ramonred

Hi,

Got another Ford at last - went from a Ranger to F150. It's been sitting in the desert in California for a few years, and I will be going to pick it up in June and drive it back up to the NorthWest.

Any advice on what to expect, or good spares to carry for a truck that has been sitting for so long. I already plan to replace the tires immediately. Thinking also:
-fan belts
-radiator hoses
-battery

any other tips?

Thanks so much. It's great to be the in the Ford 'family' again.

badwithcomputer

frame for rust... oh wait. nevermind, must be nice! haha

1lowranger

How long is a few years? What year is the truck. A brake job or atleast a good inspection. Maybe another truck and trailer to haul it back on till you can go thru it and determine what's wrong.

learningneverends

I second this. No way am I driving a truck a 1000 miles that has been parked for years. Air filter, oil and filter, all fluids.

Suzuki14258

X3

SilentJoker

Drive it like you stole it. Anything goes wrong its cause it needs replaced or fixed

I would recommend trailer as well. I would definitely grease up fittings and bring some carb cleaner and brake cleaner hell might as well do electrical cleaner for maf if you are driving it onto trailer. If its been in desert like i am thinking its mostly covered internally with sand / dust and you wana clean the intake before starting her up. At least i would spend the 30 mins if i was dropping cash down. Hope all goes well. Before and after pics are fun for these pickups

BooSSted

Is "Don't buy it" an option? Unless you're saving a fortune, I don't think it would be worth the trouble. If it's left outside unprotected, there is going to be sand in everything. Count on taking apart and rebuilding everything that contains fluid or grease.

Forestsvc

I have picked up and drove many vehicles that have sat years. My Dad sold cars for a while. Do yourself a favor and get a trailer. I have spent too much time playing auto mechanic in bfe. Trailer it to place where you can work on it in the shade, with food and auto parts close by. Best of luck

Jjayf

Brake hoses will be rotten and likely pop the first time you hard brake. One or more brakes will likely be seized. At the very least, replace the hoses before getting on the highway.