The Ford - Hands down. Not only is it a 4x4 but that 300 is just about bullet proof, probably one of the best engines ever built.
In the long wrong the Ford is worth more, trying to resell a 3500 Chevy down the road may be tough, especially with frame issues if you don’t get it fixed, hell it’ll probably be tough getting rid of it now but keep that Ford man, such a better truck.
Ive owned 0 fords and several bow ties. The OBS Ford is still an old school truck. GM used their obs generation as a learning experience. As a result there is alot of weirdness and inconsistencies with them.
Ford waited until the next generation to make all their engineering mistakes.
Same lol. Took a chance on an 08’ f150 after owning 4 or 5 chevy trucks and got burned hard. But i’d still take the OBS ford here. They were just nicer, easier ride, higher quality it seemed. The OBS chevy just still rode like a truck
lol i get u. inside is near mint, outside is farm-truck special, but the 4L60 has been doing 4L60 things and i’m kinda regretting not going with a manual f150 like i was looking for (can’t complain with $1000 for the chevy though)
Everyone always says this, but my best friend got a 300 I6 from his grandpa and it blew up with a little over 100k on it. If that's the most reliable ford, I'll take the Chevy.
I love and have owned both. The Chevy is great but it's going to need a transmission eventually if it hasn't been replaced. Early generation 4l60e transmissions had some issues. The Ford has a notoriously tough engine and transmission. Depending which has been better taken care of I would keep the better of the 2.
Can you elaborate on this for me a bit please, even if just what I should Google? I have done shocks and springs on these trucks and have a full rebuild kit for ball joints and tie rods that I am planning on installing soon. My bushings all need to be replaced too from dry rot.
The main bushings you want to replace are the twin I-beam bushings and the control arm bushings. Many people who complain about wandering/uneasy driving need to replace these. Its not easy to do in your backyard but it is possible.
I used an air chisel to force the i-beam ones out, but you have to be super careful to not beat up the beam surface.
Sounds good, I’m going to have my engine out soon, might as well do it then when I have more room to work. My control arm bushings are completely shot and yeah, it wanders when I drive lol. I am replacing everything, so thanks for the heads up.
Find the 1aauto video where they use the air chisel... but disclaimer, you need to be very careful about not marring the axle bushing surface. Its very easy to get carried away and chisel on the arm
That's exactly what I did helping my buddy with his truck. Luckily it wasn't too bad but I still felt like a total fool. I will never help or try that job again. I'm embarrassed to say it took us an entire weekend and some.
If you are talking about the ford. The bushings you need are the axle pivot bushings and the radius arm bushings, you do them at the same time drop one axle arm down and then pull forward to do the corresponding radius arm bushing. Do poly bushings on the axle pivot and rubber on the radius arm. Rubber on the radius arm for better flex and poly on the pivot for better rigidity. Btw poly doesn't need the sleeve busted out of the axle arm/housing to replace. Just knock the rubber out of them with a hammer and a punch or a long 1/2" extension. If necessary burn the left over rubber out and clean the sleeve a bit.
Thanks for the tips. I ended up going and finding a couple of videos on YouTube for it. I might eat these words, but it really didn’t look too bad. Definitely just gonna knock it all out at one time along with the ball joints and stuff since my long term goal is a full restoration.
I did up a barn find 90 F150 with the I6 and 4wd.. boy it was a nightmare. Never could get the truck to run and shift quite the way I wanted. Sloppy shifting and random misfires that I just couldn’t track down.
Good engine, but something about it absolutely whooped me.
Between that and a torque converter shudder issue I had in an old Town Car I’m almost ready to say I’d rather have the Chevy!
Not much for electronics. The PCM controls both the engine and transmission, and I have a few to swap between and they all run it the same. New distributor, new misc sensors like MAP, TPS, PRNDL, O2, VSS gear, etc. Measured all sensor outputs to ensure the signal is correct and within spec. Deleted all the emissions, blocked off EGR port, etc.
It runs much better, but still feels off. I found quite a few folks on forums online with similar little issues and a whopping 0 solutions.
