Besides the basics ( motor/trans )
Look at -
1 - Underbody ... Look to see if the truck was decently maintained during those harsh winter months when the truck was out. