Hi All-
Just got into a 1996 F350 Diesel that is a rebuildable - needs some sheetmetal swappin'.
As I'm just getting into this truck, I've been trying to google and search this forum for as much information I can get by lurking. Here's some stuff I haven't been able to find answers/resources for:

Interchange manuals or resources: I'm going to need to find a steering box + pitman arm for the truck to make it moveable - it's a 4x4 crew cab & I just picked up a 2x4 F150 parts truck - where, besides bugging the local yard, can I determine from what other parts trucks I can get an interchangable box? Is it best just to buy a rebuilt unit from the local napa or pull one from a yard?

VIN decoding/paint codes, etc.: Is there any website that exists to offer details on what the dataplate sez?

What books/shopmanuals/literature are recommended reading or resources for being a DIY mechanic on the vehicle - is anything available on CD?

As a newbie to having a diesel, any recommendation (besides posting daily to these forums) on literature I can read that will educate me on basic maintenance and repair of the PSD?

Thanks all - point me in the right direction if some of these are FAQ's and have been covered elsewhere.

Regards,

Rob
www.Rolling-Artwork.com
www.T-Birds.com

 

Well, I posted a reply before, but it got deleted. I think it's because I linked to "rival" sites that have to do with diesel. You'll have to get used to the over-active mods on here, so anyways.