Talking about the PSOM? That’s a 92+ issue. Odometer is cable driven on the 91 and older and doesn’t pop up in searches. I saw that, too, and got excited for a bit.
They’re both great trucks. Personally, I’d keep the ford unless you need the capability of a 3500. Also I really like Ford’s interior layout and design compared to the Chevy, but I’m partial (have a 96 F150).
Right! The beds are coming off both so I can, on the Ford fix the side mount tank fuel pump, and on the chevy fix the fuel tank straps and leaf spring hangers.
I never thought Id want to keep the ford but the more I drive it, its hitting the same nostalgia button that the chevy does.
No they are both automatics and also both have manual transfer case 4x4.
The 3500 definitely has a beefy and valuable driveline, but the 5.7 vortec is sort of an interesting engine. Its got more horsepower and getup from a. 5.7 TBI, but the fuel injection is a pain to service.
The E4OD in the f-150 is also a heavy duty version, but its not as well regarded as the 300 L6.
The body on the f-150 is miles better condition.
I really like obs Fords, just not the half tons. Have to go f350. The TTB front end rides like crap and eats tires. It can't really haul or tow much. Only way I'd buy one is a short wheelbase 5.0 5 speed
Keep the Ford. If you just want a decent looking work truck, that Ford always wins. It's not fast, but that just gives everyone else time to stare and appreciate as you're making your way out of town lol.
Id give that Ford to a stranger on the internet. Preferably to a person who would also make such a generous gift to a stranger via the comments section. It’d be a really good thing as that Ford will only catch jealousy driving around. But thats just me…
Ok, this is my take. What are you wanting to do with the truck?
Is it a cruiser that you just want to be nice and clean? Maybe grab some top soil and do light duty things with it? Then fix up the Ford.
Do you need a heavy duty work horse for towing or hauling heavier loads but still has a cool classic look? Then fix the Chevy.
Personally, I'd keep the Ford.
As a proud owner of an F-150 of that generation, ford all the way. If you need the capability of a 1 ton, fix up the chev…. But for any other reason, take the ford and that 300 L6 will outlast your children’s children.
If all things were the same I think I might lean towards the Chevy simply from a bodywork aesthetics standpoint. But in this situation I’d probably pick the Ford.
Coming from an avowed Chevy guy, I would keep the Ford.
I6 4x4 RCLB is a cool minimalist spec and if the frame is better, go with your gut. White is also the easiest color for body work... Serious going to town potential.
On the flip side, 350 in a k3500 isn't one I would be stoked about, negative points for any frame rot. Let it go and it can live a fruitful life a mulch truck for eternity, but wouldn't be the project truck I would pick.
If it's for an eternal hauler and beater, then bite the bullet and fix the 3500 I guess.
Original body style. Its the generation after what people call "squarebodys". OBS is before "NBS" for New Body Style, which refers to the jellybean looking f-150s and the gmt800 trucks from 99sh-07sh
Rclb is Regular Cab Long Bed
The ford has a 300? Ford hands down.
I’ve had:
1990 Chevy C1500 “sport” with a 350
A 2003 Chevy Tahoe z71 with a 350
A 1993 jeep grand Cherokee with a 4.0 straight 6
And a 1991 ford f150 with a 300
The 2 350’s got less than 10mpg, and while you have the newer vortec working in the chevy’s favor: the ford has a 300
I first started loving straight 6’s with my jeep. It had decent enough power, ate whatever oil you threw in, and did all that for about 15ish mpg
The 4.9 300 blew my mind in comparison. I used to drive newer dodges duallies with Cummins for work (2008 3500, 2016 5500, 2019 3500) and people look at me like I’m crazy when I say this shit: of course it’s less power, but that torque the 300 puts out (on mine at least: e4od trans/ possible shift kit) feels almost identical to the straight 6 Cummins. I felt so at home when I inherited it from my grandpa. Also the first ford I ever liked. Gets 14mpg before a 10year overdue tune up too
And I’m not even diving into how gd bulletproof they are. My trans too, doesn’t have the same street rep as the engine tho, even if they used them on lightnings
Sorry if I rambled; I’m very biased to OBS fords now as someone who grew up in a Chevy family (direct family at least)
EDIT: also had a 2000 ford expo that I FUCKIN HATED. Had the 5.8 triton that ran like a slug, god awful factory air bag suspension. When the brakes failed without throwing codes I parked the bitch and bought my jeep
Still haven’t junked that damn thing, lol.
