Things to look out for when buying these trucks?

[Bouncer88]

Well I drive a 2001 Ford Taurus and my toy is my 1984 Mustang SVO with 53k miles and I want to keep mileage on the Stang low when I get rid of the Taurus and I want an F250/350 with the 7.3 powerstroke and it has to be a 4x4 and preferably manual, is there anything major I should look for when checking out these trucks?

[pojo4223]

there are a couple of great lists the guys have put together in time that will give anyone, mechanically inclined or not, a very good list of simple but imperative things to look for when looking into buying a used powerstroke. i dont have time to locate it but im sure someone will drop you a link or check around in the 7.3 tech files, youve coe to a great place for advice!

[pojo4223]

What to look for when buying a USED 99-03 PSD


Found it, under tech files

[Bouncer88]

Thank you, and I am pretty well off when it comes to being mechanically inclined, I built my SVO engine from bottom to top, only thing is, I am a small guy 5'7" 150 pounds 19 years old and I don't know if I have the physical strength to work on these bigger trucks.

[MarlandS]

It isn't so much physical strength so much as it is finesse and determination. When I was 19 I was 5'7" and 130 pounds and was working on farm machinery, stuff that make these trucks seem lightweight. There is almost always an easy way to do everything be it with a crowbar, an engine hoist, a rope or even just body placement when handling them.
Besides, the weight of most of these components aren't too much more than any other. Grab your wrenches and dig in, it'll be fun.

[pojo4223]

read up, have fun, where theres a will theres a way, i agree about the finesse, everything i know about diesels was aquired by a friend, this site and doing it myself, these trucks are great fun to work with (most of the time). youll be fine

[pipelayerjdh]

I'm 5" tall, less than 100 lbs, and have done all the mods on my truck my self. It's no problem at all.

If you look at an OBS, most of the SD things apply, but look here for more info. Read the Buying part and if you want a 5spd, look at the clutch article also. Good luck!

[Tikal]

5"...double apostrophe is inches, right? Dang man, eat some wheaties



...j/k