We've been in the market to replace our f-250 with something a bit more fitting to our business. My owner has found a 1996 F-450 7.3D auto with a nice flatbed, and only 132k on the clock. I would be flying out to it and driving it 800 miles back to our store. I'm pretty handy at this point, having swapped engines/trans/rear ends etc. on cars, but I'm unfamiliar with heavy-duty diesels. What should I look for when I go to check it out? I can bring a set of basic tools, but nothing too heavy as I'm flying. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

be sure to ask the boys over here:
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

Whoops, missed that sub-forum. That's perfect, Thanks!

 

Really there is not a whole lot to check regarding the engine. I mean you could check the air filter, oil, regular stuff like that. If its got a turbo you could yank the tubes off and check that. Listen to how it sounds. Check for diesel leaks.

If its an automatic Id double check the fluid, make sure it doesnt smell.

Kinda depends how deep ya wanna dig into things!

 

My short answer to your question would be, "No, it is not a good idea." Perhaps if I knew and trusted the seller I might be a little okay with it, but you're putting yourself into a vulnerable position that has the potential for bad consequences. The thing is too, once you've invested in the flight and are on the ground in front of the truck, you're really going to want to complete the transaction. That's going to color your review of things.

On a smaller scale, I went through something similar for a truck I drove ~50 miles to go see. I was pretty well set on buying it before I pulled out of my driveway. Had the truck been for sale just down the street, I would have looked at it and walked away.

 

I've talked with him a bit more, and we're going to avoid going that long distance, since you really are committed. He just wants something that's a diesel, with a flatbed that can carry more than our F-250 with overload springs. Might be going a cheaper route, but at the end of the day it's his dollar!

 

I flew from Central Illinois to Detroit, MI to pick up my last 1993 F-150 Lightning...sight unseen. Just be prepared with a backup plan if things fall through.

Heck, I drove 400 miles to Cleveland, OH and back to purchase my 2004 Excursion a few months ago.

It's a "car" adventure.....go for it! You only live once.

 

What state or states? I would do it in a heart beat! Especially with 132k thats low mi. I bought a 97 F450 with 180k, clapped out beat up construction truck and put it into service the next day and it went a year with no issues. Sounds like a fun adventure to me go for it! If not let me know where it is, I want one more.

 

In cases like that, I would drive there with a truck and trailer and pick up the truck. That way you have the safety of something you can rely on. I usually make a mini vacation out of stuff like that though.

 

Thats what I do as well. Have a bit of extra cash on hand in case ya need to fly or get towed back, and give er!