F250 general questions from new owner of used 98
#1
04-12-2001, 11:21 AM
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: seattle
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
F250 general questions from new owner of used 98
Hello,
I'm looking for some information of a general
nature. I just purchased a high mileage, i.e., 121,000 mile '98 F250. The truck was a fleet vehicle. It appears to be in great shape cosmetically and mechanically. It has a regular cab, 5.4, auto and long bed. I received no fleet maintainance records for it.
I know nothing about it's history.
I've only driven it around a 150 miles of
mixed driving.(Judging by the guage, it appears to be getting great mpgs, I'm expecting in the high teens, when checked) I've found no noises, clunks,
drips, leaks, squeaks, etc. to indicate there
are any looming mechanical problems. The truck engine sounds great on start up, runs and idles imppecably, the transmission shifts
smoothly without any noteable bumps between
gear changes. At this point I assume I'll
drive it and not worry about the engine
or transmission. My concern falls under the
heading of wondering what the fleet service
department maintainance and repair procedures
consisted of. Are there any fleet service
people available to give me some basic thoughts on what the standard service
schedule is for fleet vehicles?
Oh, my previous truck was a 90 F150, 5 liter
automatic. It had 200,000 miles on it. I
had a shift kit put in at 80,000. Other than
that, it ran fine. The paint as pealed and
the engine, (150 pressure per cylinder still)
is starting to use a little oil, and the
truck is a bit loose all around. Decided rather than re engine, paint, etc it was
cheaper to buy this F250. Oh, the price on
the F250 with an $1800 steel gem top included
was $8700. So, I figured the actual price
for the truck to me was around $6900: as I
would have bought the top in addition to
any other truck I would have bought. So, even if I have to put some money into the
truck down the road, I'll, hopefully, still
be ahead of the game.
Any comments are welcome,
Regards,
LBB.
I'm looking for some information of a general
nature. I just purchased a high mileage, i.e., 121,000 mile '98 F250. The truck was a fleet vehicle. It appears to be in great shape cosmetically and mechanically. It has a regular cab, 5.4, auto and long bed. I received no fleet maintainance records for it.
I know nothing about it's history.
I've only driven it around a 150 miles of
mixed driving.(Judging by the guage, it appears to be getting great mpgs, I'm expecting in the high teens, when checked) I've found no noises, clunks,
drips, leaks, squeaks, etc. to indicate there
are any looming mechanical problems. The truck engine sounds great on start up, runs and idles imppecably, the transmission shifts
smoothly without any noteable bumps between
gear changes. At this point I assume I'll
drive it and not worry about the engine
or transmission. My concern falls under the
heading of wondering what the fleet service
department maintainance and repair procedures
consisted of. Are there any fleet service
people available to give me some basic thoughts on what the standard service
schedule is for fleet vehicles?
Oh, my previous truck was a 90 F150, 5 liter
automatic. It had 200,000 miles on it. I
had a shift kit put in at 80,000. Other than
that, it ran fine. The paint as pealed and
the engine, (150 pressure per cylinder still)
is starting to use a little oil, and the
truck is a bit loose all around. Decided rather than re engine, paint, etc it was
cheaper to buy this F250. Oh, the price on
the F250 with an $1800 steel gem top included
was $8700. So, I figured the actual price
for the truck to me was around $6900: as I
would have bought the top in addition to
any other truck I would have bought. So, even if I have to put some money into the
truck down the road, I'll, hopefully, still
be ahead of the game.
Any comments are welcome,
Regards,
LBB.
#2
04-12-2001, 02:25 PM
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: seattle
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#3
04-12-2001, 10:29 PM
Welcome to F150online!
I think most fleet vehicles are relatively well cared-for. After all, it's not making money if it's broken.
Since you have no records, the first thing I'd do would be to change all the fluids. This includes anti-freeze, engine, tranny, diffs, and transfer case (if 4x4). At least check everything to see how nasty it is.
The 3.73 gears are good for moving a heavy truck with a heavy load. There may be a slight mileage penalty vs 3.55 gears, but I think you'll be happier with what you have. High teens may be a bit too optimistic, though. Perhaps mid-to-low teens in town with a light-foot.
Enjoy the "new" truck!
------------------
1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/Ravin DI/DO, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 F150 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.
2001 4x4 F350 SD XLT CrewCab LWB- 6.8L, Offroad Pkg, HD Suspension Pkg, 3.73LS, TT mirrors, 6-disc CD changer, Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, tinted windows, GoRhino nerf bars.
NoMo's site
I think most fleet vehicles are relatively well cared-for. After all, it's not making money if it's broken.
Since you have no records, the first thing I'd do would be to change all the fluids. This includes anti-freeze, engine, tranny, diffs, and transfer case (if 4x4). At least check everything to see how nasty it is.
The 3.73 gears are good for moving a heavy truck with a heavy load. There may be a slight mileage penalty vs 3.55 gears, but I think you'll be happier with what you have. High teens may be a bit too optimistic, though. Perhaps mid-to-low teens in town with a light-foot.
Enjoy the "new" truck!
------------------
1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/Ravin DI/DO, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 F150 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.
2001 4x4 F350 SD XLT CrewCab LWB- 6.8L, Offroad Pkg, HD Suspension Pkg, 3.73LS, TT mirrors, 6-disc CD changer, Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, tinted windows, GoRhino nerf bars.
NoMo's site