'89 F250 with 5.8L Engine

[richhodg66]

The wife and I bought a place on some acreage that's a good ways off black top so I need to get something with 4WD and I also would like a bigger truck for hunting and handling the chores around here now that I'm not long distance commuting anymore.

I found what looks to be a real nice shape '89, regular cab 4WD F250, low miles, no rust, manual transmission (which I prefer) which has the 5.8L motor. Are there any chronic problems with the Fords of this type and era? I tend to prefer no frills vehicles, simpler and plainer the better and this one seems to be. Gonna try to go look at it tomorrow night and I'd like to be armed with as much info as I can.

[runfiverun]

front end stuff.
I re-done the stuff [ball joints and right side bearings] on my 89 Bronco for about 600.00 [at about 140-K]
it's tough stuff though it just wears down.
I'm looking for a 5.8 [352 Windsor] to replace the 302 in mine right now, the little engine just works itself to death trying to get and keep the AOD transmission in high gear.

[Mk42gunner]

I had an 88 F150, basically the same setup as yours. I finally had to part it out after many miles due to the electronics going bad. It just was not cost effective to replace the complete wiring harness and various emission controls.

Would I buy another in good shape? In a heartbeat.

You should have the ZF five speed in a 3/4 ton, which is much preferred over the Mazda in the half tons.

Mine got between 12 and 14 mpg on the highway with 12.50x33 tires and 4.10 gears.

Robert

[Freightman]

Sitting in o e right now, bought in April 1989 only thing I have replaced is alternator and water pump and fan clutch. Told my wife to bury me in it.

[Driver33]

Working on my 4th f series pick up. The first 3 gave good service

[shaune509]

The F250 came with 2 different rear axles, the lighter semi-floating and the preferred heaver full floating.
The hydraulic clutch and its linkage in the cab can be problems as the one in my '93 F350 has worn out the pedal nylon bushing/retainer to push rod a few times along with one slave cylinder.
The 5.8 is a good engine.
Shaune509

[HATCH]

the 351W is a good engine.
89 should have fuel injection so it shouldn't give you any problems.
Just check for oil leaks at the usual places (rear main seal, transfer case between the transmission and transfer case, and at the outputs both front and rear on the transfer case)
other then that you should be good to go.