What would you do? For a tired F250

[PhotoJoe]

Hi guys and gals.
Joey here from the FL Keys.
Need some advice from people who know great things.
Been a Ford guy for a long time. Mostly Mustangs and some other ones that will remain nameless.
Just purchased a 1994 F250 with 220,000 miles on it.
Needed a truck for hauling my art business stuff around.
Had a Chevy 1500 that died, been ok for me but I always longed for one of the great F-Series truck.

Well that day came yesterday with the F250 w/the inline 6 and auto trans.
I checked it out hard and heavy. Trans was great, (did the test of speeding up then braking down to 5mph then back up hard to 40mph-perfect results) all joints and suspension great. The previous owner put a new radiator/ac compressor/oil pan gasket/ and some other small things.
Also, body straight as an arrow, no rust anywhere.
She is just old and has alot of miles on her. But with some work I think she will become the Lady that she knows she once was.

Heres the big ?????
I want to go over it in the next day or two. Oil change/filter/air filter/plugs/distributor cap/rotor. You know the normal stuff.

What would you do that I may not see because I do not know the F250 well.
Oh yeah it has the fuel injector system.

Thanks everybody in advance for any info that will be used to help her back to beauty.
Joey

 

[5.0Flareside]

typical maintenance ya know. and just let it take care of you..

them 300 I6's are strong and last FOREVER!!! it's amazing...

 

[flareside_thunder]

How bad off is the trans fluid? Other than the stuff you already mentioned, I can only think of a possible trans fluid change and a coolant change. Also, check the belt for cracking/ wear and check all the hoses for softness or bulging. Welcome to the site.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Use a good parts. Oil filter like Wix or Napa Gold, good spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor button. Check your brakes repair and replace as needed. Exhaust system if they are rusty and holey.

 

[PhotoJoe]

Thanks guys
Just checked the belt. Its old gotta go.

Trans fluid was nice and bright red after putting it thru the paces.
No smell.
Thanks for mentioning the good parts replacements. I will do that.
Brakes are a little spongey.
Will look at them close in a day or two.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the family and post up pictures when you can.

 

[PhotoJoe]

Would you guys still use a trans overhaul kit even after it looks pretty good from the basic checks I did?
Thx
Joey

 

[PhotoJoe]

I am making a list from everyones ideas here and heading to NAPA Wednesday.
I wish I could wait and use rockauto but gotta get her done.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If the transmission is shifting well just do a filter and trans fluid change. A oil cooler would be great to have if you don't have a factory one.

 

[flareside_thunder]

I wouldn't worry about a trans overhaul. Try and stay away from platinum plugs, copper core are your friends.fuel filter would probably be a good idea.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I wouldn't worry about a trans overhaul. Try and stay away from platinum plugs, copper core are your friends.fuel filter would probably be a good idea.

Motorcraft or NGK ?

 

[PhotoJoe]

Flareside I was just thinking of what RidgeRunner thought.
A filter and trans fluid change.
Fuel filter on list.
Thanks guys cant wait to post some pics and show some progress on
this great truck I found.
Joey

 

[PhotoJoe]

Why stay away from Platinum plugs? Is that a Ford F-Series thing?

 

[Ridgerunner]

They don't last as long.

 

[5.0Flareside]

Its 300 thing. And most people on these ford stay with coppers. It is a good thing for em. For the v8's I prefer ngk's platinums but that's just me.

Stick with motorcraft parts as best you can. They are made for fords.

Especially oil filters etc.

 

[PhotoJoe]

Great I love learning from people who know great things.
More stuff on the list.
Awesome

 

[PhotoJoe]

What do you guys think of using synthetic motor oil?
My friend told me Mobil-1
Any ideas?
Joey

 

[5.0Flareside]

Noooo....


Not in something with high miles. That'll cause oil leaks likely. Just use a good conventional oil a 10w30 or 10w40.

 

[flareside_thunder]

I ran Bosch plats in my truck for all of 300 miles, then pulled em out and swapped in some NGK V-Powers......truck never ran so great. Motorcraft coppers would be perfect for your application......OEM is OEM. Everyone has opinions on brands, try and steer clear or fram anything. Purolator or motorcraft for me.

 

[Fellro]

Why stay away from Platinum plugs? Is that a Ford F-Series thing?

My take on using plats in systems that were designed for copper is that you won't be happy, as they will foul easier. Platinums are designed for higher power systems, and last longer in those systems than coppers will. I go by what the ignition was designed to use, I don't care the manufacturer. I have seen too many times people think that plats are an upgrade, then later they are pissed because they aren't firing right. I know the computers list them, but that only means they will fit, not necessarily mean they will be the best choice.

The story on synth used in older motors that haven't had it is that many times they would become leakers. In the past was likely more true, today, the oils are much better, so maybe not. The thing is that with synthetic, all of the oil molecules are the same size, so when you had conventional with varying sizes, they would stay in better, while the synth would slip past the seals and such. Some of it could have been due to differing detergent packages too, as you used to get leakers if someone had always used the same brand every time, and the brand got changed. Personally, I would use a reputable conventional and not worry about it for just a general driving work type truck.