Possible truck buy. Opinions?

direwulf23

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So, I found this truck for sale and it seems very appealing. I currently have the truck in my signature, a 94 2wd E4OD.
What I really want is a ZF5 4wd. That's what this truck is, a 1993:
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The thinking is that the engine is blown. They're asking $1,500. I believe it would be a fairly simple process to drop my good engine in this truck. I think $1,500 is a bit much for a truck with a blown engine, unless it's in really good shape, but how would I knew the condition of the truck (particularly the transmission and 4wd) without an engine in it. The engine had 157k miles on it.
Anyways, any opinions?

1994 Ford F250, 2wd, 7.3L IDI, NA, E4OD
 

stealth13777

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There's enough there from what I can tell to be worth that, unless the body is hiding rust I can't see. If you don't want to pay it, offer less. Worst they can say is no. Lack of ability to test the drivetrain is a great reason to give them, and it's true, you're buying an unknown. How long ago do they say it ran?


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direwulf23

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I don't have that information yet. Just found the posting and decided it looked interesting,but wanted to get some input first. Thanks.

1994 Ford F250, 2wd, 7.3L IDI, NA, E4OD
 

stealth13777

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Best of luck. I wouldn't say I'm an authority or known for good decisions on these based on how mine is doing, but that's my opinion. Will watch what others think.


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Can30Diesel

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I agree, lots of people give up on these rigs once the IP goes. Well at least the ones who are not members of this forum! ;Really

Take a look and try to start the truck while you are there. Check the usual things.. (coolant, oil, etc) Let us know how it goes!
 

79jasper

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Crank fine, just no fuel out the pump. Which could also be lift pump, no fuel in tanks, cracked fuel line, clogged filter, etc. Or even the IP shutoff not getting power.

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franklin2

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I wanted to convert my truck to a zf. All the junkyards around here wanted at least $750 for one. And then you had the pedal assembly and other things I needed. I bought a wrecked truck for $1000, which seemed high. But by the time I sold off the rest of the parts, my zf swap turned out to be about $300 instead of $750+, and I still have most of the donor left for spare parts I didn't sell (yet).
 

direwulf23

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So, I should definitely look into it. Particularly, I have a hell of a time finding older (IDIs) in my area. Almost all are gassers. There are Powerstrokes but not so much IDI.

1994 Ford F250, 2wd, 7.3L IDI, NA, E4OD
 

cpdenton

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Direwulf23, please go buy this truck so I won't have to! Looks like with a few dollars, this would be a pretty nice truck! I am wondering if the engine will run and knocks, or if it is totally dead. If it's just a knock, it could be a failing dual mass flywheel.....
 

direwulf23

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At first I was thinking, from the look of it, I'd be cool with pulling the engine and dropping mine in it. Now I'm hopeful the engine isn't all that bad and the people just don't know it lol.
Just for note, I thought of you cpdenton when I didn't post more info ;-)

1994 Ford F250, 2wd, 7.3L IDI, NA, E4OD
 

cpdenton

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Just for note, I thought of you cpdenton when I didn't post more info ;-)

Haha! That's good stuff. No worries, I am spending too much money on the one I have now to buy anything else.

I saw this ad a week or so ago too. Not too many days go by that I don't spend some time looking at CL.

Maybe you can get in touch with the owner and get some more info...maybe even go have a look.
 

dunk

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$1500 isn't unreasonable given the price of a ZF5... I've paid anywhere from $300-$700 for a good 4wd ZF5. My top dollar for that truck would be $1k. I wouldn't touch an 87 and up truck though, but it's not out of line so long as the cab corners and rockers are solid.
 
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