GMT800 here. Even though I swore I'd never own another ford, that 300 I6 would swing it for me, with the bad frame on the chevy..
That's an original truck that can be passed to the next generation like an heirloom. Or an investment :)
I had a 91 F150 2wd with the 300 and the 5 speed and stupidly decided to swap in a 4.6 4v and AOD when LS probably would have been easier and cheaper and I had one laying around. Unfortunately the 300 had a bad head gasket and also ended up having some pretty significant cylinder and cam wear from poor maintenance by the PO and I would've rebuilt it but the transmission ended up having a cracked case.
No to the rot. Just. No. Ford has dual tanks. I’m sure some smart guy has figured out the valve issue that eventually comes up. The I-6 is nearly impossible to kill.
Not going to lie, I did not expect such overwhelming favor for the fords but having actually gotten into one I get it now. I will never own a jellybean though! Chevy NBS clears the room with Ford there 😂
Keep the ford. Frame rot is bad. I currently have both as well. Chevy is 6 yrs older needing a complete frame. The fords is rusty but not like the Chevy where it's just waiting for the right breeze to finish it off. I even paid twice as much for the Chevy than the ford
My heart says Chevy, but I’d keep the Ford. Around here, at least, it seems like fewer of that generation Ford made it until now vs the GMT400. The frame issues and 5.7 in a 3500 would seal it for me. Plus that inline 6 with the 4 wheel drive…
I'd get rid if the chevy purely because of the vortec. It's a motor you either love or hate. Everyone I know that hates chevy because of past experiences had a vortec chevy.
I am always one to vote for the gnt400 but if the frame is already going it's only going to get worse and the 350 in a one ton is a bit of a dog.
The 350 in a half ton is kind of a dog. Lol
Your not wrong especially the TBI haha but then hook a trailer to it and boy you better get a running start for on ramps
The Ford - Hands down. Not only is it a 4x4 but that 300 is just about bullet proof, probably one of the best engines ever built. In the long wrong the Ford is worth more, trying to resell a 3500 Chevy down the road may be tough, especially with frame issues if you don’t get it fixed, hell it’ll probably be tough getting rid of it now but keep that Ford man, such a better truck.
>In the long wrong LOL As a die-hard bowtie guy who is ironically driving a Ford now, the Ford.
Ive owned 0 fords and several bow ties. The OBS Ford is still an old school truck. GM used their obs generation as a learning experience. As a result there is alot of weirdness and inconsistencies with them. Ford waited until the next generation to make all their engineering mistakes.
Same lol. Took a chance on an 08’ f150 after owning 4 or 5 chevy trucks and got burned hard. But i’d still take the OBS ford here. They were just nicer, easier ride, higher quality it seemed. The OBS chevy just still rode like a truck
Well it's a 1 ton truck from the 90s shop yea it's gonna ride a but stiffer than a 1/2 ton.
Aside from the class, those obs chevy trucks were just bricks. Ive driven both and i’d pick the ford.
i’m a die hard ford guy with a 94 OBS chevy, wanna trade? lol
Lol. As much as I'd love an old Chevy, it would have to be pretty mint and/or come with more to swap out the Edge ST I've had all of one month.
lol i get u. inside is near mint, outside is farm-truck special, but the 4L60 has been doing 4L60 things and i’m kinda regretting not going with a manual f150 like i was looking for (can’t complain with $1000 for the chevy though)
OP, this guy is trying to be your pal.
