hello. my '88 f 350 4x4 manual transmission crew cab-camper has sat idle outside in my yard for years. in @ 2000 rebuilt everything that moved except 7.3 international IDI diesel engine which was and is mostly ok at 155,000 miles.used it twice to take the kids camping then parked it.last tine i started it @ 8 years ago some fuel injector seals seeped fuel. otherwise no issues. in 2000 invested over $6k rebuilding front and rear transmissions, clutch, wheels and brakes, etc; any and every moving part. new fuel tanks. also replaced standard 8 foot bed. made a custom $500 rear bumper to extend beyond camper to tow (boat etc). today the cab is mice roached but redeemable. frame appears solid. the exterior paint etc. is shot. there is old diesel in the dual fuel tanks.the tires show dry rot. now retired.thought 'refreshing' this truck wasteful until i priced any decent replacement f 350. i like the simplicity of the vintage trucks. i do a lot of my own car etc work and have all my life. i do not like computer repairs and do not have those tools. i like manual 4x4 hubs and transmission. seek comments on key engine and other components i must check and probably replace in circumstances above to make the truck a viable long trip overland camper. want to go to alaska for example. opinions on costs appreciated, as all comments will be. should i replace the water and fuel pumps now? obviously i should drain and perhaps clean both fuel tanks and lines as needed. ill take notes. thank you.

 

Depending on where the vehicle sat, check,,,,,,,wiring, mice love that for nesting, make sure any moisture is OUT of the fuel system.As you know there are many close tolerance parts to fuel system and water and those close fit parts don't get along too well. Make sure the intake system is clear, no nests !
Also make sure all glow plugs work .
JUST A REMINDER,, DO NOT USE STARTING FLUID ! THE GLOW PLUGS WILL BLOW THE INTAKE APART.

 

thank you. plan to inspect entire wire harness for breaks, clear all debris anywhere, and clear the fuel lines and probably empty and inspect dual fuel tanks, before attempting to fire. if all goes well, before long trips.i assume it would be wise to replace the fuel pump and water pump, all filters and belts, all fluids, all hoses, plus the injector seals mentioned above as some leaked when i stopped driving the truck about 9 years ago. any other thoughts to guarantee reliable performance long term for this 1988 7.3 liter IDI non turbo diesel engine with @ 155K miles to date?

 

What about the trans fluid and filter?
Don't forget the coolant and thermostat as long as you are doing the water pump.and hoses. Good maintenance pays !

 

all manual systems. all totally rebuilt 9 years ago and used only twice. will inspect all fluids, flush and replace as needed before any loig trips (to AK for example). yes, thermostat will be done, but it too was replaced 9 years ago during the almost total refurbish.