Picked this up 2 weekends ago. Its a 96 F250 XLT with the 351, auto trans with 4.10 gears. It has 153000 miles on her, some rust and the front fuel tank doesn't work. Has 4 brand new tires and dual exhaust. It's running a bit hot, just a bit over half on the temp gauge. Is this normal? I've never had a Ford before, all my other trucks always ran at exactly half on the gauge. I just put a new belt on, wiper blades and radiator cap. Gonna pick at the tank, add some Bilsteins and fix little odds and ends over the winter. Gave her a good scrubbing yesterday evening.

 

Nice! Very clean for NJ and the Northeast. Gauges aren't too accurate but it does sound a bit hot. Maybe back flush the radiator and heater core and check for leaks. A good work horse for sure.

 

I just picked up a 97 5.8, gauge rocks between "m" and "L" when at operating temp.