I've always loved the design of the 97-03 F150 Flareside and always said to myself that if there was an opportunity that presented itself that I would jump at it...So here it is: I've found a 1998 4.6 v8 with 255k very rough and possibly needs a new tranny...Lady just looking to sell instead of having the salvage yard pay her $500 for it.
She's accepted $650 from me, I have until tomorrow to decide and pay for a tow.
What do you all think? a good risk?

Needs:
Transmission (likely)
Front bumper (rusted)
Coil pack (about $80)
Valve cover seals (has a leak)
Paint job

I see a lot of potential here but I'm scared at the possibilities of it becoming too expensive.
On top of all that, the truck has a rebuilt title.

But again, $650....

 

I apologize to not being more specific in the title...

 

look for rust where the cab attaches to the frame
start at the bottom of the rad cradle and remember the entire front structure is welded to the cab like a unibody car

 

As a project truck, sure. As a daily driver, nah.

 

Sorry i didn't describe it better. I really don't think there's a rust issue, the bumper simply has rust stains. I looked underneath and it looked clean, but will look again.

 

Well...it would be a combo...right now my commute is so short I sometimes ride my bike (Kawasaki Mean Streak) except when it's just way too hot. so I don't drive too much as it is.
My plan would be to get to run for now and slowly work on making it my own....

 

Gotcha. Well as long as you have an alternate means of transportation, I'd say that's a pretty good deal.

By the way, I love the '97-'03s as well. Wish I still had my old red one.

 

Really like this model myself!

 

id say just buy it fix it and flip it.. but no one will pay more than maybe 2000 dollars for a 98 4.6 with that many miles..

 

And bought the truck....

now I'm too dumb to paste a pic here...

If you'd like to see my POS, please go to my album.

Anyways,
I have a mechanic looking it over , so it's still in debate whether this was a good or bad risk...we'll know more in a day or so.

I'm going to remain positive and start with my plans to slowly make it my own and after making sure the truck is operational, I want to lower it.
I tried doing the research here but there are so many mixed reviews it's confusing the crap out of me.
I noticed the Belltech has a lot of positives here but then see that some say the shocks are crap.
I'm on a tight bugdet and i really want to make sure I get it right...at a good price. I'm looking to lower 2" front and either 3"-4" rear (I think I like the slight rake, similar to a stock Lightning?)
I'm also thinking going with a matte finish ,down the road...that green is growing on me,though...
I appreciate your feedback/opinions.