My ol' ford F-250 is on it's last leg. I'm far from a fat pocket with regards to a replacement and my friend has this '97 EX Sport as mentioned in title. Lots of miles on her(190k), but overall she runs great and I'm really looking for more of a temp vehicle till I can afford something a little nicer. Due to it being my buddies and his no-need for it, we could work out a low-cost deal. Am testing her out for a little while to see if she will work for me.
Wanted to get some feedback if possible on the following issues:
NOTE: The vehicle was parked in his driveway since last fall.
NOTE: I learn fast, am mechanically capable, but have a relatively low level of background knowledge here. Have been reading the heck out of haynes manual/forums/etc though so have some understanding.
1) Upon starting her up after her long sleep she had what I'll call 'tight steering' for lack of a better term. It got easier with a little use, but is 'sticky' at a couple points. Has power and all, changing lanes is easy, etc. but on full turns she has a 'pushthrough' point that requires a little more pressure on the wheel. Wish I could describe this better.
I popped it up on the jack and pushed tires for the balljoint check and saw no give. They(balljoints) could however require lubrication, unfortunately one of the lowers(pass. side) had no zerk and the drivers side has too little overhead room to fill without wheel/hub removal.
Thoughts on what this could be? What I should check first? Get in their and lubricate as best as possible, etc. Control arms are rusty as heck after seeing all these nice, shiny new ones, but should I replace if they check out ok?
Read long enough and it seems like anything could be the culprit including the lower steering column joint(am I saying that right?).
2) We seemed initially to have a coolant disappearance issue and sweet exhaust, though that was immediately after long winter rest and am not seeing the level change over the last few days of driving. Will keep an eye on this and if the prob continues I believe I should pull plugs and check for dirty one to see what gasket may need replaced. Head or preferably valve cover?
That's the quick overview, won't bore you with the minor stuff I already now needs fixed. Thanks for any and all help, feedback and thoughts! Let me know if any more info is needed to assist in diagnostics.
~Dan
Wanted to get some feedback if possible on the following issues:
NOTE: The vehicle was parked in his driveway since last fall.
NOTE: I learn fast, am mechanically capable, but have a relatively low level of background knowledge here. Have been reading the heck out of haynes manual/forums/etc though so have some understanding.
1) Upon starting her up after her long sleep she had what I'll call 'tight steering' for lack of a better term. It got easier with a little use, but is 'sticky' at a couple points. Has power and all, changing lanes is easy, etc. but on full turns she has a 'pushthrough' point that requires a little more pressure on the wheel. Wish I could describe this better.
I popped it up on the jack and pushed tires for the balljoint check and saw no give. They(balljoints) could however require lubrication, unfortunately one of the lowers(pass. side) had no zerk and the drivers side has too little overhead room to fill without wheel/hub removal.
Thoughts on what this could be? What I should check first? Get in their and lubricate as best as possible, etc. Control arms are rusty as heck after seeing all these nice, shiny new ones, but should I replace if they check out ok?
Read long enough and it seems like anything could be the culprit including the lower steering column joint(am I saying that right?).
2) We seemed initially to have a coolant disappearance issue and sweet exhaust, though that was immediately after long winter rest and am not seeing the level change over the last few days of driving. Will keep an eye on this and if the prob continues I believe I should pull plugs and check for dirty one to see what gasket may need replaced. Head or preferably valve cover?
That's the quick overview, won't bore you with the minor stuff I already now needs fixed. Thanks for any and all help, feedback and thoughts! Let me know if any more info is needed to assist in diagnostics.
~Dan
