Chilton or Haynes Repair Manuals? Your thoughts?
 

Does anyone thinking one repair manual is better than the other? Does one carry more illistrations than the other? Is one easier to read and understand? Your thoughts?

I think they both pretty much suck, if you can get your hands on a factory service manual you'd be better off.
Charlie

Hahaha, Charlie doesn't mince words!

But Blade, he is right. Chilton's from what I've seen is best used to absorb. I think there's a reason almost no one around me carries them. Hayne's is so-so. I have used it to get info like the firing order, fluid capacities, and come general info.

Not sure what they cost, mine was under the seat when I got the truck. But, I think you'd be better off with google. Body specific info is plentiful here. And searching just for Ford 300 online I've found tech info and youtube videos for anything I've needed.

Robert Bentley Publishers makes some great manuals, but for American vehicles they mostly make general info books and EFI tech books.

On this link scroll down a little you'll see a 3 vol. set by Ford, They're are not cheap but they'll show everything you need to know and more if you plan to keep it a long time.
Charlie
Amazon.com: 1989 Ford Truck Repair Shop Manual Set F150 F250 F350 Bronco Econoline Van: Ford: Books

Here's an example of what I was trying to say Rick.

I used my Hayne's to look for the thermostat orientation. It had a little picture, including thumbs and other parts. With mine in front of me I was able to figure out which way it went. But, it didn't mention the little bypass valve at all. If I was somebody who'd never done this before I'd probably still be outside raging.

If you want one in truck for emergencies I'd go with Hayne's. But otherwise I'd spring for the factory sets, or just lean on the FTE community.

Thanks for the info guys. I have finally started getting into the truck and I am getting ready to pull the motor. It threw a rod bearing. This is just a project truck/learning tool for me.