1988 Donor F250. 351W and ZF (4WD) Good deal?

[WorkerBee]

So I just found an F250 with the 351W and ZF. Runs and drives well. 182k miles I think. the truck is rough but the drive train seems solid. The guy wants 1500 for it. seems high to me but just wanted some more opinions. Local junkyards want a fortune for the ZF in CA as they're pretty rare in this area. Why do I want a new tranny? I don't like the feel of the NP435. too clunky for me.

I am thinking of upgrading my tired 302 pretty soon. I would rebuild the 351 for sure.

I currently have an NP435/205 so the ZF will bolt up with no adapters. I realize I will have to re-gear to utilize the OD.

Mainly going to be used for street and light trail driving. probably going to go with a simple carb setup for now. maybe a howell efi or something in the future. I appreciate any feedback on this.

Can someone also confirm if that 351W would be a roller? I am a little confused on the truck motors. Thank you in advance.

 

[broncnaz]

Not a roller 5.8 no rollers until 94. overall that price is way to high for just a engine and tranny that needs rebuilding. Even though you could probably gt a few dollers out of it by parting the rest out or scraping it but still thats way high.

 

[Broncobowsher]

California prices make it hard to judge. But it sounds a little high to me. Probably about right for the vehicle as a whole, but you are after a transmission and a core 351W. If you said F350 I would feel better as you would have a straight axle you could sell, the F250 will be a worthless TTB front end.

 

[KyleQ]

1500 for the entire truck? The ZF is worth ~half that, the motor is a good core, the rear axle should be good along with the tcase. Pull whatever parts you want and then scrap it, you will come out ahead, probably get ~300 for the truck in scrap alone.

 

[WorkerBee]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will pass for now. I almost have him convinced to part it out. If he does I'll jump. Thanks again.