OK so I tried to get some shopping tips for a truck I'm gonna look at tomarrow. I didn't get any help so I'll try posting like this.
What do you guys feel are the top ten things to look for when shopping for a new used Ford Truck. My conversations with friends lead me to think
1. Rotting gas tanks.
2. Rotting rear leaf spring hangers.
3. huge and expensive Cats.
Can you guys think of any other common and or expensive problems to avoid.

The specific truck I'm looking at is 93' f-250 8'bed 351 auto 4x4 with 120k mi. $5000

 

to start, that is probably too much money.

check kbb.com.

rust, rust, rust.

worn out parts.

peruse a few pages of posts to see common problems.

 

In a short list: E4OD..........E4OD..............E4OD.............. .E4OD........everything else is pretty bulletproof.

 

I've alway owned manuals, how would you check the condition of a tranny?

I did get a quick glance at the truck already the body looks like its in real good shape. tonight I'll crawl underneath it. The owner did say that he put 2 new front fenders on because of rust. I'm in PA so rust is a serious disease round here. $5000 may be high but thats just the asking price.

 

#1 Price WAY too high. That truck in good condition in MI = $2500-3000
#2 Frame rotten
#3 Oil pan and gas tank leaks - gas tanks relatively cheap, just takes all day to replace. Oil pan is a B*&ch to replace or costs lots of $$$$$$$$$

The rest of it depends on your mechanical ability and desire.

I paid $1800 for 1996 F150 Eddie Bauer extended cab 150,000 mi. minor rust in the fenders and bottoms of extended cab, radiator support. Engine and tranny are in good shape.

 

a compression test cuts alot of crap and a great point for use in price haggling. Has anybody else noticed there seems to be a connection between a drivers brake response time and the occurance of accelerated front bumper rust.

 

Im being too hard on the E4OD, with prop. maint. its a great tranny.........But we all know most folks beyond these forums only lift the hood if it doesnt run anymore...people who do maint. vehicles properly are few and far between. Check the fluid color/odor, give the trans a good workout ( downshifts OD etc.) then inspect for leaks. should give you an idea of overall tranny health.

 

Make sure the rear end sits up in the air to give the truck a raked look, if not it better either have a lift in or or the owner wore the rear springs out.

Test the steering wheel for play, if any think of money you will spend to correct it, more than 1/8 turn and it is major problem and major money.

Dents, big dents means it was beat, minor dents are okay but for that price it better be virgin factory metal.

Paint, if not taken care of it will be pealed, if shiney check to see if you can clearly see yourself in it like a factory job else it is a repaint.

Crawl under it, if the truck has never been touched by a mechanic expect caked dirt and oil on the drive train of the tranny and t-case and engine. If clean it has had major work.

Gear shifts of the tranny should be smooth for mileage, if sloppy or kind of jerky expect problems.

If 4wd check the operation of the front hubs, should be smooth and not require a pair of pliers to engage.

If you are in the rust belt of the US, check for major frame rust.

If not, still check for major frame rust.

If dual tanks make sure the switch will switch between tanks.

The brakes should be a bit mushy to almost right at the top of the pedal, otherwise a problem.

I am running out of things to check but look for body cancer anywhere in the cab where water off of shoes can run.

 

Yeah, rust..keep forgetting about that. i havent lived back east in 30yrs, nothing rusts out here even in rainy OR. 70s vehicles still driving around with no rust!

 

Hit your knuckle against those fenders. If they sound real "tinny" then they are cheap aftermarket "made in china" fenders. My stepson replaced a rotten drivers door on his '93 with a cheap $79.00 door and it sounds like your hitting a coffee can.

Brake lines
Front gas tank.
Radiator mounts and other brackets
sloppy u-joints
make sure it tracks straight and smooth while drivng
Take a magnet over the tops of rear wheel wells. Notorious for developing rust.

Tim

 

I'd say take an OBD scanner to it.. 'specially at that price!