I'm looking at a 1996 F150 XLT 302 Short Box 4x4 Reg. Cab Automatic. It has 88,000 miles on it and looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. The body and interior are excellent.

I haven't driven it yet, but I'm going to the dealership tonight and I I like it, I'm going to buy it. I looked underneath it yesterday and didn't see any leaks or evidence of unusual wear and tear from the shocks, or driveline.

I'd appreciate if you all could tell me what to look out for. Certain noises? Anything special to check under the hood? When I drive it, what should I listen for from the engine and transfer case? Is there an easy way to diagnose a bad ball joint? Any other common problems I should be looking for?

Thanks a million for any advice.

PS, it has a big receiver hitch on it, but it doesn't appear to have been used very much. Should I be concerned about the transmission? How should it shift if it is in good shape? Smooth, or do they have a certain authority normally??

 

Take it for a real long test drive and then climb back underneath it and check for leaks. On the drive, try to notice any vibrations or pulling to the left or right while driving and under braking. Also pay attention to how the steering feels in tight turns in an open parking lot. Make sure you do some slow 360 turns to the left and right. Make sure to run the A/C and defroster and all vents work.

 

You mentioned it is a 4x4, make sure it works!!!!!

I believe they still put manual hubs on the 1996 models, if so equipped, make sure they spin freely and lock in.

Test the 4x4 out, more than just back and forth in a parking lot, try and find a dirt road or gravel road, lock 'em in and stomp on the go pedal, make sure the truck grabs and goes, verifying the truck is in 4x4, versus sitting there and spinning as if it were in 2x4.

Hopefully the truck is equipped with a "lever" 4x4 switch and not the dash mounted switch, as they are trouble prone on all years and models.

There are alot of moving parts to a 4x4, make sure they are all good to go!

Best of luck with your purchase, post some pics if yu can.

OH and for what its worth, IMHO, the 1996 body style is the nicest Ford made, very clean and "truck" looking!

regards,

Medic

 

Thanks for the advice so far. The truck does have a manual transfer case. It also does have automatic hubs. Testing the 4x4 shouldn't be a problem -- we had a ice storm and some snow the other day, and since it is about 5 degrees out today with a -20 windchill, the roads are still slippery...

When I'm doing those slow 360's, I'm assuming that I'm testing the ball joints. What's the give-away if one is bad? Clunking, vibration, a certain sound?

Thanks again and more suggestions would be helpful - though.

I've already sold myself on this thing to the point that it could have a purple 2 headed acid spitting desert viper under the seat and I probably wouldn't notice when I go to buy it tonight....

Here's the only picture I have so far...



PS) they're asking $6,800, but I think I can talk them down another $500... Hopefully it isn't too good to be true...

 

Looks like it's all over but the title transfer. You already have it listed in your profile as your truck! It sure is purrr-dy. Looks like whoever owned it before was quite meticulous about keeping it perfect. Snag it up and don't look back!

Worst case scenario is that in a week you discover the reason why the previous owner traded it in. Just expect it, then fix it and enjoy your sweet ride.

 

Yeah, I expected a few problems. Every used vehicle has them - you just hope it isn't something too expensive...

I think I've already discovered why it was traded. It ran great on the test drive and everything just fine. On the way home and this morning however I had some problems.

Here's the link to the other thread I started. Any help would be appreciated greatly.

Thanks

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=179454