Rebuild or buy new?

[teuky]

Hey everyone, I'm going to start building my truck up pretty soon. It's a 76 Ford F-250 4x4 highboy. It's pretty much all stock, except for the flatbed. I know I'm going to completely redo the steering and suspension, as well as the wiring. I don't plan on going too in depth, since it's really only going to be used as a backup vehicle, and when I need to haul or tow something. My question is, would it be better to rebuild the motor, or buy a new motor? The current motor leaks quite a bit, but every old truck I've ever had leaked. I'm not sure how many miles on it, but I'd bet it's not the original motor. So, cost vs. value, what should I do?

[liftedtrucks4me]

If it was me and had the time I would rebuild it, bore it out and rebuild it to make it like new. I am currently doing it to a 351Windsor. If you don't have time for rebuilding, check out Jasper motors. I've heard they offer good deals and is way easier and might be a little bit more expensive.


Good Luck

[03chevy]

go ahead and rebuilt it

[teuky]

I've never rebuilt an engine before, just swapped a few out in the past. I don't have a whole lot of extra time, but more than that I don't have a place to work on it when it's convenient for me. I'm considering just taking it to a shop to have the work done for me, even though I know that's going to cost a bit more.

[Moostang]

If you don't have the experience, someone experienced to help you or the tools you may just want to buy a short or long block. Sometimes a complete rebuild could cost you more if you make a mistake or have to buy specialty tools. We personally rebuild, but when I was younger and didn't have the tools or time I went with a shortblock.