looking for advice

[bentstroke_02]

Okay y'all I'm looking at buying a 94-98 power stroke. I had a 02 and loved it, I sold it and got a 08 with which I am happy with this truck and don't want to sell it. I will be getting out of the army for medical reasons and not sure i can afford it. So I have decided to get a older 7.3 for lower payment and easier to work on. Here is my question to all of you.
What do I need to look for before I buy it? The good and bad please. Thanks

[glovemeister]

The best of all the trucks is 94-97, with a 5spd transmission, crew cab, with long bed, and cali tuning is the is the most powerful. In my opinion the best. These new trucks are way nice but they are hard to work on, expensive, and just are not what a truck should be.

I always thought you had to go old to get something easy to work on. I can climb in the engine bay on my 97 and work on it real easy, and it has the added help of the computer diagnostic system, which is surprising helpful and awesome. I really regret hating on it before.

[baderic03]

depends what you want me personaly rather a auto most ppl are scared of them but a auto will hold more power then a zf5 built right look for rust and root on radiator support and under floors just go over the truck from bumper to bumper check manifolds for how crusty they are if auto take for test drive bring it up to 40mph and flat foot it it should drop down to 2nd and lock up and shift after that ride is going to sux compared to the 08 and you will be looking at good money to make it as fast

[bentstroke_02]

Looking for a 5 speed. I don't care about how fast I go. I need something that will get good MPG while hauling a trailer. My 02 was great for hauling I'm just not impressed with my 08