What to look at when buying a used truck

Hey guys/gals I may be picking up another idi truck. Well this Is a factory turbocharged 94 f250. It's supposed to have 115,000 on it but I have never bought a turbo diesel motor. So give me a quick run down on what to look for? Aka problems. I know th normal oil,antifreeze bubbles ect. Thanks in advance. Joe

I did Look threw the idi tech on buying a used one. I more or less need to see how to check for turbo play?

Zero axial/lateral play.

Clb said:

Zero axial/lateral play.

Click to expand...

Eh, Ford IDI Turbo book says that lateral play is OK, as long as you don't get any wheel-to-housing contact.

Mainly as a bit of play will disappear as soon as you have oil pressure.

Basically, all you are looking for is that it spins freely.

Also, you definitely want to look at the blades while doing so, make sure they don't look chewed up. Little tiny nicks(< .020") won't cause much issue, big chips or anything are cause for alarm, mainly because it meant something got sucked into it.
Remember that the blades(intake wheel) can be replaced for around $200.


Edit:
Also, no matter what you find, if you like the truck... bargain a good price. *anything* on one of these is fixable with some time and a bit of money. It's just a matter of getting a good value when buying one.

I mean... Transfer case skipping? Junkyards have replacements. Motor shot, with good turbo? JY motors are cheap. Good motor with shot turbo? The center section can be rebuilt, or the entire thing upgraded.
The real question is whether you like the truck, and what the price is.

Thanks for the info. I did end up bringing home the new addition.aka farm truck.

pictures, or it never happened.

It's rusty and crusty but with around 110,000 miles and the 4x4 zf5.

First thing I do to any truck I buy(well, once it's drivable anyway): To the local car wash!

Tire and engine cleaner followed by lots of high pressure soapy water cleans things up fairly easily. Just make sure to wear a set of clothes you can get wet and dirty.

Yes I was just thinking of that . getting some of the gunk off of it before it gets ripped apart.