1985 Ford F250 4x4

[viven44]

Ever since I sold "Big Red" I have missed having a Bullnose 3/4 ton 4x4. I was going to replace "Big Red" with a Highboy but that was a bad idea after my test drive of a Highboy. The Bullnose 4x4s just drive like 5 times better... so I have a Bullnose 4x4 fever. Been looking for a 4-legged companion for Big Blue 2WD ;) ;)
 
I went and saw this truck with all the hopes to buy it.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1469812663640649/

Cons:
- Has a rear main seal leak. This is a dirty job for a 4x4 460.
- Has an exhaust leak
- The truck is a complete dog. The stock 4180 does not move it. Almost like the secondaries aren't even opening.
- Definitely needs new clutch, master cylinder
- Interiors in need of redo. Dash and door panels are junk.
- Body work/replacement needed on one door. Nothing bad otherwise on body.

Pros:
- Steering, brakes seem to be functioning well
- Spent 95% of life in California, so practically rust free
- Completely bone stock truck. No one has monkeyed with it. Has all original vacuum, emissions, electricals. Clutch safety was bypassed, Radio missing but all else intact.
- Owner is a nice gentleman and has tried to do his best to maintain the truck. We tried to troubleshoot the "lack of oomph"
---- Vacuum gauge was only reading 17" at best on a stock cam. No obvious vacuum leaks... everything seemed intact per the vacuum diagram.
---- We unplugged all the cylinders while running and we noticed the cylinders were all functional i.e vacuum reading dropped. The owner shocked himself a few times and I was LMAO... aka. being a Jerk

What do y'all think on the value of this truck ?

The owner wants someone like me to own it who willl take care of it.. I have rescued several bullnoses but I don't know that I have the time to do one more. My wife issued an ultimatum the last time I took one one in so theres that as well

[Gary Lewis]

I think that he is asking about twice what the truck is worth.  He might get near $5K with a good-running truck in otherwise good shape.

Big Blue idles at about 18" of vacuum, and that's due to the cam and not due to wear.  But that engine either has a vacuum leak that you didn't find or isn't properly tuned - or maybe it is just worn out.

As for the secondaries not opening, that can happen if the choke isn't coming off fully.

And looking at the pic below I'd say there is body damage.

[viven44]

Thanks Gary. I think your assessment is spot on with the book value as seen on the 2023 classic car/truck pricing guide that I use. The truck is between a #4 - #5 condition in my opinion.

And yes that body damage is indeed there. I think I've seen one too many trucks with a hit in the same spot. Slide into the ditch into a tree maybe ??

[Ford F834]

Any consideration of converting your ‘84 F350 to 4wd? Leaf spring TTB wouldn’t be my first choice… at all.

[viven44]

Good question. I have contemplated that. I am kind of a stickler for leaving things 'factory' as much as possible. My truck doesn't have AC either and I have an entire parts truck with AC parts, matched dash color, etc and I have yet to begin the conversion because I am hoping I'll check both boxes (AC, 4x4) with another truck. But I truly do think an AC conversion is probably required here soon. I love driving the truck and with AC, it could seriously be my full-time driver.

I agree with you... the TTB front-axle is a bear to service. Fluid changes mean splitting the housing apart !!

Down here in TX in the suburbs as one can expect 4x4 is just a nice to have...... very rarely do I actually need 4x4 where I live. I do have the 78 Bronco which will serve that function.... and has AC. Maybe I don't need a Bullnose 4x4 w/AC after all

[grumpin]

It does have a Weatherguard toolbox on it.

Does that come with it? They sell pretty good used.

[viven44]

Good catch. I don’t recall seeing it when I went there. I don’t believe it is included.

[thelastkeg]

Looks like it must have hauled a slide-in camper in its past with those little tie down brackets sticking out.  I think it would be worth the time to see how low he'd go.  The ones that are basically all original and never monkeyed with are the ones I like to go after.  I seem to have better luck, and really just enjoy those better even if they aren't in great shape.  I guess because it's a lot easier to figure it all out rather than trying to wade through decades of hackery.  I used to feel bad about low balling, but I do it respectfully and half of the time they take it.  Sometimes folks just want it gone and to quit dealing with all the facebook time wasters.    

[viven44]

He said he would like to see $4200.....

I'm prepared to offer him $3000... I could meet him half-way if I can go back and run a compression test and oil pressure test and ensure the 460 doesn't need a rebuild.... I'm prepared to pull the engine and do a few things but no time or appetite for a rebuild. If compression or oil pressure is not satisfactory, then just come back.

PS: He knows our forum and said he might be an old member but doesn't remember his user ID