Been sitting a while.....

[cheapthrillz]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but i guess this will do.

One of my co-workers wants me to come and take a truck out of his yard. He said I could have it if I came and got it. Anyways, it is a 1984 4x4 F250 w/ a 351. The brakes went out and it doesn't have a starter. It has been sitting for 4 or 5 years now but it was running good whenever he parked it. What do I need to do to ensure that I don't break anything while trying to get it running again?

I was just thinking: replace the oil and oil filter, drain the gas tank?,change the fuel filter, etc....

Anybody good at reviving dead beasts? Help me out, what all do I need to do?

[6'9"Witha69]

First would be to find out why the brakes went out!

Then worry about getting it running.

Check all the normal wear/service items like pads, tires, seals, hoses, electrical connections, battery cables. Then drain and fill ALL fluids.

[MonzaRacer]

Run a few quarts of ATF (dexron III) in the cylinders and hand crank it over several times to distribute the fluid.
Give it a good once over it probably has either a rubber line blown or rusted steel line, or possibly a wheel cylinder.
anotherthing to look for on the ford trucks is if there are rubber covers over the crimped areas on the front brake lines as a strain relief they can and will rust the crimps off.
Change all 3 rubber lines for insurrance.
Flushing the Brake system is paramount for safety.
Heck for around a $100 you could replace the calipers and wheel cylinders and maybe another $50 to $75 for hoses,,,cheap insurance.
You can also use a 1 yr rebuilt starter to see if it runs so your not out of pocket for a lot but they "newmans" are pretty cheap.
Good Luck

[cheapthrillz]

Thanks alot for the posts guys, I was going to do the brakes first and get them up to par. Then I was going to worry about getting it running well. Do I need to worry about the gas tank? If it had a full tank of gas when he parked it, would it have a bunch of trash in it?

[6'9"Witha69]

Then drain and fill ALL fluids.This includes gas. It does break down over time without a stabilizer added to it. Chances are this thing probably didn't have it added. After 5 years, consider that gas junk!

[cheapthrillz]

I am going to pick it up today. I went and looked at it yesterday, and the brakes are fine. It just needs a new starter and battery. Both of the gas tanks on it had gas in them when he parked it, so we'll see how bad it is. Thanks for your help. If anybody wants a '84 4x4 F250, let me know. I might give it to you.....