1996 1 Ton need advice before purchase

[mjjopling]

Hey all I'm new to the forum although I've always come on here for tips as a non-member.

I'm looking at buying a 1996 F350 diesel. It's the short and stubby regular cab with dual rear wheels, 5 speed manual with 200k miles. Possibly going to tow with it. What should I be looking for under the hood, and around the rear axle? Any tricks or checks to perform or any trouble spots to look at? It would be my first dually and first diesel. It's a southern truck so rust is not an issue, its painted white and the paint and interior are fair/good, the seller is asking $4500.

Thanks to all for your time and input.

[badbart]

What are you going to be towing? Generally the longer the wheelbase, the better the handling. If you're planning on pulling a 35 foot travel trailer you would be better off with a crew cab with an 8 foot bed. $4500.00 sounds like a good price. I would take it to a diesel tech and have it looked over though.

[bugman]

Here is a write up on BUYING ADVISE

[mjjopling]

Originally Posted by badbart

What are you going to be towing? Generally the longer the wheelbase, the better the handling. If you're planning on pulling a 35 foot travel trailer you would be better off with a crew cab with an 8 foot bed. $4500.00 sounds like a good price. I would take it to a diesel tech and have it looked over though.

Looking to tow anywhere from 1 to 2 car trailers and some boats 20-30 foot or so and possibly heavy equipment. Would you go with something else? I feel that this price is fair and all the crew cabs near me are really beat up or have 300k+ miles on em.

[badbart]

Originally Posted by mjjopling

Looking to tow anywhere from 1 to 2 car trailers and some boats 20-30 foot or so and possibly heavy equipment. Would you go with something else? I feel that this price is fair and all the crew cabs near me are really beat up or have 300k+ miles on em.

It will pull it, but you might want to invest in some anti-sway bars if you're not using a gooseneck hitch. I've pulled 34 foot travel trailers at the bumper hitch with my truck and it had very little sway, but I've heard others with short beds and/or regular cab trucks complain about the sway. On the upside, that truck will be very manuverable when it comes to backing/turning in tight places. That's a decent price in my opinion. I've been offered $10K for mine and turned it down.