2004 F250 As Welding Truck?

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Hey guys!So, I"m considering purchasing a 2004 Ford F250 from the State of Texas.Its a 4x4 truck with 168,000 miles and a gas engine, presumably the 5.4L...I would be using it for a mobile welding service...Tell me why this idea sucks :PThis truck fires right up and runs smooth as can be, even with the mother of all exhaust leaks (im assuming someone hit the exhaust pipe on a rock or something and broke it. Its a clean brake that I can fix, but da*n is it loud). I had a mechanic look it over and he said it probably needs spark plugs changed (and quoted me $200 to do it, much less than dealers charge, etc) as they often get put off because theyre a PITA... Otherwise, it seems to check out.I"ve always heard that state owned vehicles are used, like they"re meant to be, but given exceptional maintenance compared to other vehicles on the road...This particular truck is a former Game Warden vehicle (You can still see the glue from where the decals were on the sides) if that makes a difference.. It seems to have been better taken care of than the other vehicles on the lot which is why I"m interested in it. Also, Im under the impression that game wardens dont really pull things bigger than an ATV or a small boat, so these miles probably arent heavy hauling miles...So:1) Has anyone purchased, owned, driven etc a former state truck?2) Has anyone had experience with this particular year and model of truck? Ive been told by a Ford tech to change the plugs if they need it, and it should be good to go.3) How many miles would you expect out of a 5.4 liter engine/transmission? Keep in mind that I'm not looking to add a crane, heavy-as-crap service bed, etc, but rather a couple toolboxes and a small welder/generator... Other things will go in a (probably military surplus) trailer... Thanks in advance guys![Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Bumpitybumpbump[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:The 5.4 V-8 has a reputation for putting spark plugs into low earth orbit, generally at inconvenient times.  It's an aluminum head, and there are only about 4 threads securing the plug.  Definitely worth having a mechanic do the change for you if you're not inclined toward auto mechanicing; they're also famous for stripping out at change time.Hobart cutting/welding torch.MM252, and nothing else.  My first welder.  Buy once, cry once....but I really would like a nice 50/60A circuit to run it at full strength.A bunch of ideas, and not enough time and money to bring them to life.
Reply:Because you will be overloading the pizz out of a SRW truck once rigged up.   Most duallys are over the GVW will a the kit in them to just pipeline let alone fab and repair weldVantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:It will have catastrophic fuel economy.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:I say if you're gonne have crappy mpg then go big block. My 95 f250 7.4 gets 14 load or no load. Move right along.sent while goofing off at workLong after the price is forgotten, the quality will remain.Both of my Poppy's 1954 Short Hoods -Third generation to weld with it and teaching a fourthSA 2## - Bought and sold more than I can remember or care to list, 8 in the shop right now
Reply:I still own my 05 f250 diesel. The truck itself is solid. The only issue I've had is the occasional rear break caliper seizure (I live on a gravel road). The 6.0 diesel in mine has been solid. Just had to replace the alternator so far with 200k. I had a f150 for a long time with the 5.4 in it. The 5.4 was solid and I never had any issues with that motor or tranny. You won't get the mileage that a 250 with a diesel gets, especially all loaded up with gear.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:You better check the exhaust MANIFOLDS along with the exhaust system...10$ says the manifolds are ROTTEN if they have not been changed yet......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I ran my 99 5.4 200, 000 miles and it still ran good and used no oil. I used it hard and the regular maint. wasn't so regular either.  The early ones had a problem with the manifold studs rotting off and I had to replace them on mine, also had to do the manifolds then because they were bad too. That's not a bad job since it can be done through the wheel well. Expect 10 mpg and if you get 12 consider it a gift. If it's an auto trany do a fluid flush and filter change and the trany will be good too. You won't win any races but the power will be adequate. A friend of mine just bought a gov. truck just like that fron Nd. and it seems like a good truck.Yeah, I know, but it'll be ok!Lincoln Square wave 255Miller Vintage mig30a spoolgunThermal Dynamics Pacmaster 100xl plasmaSmith mc torchEllis 1600 band saw
Reply:If you can get it for a low price, it will make a good starter truck. If it lived along the Texas Gulf coast towing boats stay away from it. But if it lived in Austin should be good.
Reply:I rebuilt a 5.4 with about 190,000 miles on it, needless to say the only thing I salvaged were the block,crank and pistons. The whole top end was shot. $3,800 just in parts plus my labor. That was with a $1,000 set of heads (cheap for that motor)If it makes a loud tap in the front side of the heads run far far away!Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!