|
Welcome to the forum, Larry!
Going with a new DMFW (and clutch to go with it) is a lot more expensive than switching over to a SMFW kit. You'll get some gear rollover noise at slow speeds, but the pedal effort is much less on the SMFW kits (I'll take the pedal pressure over the extra noise). If you plan to mod the truck for power (injectors & chip, etc), you may want to go with something like a SouthBend Con-OFE for a bit more holding power.
Along with checking the front end parts, also check the steering shaft where the pieces join together (it sometime loosens up and can be re-staked).
Most of the time, when these things burn oil you'll never know it as it will be pumped into the fuel system if the injector o-rings are bad. Keep good tabs on the oil as it can go fast (I burned 8 quarts in 150 miles when injector o-rings failed!). Other known places for oil leaks on early OBS trucks are the flywheel inspection cover rubbing a hole in the oil pan, the dipstick tube to oil pan joint, and the High Pressure Oil Rail End Plugs on the ends of each head. Also check the valley of the engine to make sure there isn't fuel or oil puddling in the valley.
I'd rather have the manual hubs over the problematic auto hubs (which can leave you stranded ... my 97 was switched to manual hubs for that reason). I know mine doesn't really appreciate going 70 with hubs locked in, but it doesn't really vibrate too much ... more noisy than anything.
Cheers!
__________________
1997 F250 SC 4x4 (CA model), E4OD, 4.10 LS, Relocated Block Heater Plug, Mostly Stock
SOLD - 1994 F350 CC DRW 2WD, 5 Speed, SBC Con-O, Baldwin Filter, Tymar HPX Hose, DPPI DP, Bilsteins, $12 AIC, Coolant Filter, Explorer Overhead Console, A-Pillar w/ISSPRO Black Ice, EV Boost, and EV Pyro, Modified Pedestal, Gutted EBPV.
|
