I have been on here reading alot lately. I have seen mention of some Ford Shop manuals alot. I already have a Haynes manual that has been useful at times.
The question is: is this what everyone is referring to? FORD 1978 Bronco & F100 thru F350 Truck Shop Manual CD:eBay Motors (item 290351551380 end time Oct-19-09 10:20:37 PDT)

Is it better to purchase the cd or the actual manuals? I saw one auction that says it is a factory authorized reproduction on grease resistant paper and in a 3 ring binder.
How much better are these manuals compared to the Haynes? Are they worth the money?

Thanks in advance

 

Factory service manuals tend to have more detail in them than a Haynes or Chilton... I've had AMC technical service manuals and I have a factory service manual for my Fury - best resources ever... CD's take up less space and a manual on CD usually has some sort of search function that can save time but, I like to have a book handy when I'm actually working on the vehicle as I don't want to get my laptop greasy...

 

I have the shop manuals for my 84 Mustang. They are far superior! It's 3 large, thick books. They are written for the mechanics at the dealership so they can repair the cars and trucks. When the shop manuals were new, so were the vehicles. Haynes and Chilton are like poor cliff notes. As far as getting them on CD, that is what I need to get for my trucks. I too need to hold it in my hand, can't read it off my computer, so I assume I can just print out what I need, and as many copies as I need. My Mustang books are in poor shape from my greasy hands.

 

I got the shop manuals on CD for my 77, and love them. I only print out what I need if I have to, and if they get torn or dirty, I just toss them out and print fresh ones next time if needed. The Haynes, or Chilton manuals as far as I am concerned, you might as well take them to the crapper with you next time and start using them!!

 

Nice!!
I just ordered the Dave Graham CD's for my 89 and my 94.
I have the paper Electrical/ Vacuum shop manual for my 89 and it is fantastic.
Researching what your trying to trouble shoot is 3/4 of the battle.
Being able to print the pages out and write on them will help.