tonyroc14

Hey guys. I looked at a '93 F150 today with a 4.9L I6, and a 5 speed manual. It's a regular cab, and short bed. Anyways, I took it for a test drive, as I am interested in purchasing it. This thing definetly has age, 208K miles. The body is straight, and the interior is amazing. She starts right up and runs well.

Anyways, one thing I noticed, if I barely give it any throttle it feels like it will die. I actually pumped the throttle very quickly (about a 1/4 inch movement) and almost got the thing to stall. I was thinking vacuum leak?

Anyways, a few things I want/need to replace

-serpentine belt, the thing is fraying slightly
-shift linkage, so much play I thought it was in N when it was in 1st
-valve cover gasket looks like it's leaking slightly
-I want to put a double core radiator in it.

A few things need fixing such as the fuel tank switch (simple, popped out of dash) the shift boot, and the coolant tank (it's tied on with some kind of rope) And I have to get rid of the ghetto alarm thing. totally pointless, and totally annoying. The shift **** is a little funky too. And the parking brake doesn't work. Also there was a slight shimmy while braking, but no steering wheel play. She's a diamond in the rough, I think so anyways. The AC works amazing, that was my favorite part

Best of all I believe I can get the thing for 1300 bucks! Well worth it in my book

I am going to do research now, on things to look out for.
thanks for looking.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ctd/1427007128.html

jay6776

Sounds like a good deal to me. Hell the cap is 500 by it self.. Could be vac lines. but a good tune up would not hurt. All the other stuff is pretty easy fixes.. I don't think u are going to find that many trucks that are pushing 20 years old that are not going to need work. I got mine really cheap but it needed a gas tank,tune up, shocks, the list goes on. but still way way cheaper than buying new.
I say go for it plus A/C thats a plus

tonyroc14

Yes I am going to buy it. Once I sell my car I really like it, and there was nothing major wrong with it. The shift linkage was the worst thing wrong with it, and it still shifted through all the gears lol. These trucks are pretty tough though

mustangGT90210

That looks like a great truck. I'd say go for it, for around 1300 like you said, and also check the undercarriage for rust.

tonyroc14

I didn't see any rust down there when I was checking the U-joints. I am in California just for reference.

mustangGT90210

If it had bad rust, you'd know it. From my limited knowledge, sounds like it checks out

Raptor22

Actually the M5OD (the transmission in that truck) is top loaded, and goes directly into the transmission without linkage. Your shift fork could be bent though.

ymeski56

A dry/wet compression check would tell you what you have and help you foresee possible future events. On the small stuff you mentioned, it sounds like you don't mind getting your hands dirty. That's a plus. As long as it is basically reliable, fixin the small stuff when you have spare time is what really makes you feel like it's "YOUR TRUCK!" I've had 4 6-Bangers over the years (starting w/a 63' E-100) , and they've always done right by me. Good luck to you! (plus alittle elbow grease)

ymeski56

Here's something that really is kinda fun. Look over the truck & don't say much. Shake your head while lookin under the hood and fiddling w/ stuff (even if you don't have a clue what they are/ he doesn't know that). Steering wheel back and forth, whinse a little. Crawl under & when you come back out, take a big breath, then let it out slowly, followed by one more head shake. Maybe put your hand at the end of the tail pipe while it's running and then smell your hand. Then tell him you'll get back to him and leave. Whatever he didn't want you to know, he'll start thinkin the jigs up. Call him back later and offer him a Grand even. Might say yes, but if he says no, he will almost always suggest a counter offer below the original asking price. If you don't think you can pull this off w/ a straight face, take your dad w/ you. He probably has this game down to a science. But whatever you do, for God's sakes, "Don't walk up & kick the tires unless your watching the other front one to see if it moves at the same time (if it doesn't, worn Tie Rod Bushing).

Raptor22