1995 powerstroke
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 1
From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
Yes. There is plenty to look for. I would pull off the turbo inlet tube and check the fins in the turbo. make sure they are nice and clean, no chips, also check for play in the shaft. Some side to side is ok as long as it doesnt touch the housing, no in and out play! Also check the oil, make sure it is good color. Make sure there are no leaks down in the valley. THen you wanna check all the things you would on any vehicle like front end for example. Ask the guy about the truck. find out why it got a rebuild at 170k. Then start it up. It should fire right up and make sure it runs good. Drive the **** outta it. Make sure it doesn't smoke too much. These trucks do smoke. It's an oilburner but the smoke should clear up relatively quickly. I'm sure im forgetting some stuff but you get the picture.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 837
Likes: 0
From: Standish ME
Just a heads up...check the front axle...TTB D50s can be a pain. Im not sure if you can search yet on the forums but Im sure someone will post up a link. Search "Dana 60 swap" or "D60 swap" Easy to do and well worth it. When you drive the truck make sure to back up about 10 feet or so then go out and look at the front end and see if it is still straight. the TTB (twin traction beam) axles have problems sometimes with bushings and what not. Good luck man!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 1
From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
Just a heads up...check the front axle...TTB D50s can be a pain. Im not sure if you can search yet on the forums but Im sure someone will post up a link. Search "Dana 60 swap" or "D60 swap" Easy to do and well worth it. When you drive the truck make sure to back up about 10 feet or so then go out and look at the front end and see if it is still straight. the TTB (twin traction beam) axles have problems sometimes with bushings and what not. Good luck man!
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 837
Likes: 0
From: Standish ME
Im not saying it is a bad axle, and I hope it didnt sound that way. I was just saying that when their flaws start to show it is a lot of work to get them working again properly. The TTB has a great ride for a big truck I miss the ride now that i have a D60. I was just simply trying to give him more things to look at.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Ya I know about the TTB front ends, my dad has a 87 f-250 with the 460 and we have had to change the bushings in it..he has owned it since new and has seen quite a bit of offroad.
So you all think this is a decent truck from what you and I know?
If there is end play in the turbo or has dirty fins or anything like that should I walk away? And what color smoke and how much is normal?
So you all think this is a decent truck from what you and I know?
If there is end play in the turbo or has dirty fins or anything like that should I walk away? And what color smoke and how much is normal?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 1
From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
Im not saying it is a bad axle, and I hope it didnt sound that way. I was just saying that when their flaws start to show it is a lot of work to get them working again properly. The TTB has a great ride for a big truck I miss the ride now that i have a D60. I was just simply trying to give him more things to look at.
Ya I know about the TTB front ends, my dad has a 87 f-250 with the 460 and we have had to change the bushings in it..he has owned it since new and has seen quite a bit of offroad.
So you all think this is a decent truck from what you and I know?
If there is end play in the turbo or has dirty fins or anything like that should I walk away? And what color smoke and how much is normal?
So you all think this is a decent truck from what you and I know?
If there is end play in the turbo or has dirty fins or anything like that should I walk away? And what color smoke and how much is normal?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 1
From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
No its not hard at all. Just follow the intake system back to the turbo. Then undo the hose clamp on the turbo side and pull the intake off of the turbo then take a peek in there. Then play with the shaft then put the intake back on and tighten up the hose clamp. Make sure its all the way on.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 1
From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
You shouldn't have smoke when throttling up. Just turn the key to on, wait for "wait to start" lamp to shut off, then crank it over. It should start, let it idle for a while. Check for smoke on that initial start up. Like i said, a little is ok. Then take it for a drive, make sure it shifts smoothly into every gear. Make sure the engine isn't knocking. None of the indicator lights should be on i would assume. They flash at start up but thats normal on most vehicles. Test the 4 wheel drive if thats important to you.