4x4dave

So I'm on a limited budget, but I honestly don't need a new truck with bluetooth wifi sunroofs etc or cooled leather seats.

Simply put I want something reliable that can take a beating. I've heard that 92-96 trucks are one of the toughest ones out there, and I think they still look fantastic.

Anyways what kind of repairs should I expect to find? Any common problems I should look for? How many miles will the auto tranny last if its been maintained most the time? Lastly which engine is the best? I've heard the straight 6 is the most reliable, but I've really been considering the 5.8, will they last into 300,000 mi territory if they have been maintained well enough? Just give me some more insight of what engines / years to avoid and what too look for. Obviously I'm looking into high mileage trucks but I intend in only buying ones that are in mostly good mechincal standing.

I'm fairly certain ill be purchasing a 92-96 f150 4x4 xtended cab reg bed with an auto tranny. Probably a 5.8 for the engine

wde3477

Welcome to the site!

You're certainly thinking in the right direction :-)

I've heard the 4.9L is good for 300,000 miles, the 5.0L is good for 250,000 - haven't heard anything specific about the 5.8L, but would think it would fall in the same ballpark. All are solid, proven motors.

Suggest an auto tranny should last well past 200K if maintained, although how/where it was driven will have a lot to do with this, as well as the maintenance. Auto trannies kinda get forgotten except by the more persnickety owners. Obviously, town driving that requires more shifting would be expected to fail before a vehicle with a lot of highway miles.

Typical for rust to form at the top of the rear wheel openings - good place to check when looking.

Plenty of good trucks are still out there, even though they're pushing 15 and 20 years old. Just have to sort through the ones that have been ragged out. Good luck, and keep us posted.

4x4dave

Thanks for the info!

I'm taking a look at a 92 w/ 253,000 mi w/ 5.8 auto (2nd owner, and lives in country)

also looking at a 96 w/ 220,000 mi w/ 5.8 auto

Both trucks have almost no rust, which is kind of amazing since winter and road salt eats up trucks here in colorado. And they are both stock owned by middle aged men. I haven't looked at the trucks personally yet, but I'm under the impression that they have been maintained fairly well, both also have no tears in interior.

Anyways with this in mind, what do you mean the engines are good till about 250k-300k? do the headgaskets go bad after this? What exactly goes wrong?

mustangGT90210

If you can try and find trucks under 200k, that's an awful lot of miles to buy with if you want to keep it for a long time

4x4dave

Well I have a mustang I use for driving as well, I just need something that will last around 2-3 years, I probably only put 40,000 miles on it during that time. I got a budget of 2500$

But I just need something that can tow, go in the snow (4x4) and have seating and storage for more than 2 people haha.

But it sounds like maybe 200k is getting kinda risky...

cookin

There are a lot of 92 - late model F150's for sale. I am a B I G fan of the I6- 4.9L engine. These live up to the "Built Ford Tough" reputation. I know a lot of people that have had these engines and gone will beyond 300k. Another benefit to the 4.9 I6; there is no timing belt - just gears that mesh to provide perfect reliability.

Good luck - but with the 4.9L you won't need it.