown c6 trans. 1966 t-bird engine in the bed a good rebuild call 408 605 2930 no emails


it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

[kevoson]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

390's are dime a dozen not hard to find at all.. Untill your looking for one of them that is.

[71BRONCO71]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

Build the 390 if it is still under the hood. Even if it cost a grand, I think its a good deal.
Interior looks good, and the color combo is cool

[Fungus232]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

Build the 390 if it is still under the hood. Even if it cost a grand, I think its a good deal.
Interior looks good, and the color combo is cool

X2. Say you get a nice clean pre-smog truck for $500 bones, drop $1000-$1500 even on a rebuild and your still looking at a great rig with FRESH motor for around $2k... You'll probably be right there with me and my '67 Travelall though with MPG but here's to the greenies...

[Sierra Backwoods]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

Here's what you need, a 410! It's a 390 with a 428 crank.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/1931327533.html

(watch out for 390's that are really just 360's or 352's, you have to measure the stroke inside a spark plug hole to find out.)

[904Bronco]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

how hard is a 390 motor to find?

this seems like it could be had for $500 or so......

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/1941436622.html



4x4 f250 1975 390 engine itis blown c6 trans. 1966 t-bird engine in the bed a good rebuild call 408 605 2930 no emails


it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

I love the 70's body style, it is never going to get good mileage, but for a dump runner / home project truck it will be fine. 390 is a solid motor, cast iron intake manifold weighs a ton to lift off. Take the front wheels off and rest the axles on blocks, it will be much easier to work on. Probably $1500.00 - 2000.00 to rebuild depending on what is blown and how much work you do. Figure on tanking the Rad, rebuild the carb, and hope than nothing else is puking. Be sure to look over tires/brakes/interior/rest of drivetrain and body. It might be cheaper to buy something running, rather than a rebuilder.

[Orange73]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

sohere is another one, seem like some good stuff on it, but it is a 360 not a 390, do I care?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/1945128779.html

For sale 1975 Ford F250 factory High Boy.
Goods:
It's got a late model disc brake model front axle, dual fuel tanks, Bilstein remote resevoir shocks that are rebuildable, electronic ignition, new clutch, Honda bench seats, custom rear gas tank skid plate and bullerproof rear bumper with hitch, New tires & wheels, Optima battery, shell, mechanically sound, SMOG EXEMPT!!!!!!! Registration paid till Feb 2011, Grant steering wheel, CD player, 360 motor, 4 Spd manual with Granny low

Bads:
Needs, a new windsheild, headliner,drivers door interior panel, gas gauge doesn't work, runs fine, hard starts when cold.


plus I found this, combines with the truck above I would be complete for under $1500,

390fe motor out of 1975 work truck . motor has 5,800 miles on rebuild. it has the two barrel carb , intake, fuel pump. water, pump, and starter. its on a stand so u can inspect it. I was saving it fo rmy next project, but I really need the space right now. 750.00 juan 408-775-3009

[71BRONCO71]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

Combine the two

[Sierra Backwoods]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

360 is just fine, that HiBoy is a clean truck for the money.

[71BRONCO71]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

Im diggin the Yellow/Brown

But Sierra is the Expert on those trucks.

How many do you have Mike? 4?

[904Bronco]

Re: question about 1975 F250s

360 is just fine, that HiBoy is a clean truck for the money.

I agree, you do not need additional cubic inches for what you have described.

Remember it is just a fixer-upper