F-150/250 truck question....Craig?

I know Craig's (Ravensblack) got one of these Ford trucks.  Here's my question to any older Ford Truck dudes:  I can inherit a 1984 long bed Ford F-250 diesel- if I want to.

I was thinking about putting a cab over camper on it for man-van type setup.  But it's pretty old.  It's got about 100k mi on it and the body is completely straight.  So the question is whether it's worth taking on even for free.  Are parts and stuff available?

It's got a standard tranny and 2 wheel drive.

Opinions?

Dave

My brother has an '84 F-250 with the 460, auto. He's been having it worked on regularly without problems getting parts.
I'm still in possession of my '84 bronco II. I had to have the water pump replaced last fall, and now I need a carb for it, plus a computer. I'm hanging onto the truck as a yak hauler/ farm vehicle. Parts haven't been a probelm, other than when a mechanic bent the arm that the water pump is bolted to. Fortunately he was the one went to pick n pull, and it cost me nothing.

If you like the truck at all, and you have the wherewithall to maintain it (knowing it will need some serious $$ relatively soon for 105+k tune up ie, water pump, timing gear/belt etc.) then it should be fun to hang onto. They are great "big truck" trucks.
Craig's truck is pretty nice -yeah Craig I totally scoped it a few weeks ago at BH

Fords are known to get 500k or more out of a diesel if taken care of. It is the body and interior that goes downhill faster with age. the manual trans should have many miles left and with no transfer case to worry about it you should be good  and if its in good shape as you say and the price can't get any better I would jump on it

Yes, fishbutt is right (can I call you fishbutt? Normally this provokes arguments )
I completely spaced on the whole "it's a diesel" thing. While still an older domestic full size, the fact that it's a diesel is very much in your favor.

Jump on it!

Hey dave, You've seen my newer style F350. My truck prior to that was an 89 F350 Diesel. It had over 300,000 when I got rid of it and it still ran very well. Those are tractor engines and run forever. The non turbo are gutless but if the price is right who cares. I had to drive 45 mph up to Tahoe but I was getting over 15 mpg in a 4x4 long bed crew cab. 

I had to drive 45 mph up to Tahoe but I was getting over 15 mpg in a 4x4 long bed crew cab. 

Yeah, I don't care if it's slow as long as it gets me there.  My father in-law claims it gets 17 -19 mpg, which would be OK for trips.  But the dam thing is 25 years old. 

You guys are convincing me I should get it, though.  Appreciate the advice.

Take it now. Baby the diesel though. No romping on it and it will last a long time. Parts are available for a lot cheaper than ford at Napa. These are tough trucks. Get a dash mat and you will be rewarded witha fresher smell than the older dried out plastic smell. Kkep the engine degreased and you wont get that funky burnt oil smell coming in through the fresh air filter. Man trans is the way to go on these trucks . The automatics for that year are know for giving it up and its not cheap so you are gold on the tranny. Change out to synthetic if it hasnt been done yet. Plus the fact you like free stuff. I can attest to that.

Yes, fishbutt is right (can I call you fishbutt? Normally this provokes arguments )

Yes you can call me Fishbutt I also respond to Matt
Back on the subject,I have a 2002 f350 4x4 manual everything(trans,hubs,windows) with a 7.3 power stroke and I still get 18mpg all around

Dave,

Definately take the offer. 100K miles is barely broken in. The timing chain an gears on that motor are massive, so you won't have any issues with it.

Then you can pick me up on the way to Bean next time...

Rich

PS: and after dragging my P13 across the Bean last time, I bought a set of beach Wheeleez from Outback!!!!

Sorry to be contrary to most other responses, But, my experience is less positive.

If it's an 84 it probably has the international V8, I had an 85 F250 with that engine,  never would I have one again (even for free) . Gutless doesn't quite describe it, (I had a camper on mine).

If it's the international, at 100K and the fuel pump (injector pump, distributor, and timing all in one) hasn't been replaced it's probably about ready, $$$, and not a do it yourself job without some diesel knowledge and some special tools.

In mine the glow plugs were replaced twice, not expensive and pretty easy, Then the glow plug controller went out twice it was a pain and not cheap. Glowplugs are only an issue on cold winter days in Nor Cal unless you're in an especially cold area.  But they do make a difference on cold winter mornings.

Other than that the truck was like indestructible and trouble free.  Only other issue was that the theromstat got stuck open and it took forever to warm up which actually made a difference in the way it ran, easy fix.

MPG and longevity of that engine is as advertised so that's a plus,

If the motor was well taken care of (read serviced regularly) it's probably good. If not, you could be in for trouble. I bought mine not knowing enough, and it was a real problem. Ended up replacing the engine. It only had 102,000 miles on it. On the other hand, I've spoken to a couple mechanics who think it's one of the best diesel motors made.

Ben

Thanks you guys.

Hmm... sounds like it could go either way.  I think I'll probably go for it.  Could be the most expensive "free" thing I've ever received.