buy used
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Joined: Jun 2003
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buy used
Sure could use some expert feedback on buying a 95 to 97
F-350, crewcab, 4X4 to haul a 10'6' camper around. I am knew to trucks and was wondering if there are any issues I should be concerned with when buying a used Ford truck. Not sure if it will be a 460 or diesel engine. Wife complains about diesel noise. Also most used seem to be lifted, is it costly returning the vehicle to its original stance.
Thanks
F-350, crewcab, 4X4 to haul a 10'6' camper around. I am knew to trucks and was wondering if there are any issues I should be concerned with when buying a used Ford truck. Not sure if it will be a 460 or diesel engine. Wife complains about diesel noise. Also most used seem to be lifted, is it costly returning the vehicle to its original stance.
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,306
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buy used
yo Landra,
Besides the usual visual, driveability and leak checks, look for:
oil pan rust
radiator plastic side seam leaks esp. during engine cool-down period/overnight
auto tranny and transfer case operation; electric push button motor is a prob. area
auto hub operation (get it in sand or mud and try the 4x4 system)
rust in inner rear fender lips and bottom of tailgate
rotor warping
others will chime in on the diesel and 460 I'm sure!
Good luck on your quest!
Besides the usual visual, driveability and leak checks, look for:
oil pan rust
radiator plastic side seam leaks esp. during engine cool-down period/overnight
auto tranny and transfer case operation; electric push button motor is a prob. area
auto hub operation (get it in sand or mud and try the 4x4 system)
rust in inner rear fender lips and bottom of tailgate
rotor warping
others will chime in on the diesel and 460 I'm sure!
Good luck on your quest!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,438
Likes: 11
From: IN FRONT OF YOU
buy used
Originally posted by landra
Also most used seem to be lifted, is it costly returning the vehicle to its original stance.Thanks
Also most used seem to be lifted, is it costly returning the vehicle to its original stance.Thanks
If it is above four, it probably has a drop pitman arm, aftermarket front springs, and I believe a track bar braket.
The back could have aftermarket springs or just blocks that have been placed between the spring and the factory blocks.
So if this in fact the case, you would need to hunt down factiory parts to replace them.
Stock springs ballpark $ 250, pitman arm $40, trackbar bracket $50 If it needs rear springs also figure another $250
These are just estimates, and if it were me Iwould get the pitman arm and bracket from a junk yard if it saved me some money.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,153
Likes: 1
From: Roseburg OR.
buy used
I would caution against the e4od auto trannie (especially with the 460 or psd) and the auto locking hubs. I had a 96 and had problems with both repeatedly. I know they had problems with the dual mass flywheels also but I think a new flywheel is better than a new $2400 trannie also I don't stress the clutch very much when I drive so I always think mine will last much longer than most.
Other than the auto trans I think the drivetrain is bulletproof.
BW 1356 T-case is pretty tough. I've never heard of one breaking but I'm sure it's possible. Not something you usually have a problem with though.
Sterling 10.25 inch rear is super tough.
The Dana 60 front is also about as tough as you can get in a pickup.
Other than the auto trans I think the drivetrain is bulletproof.
BW 1356 T-case is pretty tough. I've never heard of one breaking but I'm sure it's possible. Not something you usually have a problem with though.
Sterling 10.25 inch rear is super tough.
The Dana 60 front is also about as tough as you can get in a pickup.
