Things to look for on a 97

[TexasAggie09]

I'm looking at buying a 97 F350 7.3. The truck has about 173k miles on it but the motor was professionally rebuilt (with receipts) 45k miles ago and the tranny professionally rebuilt (with receipts) 55k miles ago. Other things that have been replaced are cam sensor, computer, starter, alternator, fuel pump, fan pulleys, AC fan motor and exhaust. I know ball joints can go bad so I am factoring in for that but what should I be on the lookout for?

Also, what might go into an engine "rebuild"? I know it'd vary but is doing things like injectors typical or is it more likely just head gasket and other various rings? Thanks!

[ridiculously_necessary]

search ebay for a 7.3 rebuild kit, thats a good listing of a typical rebuild. i would like to know why the engine had to be rebuilt so early, and all that stuff replaced. becuase thats odd.

look for fuel and oil leaks, have the tranny checked out by a trusted mechanic, thats about it, just use common sense for the rest of it. but again, find out why it had to be rebuilt, what was the cause?

[TexasAggie09]

Thanks for the reply, I talked to the seller and got the information. Apparently the engine had a knock and to rectify it, he went ahead and got a whole rebuild done...new pistons, rings, injectors, injector pump (?), rings, sleeves. also got the tranny rebuilt. the tranny pan gasket leaks about a dime-size drop about once a week or so so i'd probably replace that down the line. He replaced whatever sensor is toward the front of the engine and then Ford replaced it again with a beefier one under a recall. No work on the ball joints or HPOP yet but they're all apparently fine. Manual windows and locks, vinyl floor, new exhaust, 3" downpipe to 4" exhaust.

Based on all this and the replaced parts (mentioned above) do yall think this sounds like a good truck? I'm trying to make this decision without having seen it since it's so far away. I just don't want this to turn into a money pit, especially since I'm selling my newer truck that has zero problems. Thanks!