This truck any good (HAWK)

[iso50]

This is a 1992 Ford F250 Diesel, with 226936 miles on. Is this viable for a mobile rig?

[GTA/SPEC]

I wouldn't buy an old ford diesil. Ford started to put Internationals Powerstroke in about 1996. For the same reasons i wouldnt buy a diesil from chevy or dodge either, with out the Isuzu Duramax or the Cummings Diesil. Also, try to match your engine drive fuel to your truck fuel.

[iso50]

You said you wouldnt buy an old Ford diesel, but didn't give a reason.

[MAC702]

Actually his reason is that only since 1996 has Ford been using the International Powerstroke diesel. BUT, I don't think that's right. Maybe that's when they started turbocharging them from the factory and making them electronically monitored, which did increase performance, but they were still good motors before then.

Same thing with the Dodges. They've had a Cummins for a long time (even since way before Ford bought Cummins) but it was only a few years ago that they went to the electronic version and the 24 valves. But they were turbocharging them and intercooling them before Ford was.

Now Chevy is another story entirely. Don't buy one period unless it's the new Duramax. The older ones were a modified gasoline engine (350) and they were crap.

If the money was right, I'd buy that pickup. The engine, if taken care of, is nicely broken in for you. But, the price is going to make it the deal.

[Blondie_486]

Iso50,

It all depends on the GVW ratings you should have 8,800 or better GVW rating and a pretty heavy rear axle load rating. It looks like a good truck to me, I wouldn't buy anything but a Ford. Hey if the money is right on the truck and it fits your budget I'd say go for it!! The best trucks are "Built Ford Tough"!!!

GTA/SPEC,

Ford has been using International diesels since at least 1987, I had a F250 with the International diesel in it from the factory. I bought it new. I drove it for over 170,000 miles and never had a bit of problems with it. My only complaint was not enough pickup in heavy traffic but the turbocharged powerstrokes solved that problem.

[JWELD]

I ahve a 1985 F250 Diesel. The older ones had the "Gale Banks" turbo diesel. Excellent. I have been in the automotive business 15 yrs.
Chev's Duramax, where did that come from. The only other decent is the Cummins. But all said , if you like it and can get a good deal on it, buy it. Asking others bout a truck will further confuse you

[Blondie_486]

JWELD,

What manafacture is the engine in your 85? Is it an International as well. "Gale Banks" makes the turbos for the older ones and the high performance stuff for the newer ones but they don't make any engines themselves. They just aftermarket high performance parts the same as Edelbrock or Crane or Hooker does.

I was considering putting a diesel in my 86 F250 but since things have turned out the way they have that project may never happen. In fact since the truck sustained body damage over the winter I may end up parting it out.

Blondie

[DDA52]

We had an '84 Ford that had the Int'l 444IDI diesel, so they've atleast been putting them in since then, maybe before. The Powerstroke was introduced "officially" in '95, but in the latter half of the '94 model they began putting them in, just without the handle. I had one of those, Int'l 444 DIT, aka, Powerstroke. It was labeled outside simply as turbo diesel. If you want power, go with the 'stroke. If you don't, (??????)the other diesels are reliable and fuel efficient. Just don't bother with the turbo they put on the IDI (naturally aspirated engine). You payed about $2500 more when new for only 5 to 10 HP more. The "stroke was a considerably stronger engine. I have my doubts about the "new" 6 cyl "strokes.... Time will tell. The Cummins that Dodge has are extreme beasts and extremely reliable. Mine is kicking quite hard at a mere 105k miles. I expect many, many, many more to follow!

[Paul Seaman]

Any well maintain diesel should make 200,000-300,000 miles without serious $$$$ spent on repairs. This truck should have the 4 speed automatic with a tuff NP208 transfer case and the differentials are usually Dana's 44front and 60rear I think. These are good hardware, fact is the only part I don't like is the auto hubs but I've never seen a set break. I drive an 86 1/2 ton 4x4 which I abuse furiously and frequently. This should be a really tuff truck the weak link would be the fuel economy isn't that good, probably 10mpg if your nice to it.

I hope this works out for you.

[Rob]

iso50,

I'd only add that one good indicator of relative condition of the would be the amount of blow-by getting around the rings. A quick and easy ballpark indicator is to remove the oil filler cap while it's running. If you see/feel an easily perceptible amount vapor escaping the filler hole, the engine is headed downhill, and diesel rebuilds are expensive.

I've owned two Fords with the Intl diesel, one Powerstroke and one non-turbo indirect injected. The Powerstroke was introduced mid-year '94. The '94 Powerstrokes, at least some, didn't even get the fender badges.

As others have pointed out, it's a matter of the truck's condition and price.

Hope this helps.

Rob

[HAWK]

iso,

My best experience with diesels in pick ups has been with the Chevrolet Duramax and Allison transmission combo! That is just my personal experience and do not care to elaborate as some folks like Ford, some Chevy, and others Dodge.

[okieusa]

Ford does not own cummins

Just to clear up that idea some people have, Ford owns less than 8% of the stock, the folks over at TDR will tell ya that or dieseltruckresource.com, I have a 96 Dodge tdr, haul 20,000+ all the time, 200,000 miles, 4x4 extended cab, still gets 20mpg empty, 12 loaded set the cruise here in the moutains it never drops below 65, have a fuel plate, pump turned up and 4" back exaust, oh by the way empty still has 3 toolboxes and my ranger 250 in the back.

[iso50]

Getting that truck didn't work. Someone else bought it.

[Blondie_486]

Iso50,

Be patient one will come along. Maybe it wasn't meant to be that you have that truck. Perhaps there's more truck for less buck waiting around the corner.

Don't turn your nose up at the Dodges either, my brother has two and likes them. The thing to watch for on the Dodges though is the front wheel bearings on the 4 wheel drive models. They use an integrated hub/wheel bearings/rotor. It's all a pressed together fit and it's expensive. The ones with anti lock brakes are only available through the dealerships. Retail price on a hub/rotor/antilock sensor is.... are you sitting down? 675.00 each. Other than that so far it's been a good truck for him, he can tow his trailer with 3 tenesee walkers in it and he says it acts like it's not even back there and pulls the hills great. The Cummins turbo diesel isn't short on power either, it accelerates quickly and it gets a steady 20mpg.

Personally I'm a Ford person but if a Dodge came along at the right price, I'd have to think seriously about it. The Dodge seems to have a roomier cab too.

Blondie

[iso50]

I have seen a few Dodge Ram 1500's out there. They cost less than an equivilant Ford, for whatever reason. I am in the process of trying to sell my car, so the more I can get for the car, the more truck I can get.