So Im lookin at buying an 85 f-250 6.9 regcab 4x4 with 184xxx miles, shes no baby. But is in really good shape! Looks completely original, interior is Mint! Exterior is a solid 8/10 with one tiny rust spot on the rocker and normal surface rust on the frame. Im assuming 3.55 gears and a C6, but the owner doesnt know. New water pump, 2 new batts, new fuel lines, glow plugs, steering box&pump.

My choices right now are this truck which i Really want, or a 2000 f-150 4.6 or a '97 1500 with a fresh rebuilt but the rest of the truck is shyt.

I plan on making my new truck the backbone of a business I am starting, so it needs to be reliable! Ill be hauling materials in the bed, not much towing for now. I need to know if the 6.9 will be reliable enough and not let me down constantly. Obviously **** happens some times, but I really want that truck, but shes getting old and im leary of depending her. Im really hoping someone on here can push me over the top because im torn. Oh and the price is right.

f-250. $3000 184000 Miles (private!!)
f-150 $3500 180000 miles (scummy dealer too!)
chev1500 $4800 179000 miles (another scummy dealer)

Prices are all canadian.

 

have you checked crankcase pressures? this is one of my least favorite diesel engines and a ford 300 6cyl will out perform it!
the half tons would be a better choice! thats my thoughts

 

I havent checked that yet, im heading out there tommorow, ill try and check then. I know these motors wont win any races or out tow a 12 valve. But Ive herd alot of rave about the reliability of these things, and I love the look of these trucks.

 

wow you have some unique tastes in trucks! look at high mileage 95-03 7.3di powerstrokes and get something worth having

 

I just like the old fords. The other 2 are the only 4x4 trucks not beat to shyt in my area in my price range. Theirs a couple 7.3s but theyre 4x2... I have a problem with that

 

well if you like the older fords then get a 351w not a 6.9 or 7.3idi in my opinion they are a POS. if i were you i would be patient and save up and get a 7.3 powerstroke and do not settle for a POS that you will regret!!!!!

 

What do you get for mileage with ur p.stroke

 

97 5speed dually 2wd 4.10 gears gets 10-17mpg, the 95 with 3.55s gets 10-22mpg, the 99 gets 10-20 and the 6.0 got 8-19 those ranges were towing and easy highway
a 6.9 can not pull a greasy string out of a cats a$$

 

someone really hates the old diesels. . .

I know of 1 6.9 out where I do my mechanic work on my truck, and the farmer who owns it swears by it.
according to him it's kinda like driving a 3/4 ton dodge with a 318 in it. not winning a race against a toddler on a tricycle, but the only motor that'll outrun it in longevity is a slant 6.

I've read on here and in other places that they get hot easily, but beyond that, no complaints besides a lack of power (like any early diesel, period).

it looks in good shape. I wouldn't pay 3 grand for it though. I'm pretty jewish with vehicles, and for that, I'd pay probably 2.

nab the vin off of it, take it to a ford dealer, get them to look up the vin and see all the information about it. that's a start. get that ****** camper off of it and test drive it.

you do NOT want a high mileage 4.6 litre ford. a high mileage 5.7 chev is bad enough.

diesel prices in my area are bad, but where the **** are you that a 30 year old non turbo single cab diesel commands a 3,000 dollar price tag?

oh, and by the way, my taste in trucks mirrors yours. the older the better. it's a truck, I don't need it to win races. I don't tow a trailer. I fill the box quite often, and quite heavily. I run a ton of highway, and I like the sound and driving character of a diesel.
note: that doesn't mean I'm not trying to get my 94 powerstroke to 300+whp though.

 

i guess go are right, i find them to be a lost cause. they will overheat if you try to tow heavily and crack the heads. the fuel economy is less than desireable. around the 400,000 mile mark the block will crack right behind the starter. and a 300 6cyl will flat outperform it in every way (thats sad and i also dislike the 300 6cyl ) those trucks bring scrap price in most of the lower 48 $210 a ton.
every time one comes into the shop i think jeez this guy has no idea what he is missing out on!
but each to his own opinion!
if a 6.9 needs more than $500 in repairs i would consider it a total loss.
come south and find a 7.3 powerstroke for 2-5k and work it another twenty years.
300rwhp is easily done!