I did a search, but didn't see any applicable discussions... So, what is the boards opinion on good shop manuals? Are the Ebay CD's worth the $$? Haynes manuals I have typically found to be lacking, but if there are others with different opinions on the matter I'd like to hear them. ...or are there other manuals that I should be looking at?


Thanks,
Chad
93 F350 4x4, 460/MT

 

The Haynes & Chilton manuals are OK for a lot of stuff, like brakes & wheel bearing & seals and the like, but the wiring diagrams are a joke.

The factory shop manuals are great. Well worth the money, to me at least...

 

If you can find the original Ford shop manuals you will have probably the best available, A website for them is below. Just before xmas I was able to snag a set of the books for my '96 from them. They also sell the CDs, or you can ALWAYS find used ones on EBAY. The Haynes and Chilton's, in my opinion, are distant also rans, but a lot more affordable. gl


1996 Light Truck Shop Manual Set - Helm Incorporated

 

Ok, looks like I found a torrent copy of a 1995 Tech Service Publications CD. ...anyone know if there are there any notable differences between 93 and 95?

Thanks guys!
C

 

93-94 Service Manual download

 

most ebay cd's and illegal copys.
that is why they usually cost under $35.

 

I know that the instrument cluster wiring is a little different between '93 & '95.

 

Some eBay CD's are bootleg but I have bought several original FORD discs. As said though, buy Ford CD/DVD's and leave the others on the shelf. Original paper manuals can be had off of eBay as well but they are still high.

Nice avatar Tom!

 

Thanks guys for the info and links!

Tom, love the avatar!

 

What ever happened to Motors Manuals?
They used to be the thing to have.

 

Haynes happened to them.

 

UNDERWEAR ????

 

Might as well have been, because they got pantsed due to Haynes undercutting them on prices and driving them out of business or into acquisition (which is what happened to Chilton's).

I view Haynes manuals as only suitable for jackstand padding. The one for my Jag has so much wrong or so vague as to be useless it's not even funny and at least one I read had a procedure in it that if you followed it you would likely end up with a fire when you put the car back together - gasoline dripping into turbo is a BAD thing.

 

haynes manuals are so bad the birds will not even use them if the bottom of the cage is lined with their pages.

 

With all of the detailed legit info available those type publications only survive for the tire kickers.