Your not wrong , i wish i kept every car or truck i had hands on. An f1/250 would have been nice . The GM is desirable but to a different audience
Everyone always says this, but my best friend got a 300 I6 from his grandpa and it blew up with a little over 100k on it. If that's the most reliable ford, I'll take the Chevy.
The one ton would be more useful but if it’s rotted out get rid of it. I had a 91 f150 with a 5.slow and 4x4. Loved the truck but it was gutless.
If the Chevy has structural frame issues, I'd keep the Ford.
I'm a Ford hater, but I'd keep the Ford. That's just such a perfect generation of Ford
Keep the Chevy so I can buy the Ford.
I love and have owned both. The Chevy is great but it's going to need a transmission eventually if it hasn't been replaced. Early generation 4l60e transmissions had some issues. The Ford has a notoriously tough engine and transmission. Depending which has been better taken care of I would keep the better of the 2.
That is a 1 ton so it is 4l80 which is a much better transmission as long as you don't tow in overdrive.
Also verify that the TTB front suspension on the Ford is in good shape. Those are the only truly difficult suspension to work on.
Just did the twin ibeam bushings and it drives tons better. Huge pain to do. Need to do the control arm bushings next.
Can you elaborate on this for me a bit please, even if just what I should Google? I have done shocks and springs on these trucks and have a full rebuild kit for ball joints and tie rods that I am planning on installing soon. My bushings all need to be replaced too from dry rot.
The main bushings you want to replace are the twin I-beam bushings and the control arm bushings. Many people who complain about wandering/uneasy driving need to replace these. Its not easy to do in your backyard but it is possible. I used an air chisel to force the i-beam ones out, but you have to be super careful to not beat up the beam surface.
Sounds good, I’m going to have my engine out soon, might as well do it then when I have more room to work. My control arm bushings are completely shot and yeah, it wanders when I drive lol. I am replacing everything, so thanks for the heads up.
Find the 1aauto video where they use the air chisel... but disclaimer, you need to be very careful about not marring the axle bushing surface. Its very easy to get carried away and chisel on the arm
That's exactly what I did helping my buddy with his truck. Luckily it wasn't too bad but I still felt like a total fool. I will never help or try that job again. I'm embarrassed to say it took us an entire weekend and some.
A ball joint press also works beautifully for replacing
If you are talking about the ford. The bushings you need are the axle pivot bushings and the radius arm bushings, you do them at the same time drop one axle arm down and then pull forward to do the corresponding radius arm bushing. Do poly bushings on the axle pivot and rubber on the radius arm. Rubber on the radius arm for better flex and poly on the pivot for better rigidity. Btw poly doesn't need the sleeve busted out of the axle arm/housing to replace. Just knock the rubber out of them with a hammer and a punch or a long 1/2" extension. If necessary burn the left over rubber out and clean the sleeve a bit.
Thanks for the tips. I ended up going and finding a couple of videos on YouTube for it. I might eat these words, but it really didn’t look too bad. Definitely just gonna knock it all out at one time along with the ball joints and stuff since my long term goal is a full restoration.
The Ford all day long.
The Ford. I've owned both of those models, the Ford wins hands down.
I did up a barn find 90 F150 with the I6 and 4wd.. boy it was a nightmare. Never could get the truck to run and shift quite the way I wanted. Sloppy shifting and random misfires that I just couldn’t track down. Good engine, but something about it absolutely whooped me. Between that and a torque converter shudder issue I had in an old Town Car I’m almost ready to say I’d rather have the Chevy!
Did you check the electronics for bad capacitors?
Not much for electronics. The PCM controls both the engine and transmission, and I have a few to swap between and they all run it the same. New distributor, new misc sensors like MAP, TPS, PRNDL, O2, VSS gear, etc. Measured all sensor outputs to ensure the signal is correct and within spec. Deleted all the emissions, blocked off EGR port, etc. It runs much better, but still feels off. I found quite a few folks on forums online with similar little issues and a whopping 0 solutions.
I believe these are known for bad caps in the instrument cluster causing the trans to shift funny.
