Mike gave you a great list of items to review. Check those out. I will add a couple.

You mentioned drivability on a 60-mi commute. I assume the 37" tires won't be 60-mi commute tires for long. So research good replacements, and check the gearing. The ZF5 doesn't have an especially fast overdrive. I've only driven one other of these trucks besides mine and that test drive had the 4.10s. I was surprised the RPMs it had to turn to maintain highway speed.

There are a couple great threads on this forum about pedal bushing and seat repair (thanks to the original author's Aaron and Neal). Worn out seats and pedal bushings seem common with these. They're low-buck fixes but are a pain. However having the seat shored up and the pedals tight go a long way to restoring drivability and comfort. Links:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-seat-fix.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...pic-heavy.html

Lots of little things like these really add up to making for a tighter newer feeling truck that is more comfortable as a daily driver.

Even with upgraded steering components and good alignment seems like a slightly loose steering feel is still pretty common with these. Best to try it out and see how comfortable it is to you.

 

I gave $10,000 for mine with the fifth wheel. No rust and 173,000 on the clock. I thought I came out really good.

 

Wow, a duallie psd and a fiver for 10k. Seems like a great deal. Ssaawweett!

 

I think it was a great. Just bought it a couple of months ago. Had it out camping once. It's a heavy trailer coming in at 8,375 dry. It did pretty good. I don't know anything about a diesel so the maintenance I'm starting to get into is different for me, but I'm learning!

 

Mine in my signature is 14,000 unloaded. I figure we get it loaded up for a six month trip it will be around 17,000. Looks like you got a great deal!

 

Thank you. My 96 bronco had a lot of these problems itself.

 

I couldn't get him to go any lower than $8,000. Truck felt and looked solid other than what felt like a 3 gear synchro. I might see if he will take 7,500 with out his 37" tires/wheels.

 

There appears to be a very clean white red interior 95 cclb dually up the street from me...I will text you the 1 picture... I got of it...

 

OK so I'm still on the hunt. I have drove a few and found out that people are super proud of these trucks and are not will to cut much of a deal on them. lol

I'm heading down to Texas this week to look a super clean 97 F250... no a diesel this time it's the 460.

What can you guys tell me about the gassers?

Also it has 4.10s in it. How do these trucks run on the highway with them?

 

There is a super clean 7.3L DRW CCLB with cap in my neighborhood up for sale. I looked at it but I am to deep into mine...they are asking $9,850...


White with red interior

 

the 460 is a sound motor but is a thirsty girl. fuel mileage will be much better with a diesel. 4.10s are great for towing, but as mentioned highway cruising speeds are not favorable, and when you turn the rpms in that 460 it will get even thirstier

 

This is all very true.... I believe mine got a consistent 8 mpg (fuel injected)....


Fuel injected 460's tend to brake exhaust manifold bolts.....

 

And no a 460 will NOT tow very well. Experience

 

https://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/5547627345.html

1 Ton 4x4, $6k

 

Well I picked up a new DD. It's a 1997 F250 crew cab 4x4 460 big block. Thing is in amazing shape but man is she thirsty. Just couldn't find a clean powerstroke around here.