Well, I found 2 different cheap work trucks. One is an 86 F250. Has 72 K miles, and 2 K on a rebuilt 460 motor. 4 speed manual tranny with granny low. 4x4, very little rust.

Other is a 89 F150 auto, 4x4 with the 300 6 cylinder and 189 K. A little crinkled on the side of the bed.

Both priced at $1000.

Which one is the better pick? I was leaning towards the 250, cause I'd like to put an ez-dumper in the bed. I haven't owned a Ford before, didn't know if either truck/year/motor was a nightmare or not. I know the 300 was a good motor, but I don't really want an auto tranny. Don't know anything at all about the 460's.

 

If fuel cost is not a factor, get the '86.

You're looking at about 9 mpg in the '86 and around 15 mpg in the '89. But if you are only running local that's less important than having a truck that will stand up to the load.

 

get the 86,. the 89, with a load will get 9-12. We have one with a utility bed, it can't get out of its own way.

 

What he said. the 300 = gutless wonder

 

I hope I can still get parts for the 460. I'm not too worried about the fuel mileage, the dodge is my main work truck, this is just to haul debris from the job site, pull a landscaping trailer, and be my alternate redneck deer hunting mobile.

What kind of horsepower could I expect from a 460 and a 4 speed?

 

Bigfoot, do you know Ronnie Crecelius? He's an awesome guitar player that plays at the local VFW and other venues with the Steve Helms band.

Big dude.

Justin

 

I had a 2wd 86 F250 with the 460 and 4 spd. That truck had *****, and it would flat out move if you could jam it quick enough. Had mine straighted out, boy did it sound mean, and it would pull anything i put behind it. Had 280,000 on the original motor, leaked a little oil at the rear main seal but other than that it would always get me where I was going.

Also had a 74 F100 with the 460. The 460 may be a guzzler, but it would work all day long and take a heckuva beating.

Oh I believe the 460 was 280hp after 1976 and 400 ft-lbs.

 

The 460 if you are going to need any grunt. However, I drove an 89 300 5 speed and it was a great getting around truck for light loads. I had a 68 4x4 with a 460 4 speed..........had a lot of towing and mountain off road power.

 

Is the 86 with the 460 still Carbed?

If so, grab it. I dunno why y'all don't like the 300, that thing was a torque monster. Yea, it wasn't going to win any drag races, but it would drag almost anything.

 

I think the 300 is a good motor with a manual, just not with the auto.

 

I think the 460 is carb'd. I think it should make a pretty fun beater truck. Just don't want to find myself with an obsolete truck with no parts available.

 

Yes the 86 460 is carbed, I slapped an Edelbrock 750 on mine and it really woke it up, especially top end power.

 

What others have said...the 300 is a great engine for longevity and light loads only with the manual. I think the 460 would be my choice with the two you are looking at.

Scotty

 

That year 460 is carbed, it is also a vacuum hose and leak nightmare. The exhaust manifolds on them love to disintegrate. They cost around $800 to replace. If emission regs for that year are not a huge issue where you live, then go with the 86. All in all they were a decent engine.

The only reason I would not take the 86 is if it has independant front suspension, lots of problems with the weight of the 460 sitting on them.


Tim

 

It does have the independent front suspension. Dang it. Wonder if there are ways to beef it up with aftermarket parts? That sucks.