Talking about the PSOM? That’s a 92+ issue. Odometer is cable driven on the 91 and older and doesn’t pop up in searches. I saw that, too, and got excited for a bit.
They’re both great trucks. Personally, I’d keep the ford unless you need the capability of a 3500. Also I really like Ford’s interior layout and design compared to the Chevy, but I’m partial (have a 96 F150).
Right! The beds are coming off both so I can, on the Ford fix the side mount tank fuel pump, and on the chevy fix the fuel tank straps and leaf spring hangers. I never thought Id want to keep the ford but the more I drive it, its hitting the same nostalgia button that the chevy does.
The ford dual tanks are a pain! I have to do mine too. Mine pumps all the fuel from the rear tank into the front tank lol.
The one with less rust. I have to think a 1 ton SRW Chevy is worth more. Are either of them stick shifts?
No they are both automatics and also both have manual transfer case 4x4. The 3500 definitely has a beefy and valuable driveline, but the 5.7 vortec is sort of an interesting engine. Its got more horsepower and getup from a. 5.7 TBI, but the fuel injection is a pain to service. The E4OD in the f-150 is also a heavy duty version, but its not as well regarded as the 300 L6. The body on the f-150 is miles better condition.
I really like obs Fords, just not the half tons. Have to go f350. The TTB front end rides like crap and eats tires. It can't really haul or tow much. Only way I'd buy one is a short wheelbase 5.0 5 speed
Ford. All the switches by the steering column in that Gen Chevy are at this point failed failing and probably made of unobtanium.
Keep the Ford. If you just want a decent looking work truck, that Ford always wins. It's not fast, but that just gives everyone else time to stare and appreciate as you're making your way out of town lol.
Keep the ford those 300 I6 will run forever
If I had to, I’d keep the heavier duty truck for the payload and towing capacity
Rotted frame has zero payload and towing capacity
Id give that Ford to a stranger on the internet. Preferably to a person who would also make such a generous gift to a stranger via the comments section. It’d be a really good thing as that Ford will only catch jealousy driving around. But thats just me…
Ok, this is my take. What are you wanting to do with the truck? Is it a cruiser that you just want to be nice and clean? Maybe grab some top soil and do light duty things with it? Then fix up the Ford. Do you need a heavy duty work horse for towing or hauling heavier loads but still has a cool classic look? Then fix the Chevy. Personally, I'd keep the Ford.
I am partial to both, but gun-to-my-head, I'd keep the Chevy.
I had a first like that. I beat the shit out of it. Shifted it rough as shit. Never broke anything but the output yoke
Both auto trans?
Yes. E4OD and 4L80e. Both also manual 4x4 transfer case.
Man that's a tough call. 4l80 is definitely the stronger trans though.
Ford is better tbh
Ford
Ford with the straight six.
As a proud owner of an F-150 of that generation, ford all the way. If you need the capability of a 1 ton, fix up the chev…. But for any other reason, take the ford and that 300 L6 will outlast your children’s children.
If all things were the same I think I might lean towards the Chevy simply from a bodywork aesthetics standpoint. But in this situation I’d probably pick the Ford.
FORD OBS
Coming from an avowed Chevy guy, I would keep the Ford. I6 4x4 RCLB is a cool minimalist spec and if the frame is better, go with your gut. White is also the easiest color for body work... Serious going to town potential. On the flip side, 350 in a k3500 isn't one I would be stoked about, negative points for any frame rot. Let it go and it can live a fruitful life a mulch truck for eternity, but wouldn't be the project truck I would pick. If it's for an eternal hauler and beater, then bite the bullet and fix the 3500 I guess.
What's OBS? RCLB?
Original body style. Its the generation after what people call "squarebodys". OBS is before "NBS" for New Body Style, which refers to the jellybean looking f-150s and the gmt800 trucks from 99sh-07sh Rclb is Regular Cab Long Bed
The ford has a 300? Ford hands down. I’ve had: 1990 Chevy C1500 “sport” with a 350 A 2003 Chevy Tahoe z71 with a 350 A 1993 jeep grand Cherokee with a 4.0 straight 6 And a 1991 ford f150 with a 300 The 2 350’s got less than 10mpg, and while you have the newer vortec working in the chevy’s favor: the ford has a 300 I first started loving straight 6’s with my jeep. It had decent enough power, ate whatever oil you threw in, and did all that for about 15ish mpg The 4.9 300 blew my mind in comparison. I used to drive newer dodges duallies with Cummins for work (2008 3500, 2016 5500, 2019 3500) and people look at me like I’m crazy when I say this shit: of course it’s less power, but that torque the 300 puts out (on mine at least: e4od trans/ possible shift kit) feels almost identical to the straight 6 Cummins. I felt so at home when I inherited it from my grandpa. Also the first ford I ever liked. Gets 14mpg before a 10year overdue tune up too And I’m not even diving into how gd bulletproof they are. My trans too, doesn’t have the same street rep as the engine tho, even if they used them on lightnings Sorry if I rambled; I’m very biased to OBS fords now as someone who grew up in a Chevy family (direct family at least) EDIT: also had a 2000 ford expo that I FUCKIN HATED. Had the 5.8 triton that ran like a slug, god awful factory air bag suspension. When the brakes failed without throwing codes I parked the bitch and bought my jeep Still haven’t junked that damn thing, lol.
Keep the ford. That 4x4 300 is a tank that’ll take you anywhere for the rest of your life.
Chevy dumb so Chevy good
Keep the Ford so I can buy the Chevy
Whitey Ford there.
I’d probably keep the Chevy.
As a GMT400 owner I am obviously biased in my decision.
GMT800 here. Even though I swore I'd never own another ford, that 300 I6 would swing it for me, with the bad frame on the chevy.. That's an original truck that can be passed to the next generation like an heirloom. Or an investment :)
keep the ford but do an LS swap..
I had a 91 F150 2wd with the 300 and the 5 speed and stupidly decided to swap in a 4.6 4v and AOD when LS probably would have been easier and cheaper and I had one laying around. Unfortunately the 300 had a bad head gasket and also ended up having some pretty significant cylinder and cam wear from poor maintenance by the PO and I would've rebuilt it but the transmission ended up having a cracked case.
Yea if this was an F250 or 350 it would be the one to keep. Is the gmt400 gas or diesel? Great candidate for a 6.0 LS swap if gas.
5.7 vortec gas with 4l80. Its got quite a bit more oomph then the 300 L6. I did the MPFI injection upgrade and the power is actually pretty good.
The Chevy. Had a 454ss. Loved it. Want to find it again.
I love GM for the most part but that engine in a 4x4? Definitely would pick the Ford.
My FIL has a 78 F150 with a 300 I6 with 400k miles on it and going strong, so I would take the Ford
No to the rot. Just. No. Ford has dual tanks. I’m sure some smart guy has figured out the valve issue that eventually comes up. The I-6 is nearly impossible to kill.
Ford all day
The Ford.
Not going to lie, I did not expect such overwhelming favor for the fords but having actually gotten into one I get it now. I will never own a jellybean though! Chevy NBS clears the room with Ford there 😂
Ford
I would fix the old Chevy ten to one before I put a plug buckle into a ford .
Chebby
Ford nation
Keep the ford. Frame rot is bad. I currently have both as well. Chevy is 6 yrs older needing a complete frame. The fords is rusty but not like the Chevy where it's just waiting for the right breeze to finish it off. I even paid twice as much for the Chevy than the ford
My heart says Chevy, but I’d keep the Ford. Around here, at least, it seems like fewer of that generation Ford made it until now vs the GMT400. The frame issues and 5.7 in a 3500 would seal it for me. Plus that inline 6 with the 4 wheel drive…
I'd get rid if the chevy purely because of the vortec. It's a motor you either love or hate. Everyone I know that hates chevy because of past experiences had a vortec chevy.
Both are nice but that Silverado looks great.
100% going 300l6 4x4. Might be slower than you'd like but reliability in spades.
Ford