Buying a new truck! Advice welcome!
 

Hey all,
I'm brand spanking new to this forum. I'm going to take a look at a 1995 Ford F-150 4x4 regular cab, 5spd Standard, on Friday. It's got a 5.6L straight 6 engine, 145,000km, original body and motor. Recent work done, including new shocks, coil springs, ball joins, u joints, and the clutch was done within the last 40,000km. It's bright red, and has almost no rust (one small patch on the driver's side pannel).
Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? Advice?!

Welcome to the site..

The straight 6 was a 4.9..

4.9 is a solid performing engine if cared for. Decent torque/power, and fair on fuel mileage when mated to a 5spd. The joints already being done, along with a recent clutch is a plus. Any idea on who did the work? Ball joints are a common wear part as well as the radius arm bushings. Does the trans shift smoooth/positive application, through 'all' the gears? Something to check.. The mid 90's trucks were a great platform, relatively simple to work on, and saw a lot of fleet applications. Worked on more then i can count..

Obvious things to look for would be a detailed service history if available,,, oil changes, coolant (check condition) replacement, belts, hoses and and and.. A/C equipped? Work?
Overall condition,, clean inside? was it used for towing, or hauling? Stock exhaust? All these things can paint a picture of the service life to this point.
4x4,, work?? is the under carriage clean, meaning just normal off road patina, or packed in like it was used in a more severe duty. If the later,, I'd have a few more questions.. Look it over well, any concerns, post them here or have someone look it over.

Great truck, good history, if cared for,, not too much to worry about.. PICS are always recommended!

I would like to second Hayapower's advice. Had a 94 with8 ft bed , 4.9 , 5 speed. Wish I had it now !!! It put my 2003 F350 to shame expensewise . Only problem it had was the clutch release brg which the previous owner had replaced and they didn't do a good job. Not that big a problem once corrected was a great truck. Gave it to my son who had it for many years ,,, and no problems ! Previous maintenance and how it was used ,very important.

Thank you so much for the feedback and advice HayaPower and Hanky! I spoke with the Gentleman selling the truck on the phone and that's when he mentioned the 5.6L Straight 6, so that's good to know that they're only 4.9L, definitely will have some questions for him when I go test drive it tomorrow!