Vander

A few months ago I was browsing my local automotive classifieds looking for a truck. I didn't need anything too fancy, really I didn't even want fancy. I was having a cup of coffee when a listing caught my eye, "1986 F150 302 4WD, mileage 80k great body $1200 OBO."

That afternoon I called the number and arranged to take it out for a ride. The listing was quite accurate, the body had no rust and only two small dents, the interior was a bit worse for wear and the engine seemed reasonably solid but had obvious signs of oil leakage and worn electrical wires.

During the test drive I noticed that there was a fair amount of bluish smoke spewing from the tailpipe and the brake light was always on. Several other minor things like the radio and tank selector switch needed some fixing too. I figured that this would be a great project truck and managed to talk the owner down to $900 flat.

Three days later I lost my rear axle. The bearings locked up as I was driving down a mountain road and both rear wheels broke free as I went skidding out of control. Though I was seriously peeved at the time, it wasn't that big of a deal because I had a friend with a junker F150 that he offered to let me take parts from.

The week after the axle replacement my starter solenoid went out. I spent about three days starting my pickup by bridging a screwdriver across the solenoid posts before I replaced it. Two days later my alternator died. The day after that my starter seized up. I figured while I was doing all the work, I might as well take a preemptive approach and replace things that I knew needed replacing, new valve seals, plugs and wires, air filter, transmission seals. And yet, for all my work things are still needing replaced at the rate of about 2-3 parts per week. My newest problem is an acceleration issue, basically I can't drive above 2k RPM. Prolly the fuel filter.

Anyway, long story short, this truck has been such a pain in the rear but for some reason I like it more than any truck I've ever had.

f250guy

im just a teen, but i know that someone will always find a vehicle they just love spendin time and money on, no matter how much of a hassle it is, which in your case it seems pretty big, and im the same way, first my brake lines went , then tranny lines, then starter seized, brake booster, transmission, exhaust manifolds, alternator, battery, oil dipstick tube, drums, but none of that phases me because i love workin on my truck, so i know where your at with your story, but i wish you better luck with your truck

klricks

Maybe your truck really has 180K miles?

Vander

Maybe. It is 23 years old after all. At the rate I'm replacing parts I'll have a new truck by New Years Day.

TheLoudestSilence

Haha.. Im sorry.. but this just reminds me 100% of me.. everything you mentioned replacing ive done to my 88 besides the axle (Of course that was already replaced when i got it).. I hate this truck but love it to much to get rid of it if that makes any sense lmao.. of course my truck does have 180k miles so the things going out are understandable

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fsckedagain

Yeah, my name is Mike and I am a member of this club lol. I got an 86 302 EFI 4x4 and am having all kinds of little issues. So far I have done master cylinder, both rear wheel cylinders, and shoes. I know my tranny doesn't like to shift at all when it's cold (won't go into first without revving up then a requisite clunk), there is some hideous clunking when hitting the brakes or leaving from a stop, I am sure every bushing on the suspension is shot, shocak are bad, no radio (well working radio at least), oil leaks, wanders like a dog in heat, none of the idiot lights work, etc. I could go on, but hey, it's mine and paid for.

Oh yeah, let's not forget the front tank won't read on the gas gauge

Have a good one!

Vander

Recently I've been having a problem maintaining highway speed (55mph and up) and if there is the slightest hill my truck just goes completely gutless. It drives fine around town so I figured it was probably a fuel pump/filter or maybe an electrical issue.

I was talking to my dad about it and he asked if I'd inspected the camshaft. I hadn't. Turns out my camshaft lobes are extremely warn causing valves to open and close at the wrong time. Hooray!

How much cash should I look at dumping into this or should I just find a new engine entirely?

ecoguard

lol i guess iv joined the club too, but my damage is my own fault
i have a 1984 f150 xlt 35" tires first time off roading cost me a mirror and a brake line lol
now im having an engine prob (wont start even with gas down the carburator)
i think its an electrical issue, i just need to find my old repair manual... that i had for my 82' (short box xlt, 5L c4 transmission... cant beat it never gave me any trouble...)

wshiwzwhln

Lets see it...

Madrox

Let me put it this way.
I hate my truck more than any other vehicle I have ever owned.
I also love my truck more than any vehicle I have ever owned.

Its a money pit for sure, and I can't even drive the bitch yet.