Ford Truck Problems
by Nfidel | Published on July 18th, 2009, 4:43 pm | Advice
I have a 1976 F-250 4wd. It began to eat starters a year and a half ago. Then a starter ate the ring gear on the flywheel. I went through 5 lifetime warranty starters until I installed one that broke the ring gear. I had the ring gear replaced, at a cost of $350 plus parts (not a bad price, as this truck is a beast). I drove it for several months but it still destroyed starters at an alarming rate. Finally about 4 months ago the ring gear got chewed up again. I asked my mechanic what could cause the problem. He said a bearing on the crankshaft could be worn, allowing the shaft to shift. Shaft shift. Anyway, coupled with not needing the truck at the time (there was no work) and a lack of funds (did I say there was no work?) I left it where it died and sometimes mow around it. And under it. It is really tall. So I wonder if the mechanic's explanation makes sense to anyone who would know about these things. I have some jobs coming up soon and will need a truck. Should I try to sell this as a parts truck to a local mud racer (and help fund the purchase of a truck more befitting of my size) or has my mechanic missed some cheap, easy fix?
Here's the obligatory mechanical data: Engine- 390 cid from a 1971 Galaxy or LTD (Don't laugh. It's old but it was re-built in the 80's before it was installed in the truck. Plus it can pull your house off its foundation.) Electronic ignition; the type of power steering that has a hydraulic cylinder mounted horizontally under the engine; again, it's four wheel drive with a four speed manual transmission; Bumper sticker says "NO GODS, NO MASTERS".
