Quoted from rebelbrowser:

"Colossus, how come I am not getting many links that would either bring me to a topical truck ,or one to consider for a purchase?
I read somewhere that shipping a f350 might cost around $500.00 from anywhere in the US.
I also notice more about profiles here.
ie i get more privledges haveing more posts.interesting.
Send me LINKS LINKS LINKS more links like",


I am not what exactly you are asking. Do you want a list of other auto trader websites? $500 for shipping doesn't sound too bad at all to me. First of all, what I do is I go to NADA or KBB and build a truck, see what it costs, check lists of options etc. Then go to an auto trader website (there are lots - just go to www.google.com and type in F350 for example)

 

See my gallery and look at the truck i found out in Florida.
how would this deal work ?

 

That '85 looks nice...

 

No short answers here ,now tell me what to expect making this kind of purchase.
a. i fly down and buy it and drive it up to NJ or use a train.
b. hire a driver from here to go down there and look at it for me, then have him load and haul it up.
c. ask the seller to find sombody there who will bring it up.


I dont understand what i am doing.
the only way i now how to buy a car is to test drive then pay.
if a waive the test drive and still want to buy it, how do i secure my investment ?
tell me how these deals are handled.
i want that truck badly too.

 

I would probably fly down, look at all the records, test drive it, have it inspected by a reputable dealer, and then decide. I personally, wouldn't trust anyone else. If a mistake is made, I would rather be mad at myself than anyone else.

When looking at records, check to see if the truck has been maintained properly and on time. Check for major repairs (ie engine and trans) salvage reports (if any), see if the brakes have been redone, check the # of miles, check for warranty on new tires and battery (if applicable), see if it is lemon lawed etc.

I would have a separate dealer or mechanic (call in advance)check the compression, take the ph of the coolant and oil (diesel). Check all the fluid levels, brakes, make sure all systems work properly.

On the test drive, see how much oil it burns, test the brakes, check how the transmission shifts, any leaks, wear and tear. Test the A/C, check exhaust system, tires (visually inspect), rust etc.

If I can think of any more, I'll let you know...

 

I am gone ! while i am "away" some lessons on how to post pics in here would read nicely ! how do they do it ?


do i have a moderator to ask?
if so when would we be erasing this stuff.
also how to use site searching ?

1 hr to edit this huh!

 

With all my excitment monday as i was geting ready for my flight to Florida to get my truck home,I forgot terrorists abound.
I called the seller and told him to get its oil and filter changed,
He said it was already dropped off and being looked at for the trip up here and it would be ready for me when i arrive.
I mentioned a PH test and he said he had no clue but would mention it to his mechanics when he picks it up.

Turns out , I miss my flight.
when i reach him to tell him, he told me the news was bad about the PH test.The mechanic did the test without being told and found it needed a set of head gaskets put on before it made a trip like this one.He told the seller, the seller told me.

Now i am planning on going tuesday after labor day.Tickets are way cheaper then.
The seller asked if i still want the truck,I asked if it was higher in price, he said no same price,I said hell yeah i want the truck.
he is getting a $900.00 job done for $600.00 and won't charge me the difference.

Now I want to thank you for the Ph TIP !
But, what do you think about the heads being warped or just leave it alone untill "it" happens more frequently.
My truck blew gaskets till i bought a new head(six 300) for it.
that was about 8 years ago now, it still runs PERFECT.
i am not affraid of putting new heads on this truck if i have to.

http://www.searchenginecolossus.com/ thanks for the help C.

by the way the tires are said to be 80 %, what will they be after this trip,i will have to keep the speed down to spare them as well as maintain tire pressure.

People, dont be late for your next flight, plan to show up 3 hours early for bording.
2 1/2 hours is pushing it.

I showed up 45 minutes and they were like "what ?"
"dont you watch the news ?" mean time i had my wife and two young kids asking " can we go home now and watch DORA, and Sponge BOB, and other NIck Jr. shows. ?"

the web site i used to book the flight, NEVER mentioned the extra time needed.I dont mind the safety factor,i just mind that big detail being left out of the process.

 

A warped head doesn't sound too good, but I do think it may be worth fixing if the rest of the truck is in good shape. You need to test drive it still...

Sorry about your flight, I should have mentioned something about that. My sister does a lot of traveling and she knows the airport thing really well...

I am happy that all is turning out well...

 

check my gallery for some more pics
thank you all for your help.

 

You're welcome...

 

Although the final decision is yours I see that you made and excellent choice..Congrats..

 

I failed inspection for 2 reasons.Tinted triangle glass and a loose steering column w/ faulty blinker wand control that wont hold.

The truck winds out real high at 55+mph.
I sped through a 1/4 tank from my house to the station and back.
It smokes excessively in my opinion though it passes emissions for NJ. Seems like it's revs are too high and it is running too rich.

None of the tires match at the rear.Steering is wonderfully powerful yet it's easy to over steer it, then over-compensate for it,next thing i am steering back and forth down the highway swerving like a loon.
Over all a good ride, handles big holes in the road with grace.
Slight vibrations come and go through the speed envelope.Needs new set of tires for sure but i will have to scrub these for a while.

Emergency brake not tight enough for me though it passes too !
Braking is otherwise excellent.

power locks are broken, but the windows go.
Am/Fm cassete, dash & door speaker sound sys.
Nice interior but RED clothe.
people like the side extended cab windows cowling.
I like the AC sys.

I havent done any wrencing yet, I'll check fluids tommorrow.
Intermitten wipers work, cruise control does NOT work.Running board lights do NOT work.All other lights do work.
I keep wanting to reach behind and open the glass hatch window for fresh air as in my 150.

Can i change the tranny on it to perform better overall ?
Is the engine happy smoking like that ?
What books are good for this truck ?

 

Nice look'in truck!

Well if you plan on using your truck to tow a backhoe with, you are going to be glad it rev's high at cruise speeds. That would indicate you have a lower geared axle that you will really appreciate when towing heavy loads.

Naturally aspirated diesel's just seem to smoke more than turbocharged diesel's. That's to be expected unless it smokes like an M-1 tank laying down a smokescreen! It may bennefit from a tune up. Check out a diesel shop that can bench test and refurbish your injector's and time the injection pump. Sometimes leaky or worn injector's or being slighty out of time can cause a diesel to smoke more.

A friend on mine has an '86 he's owned since new. After he had the front end rebuilt, he described the steering the same way you did. He had it checked by the shop and they explained that the aftermarket components weren't quite as good as the originals. Whatever it is about them, it makes the steering want to hunt and not stay on center. The shop told my friend to keep the front end lubed frequently. He says he does and it helps quite a bit.

 

I am looking for books for this truck.oem shop manuals or any other helpful books on this engine.Who makes this engine, cause i was told ford sure didnt.

 

The 6.9 diesel was made by NAVISTAR when they were still called International Harvester. We have a diesel forum dedicated to the 6.9. You should check it out if you havn't already.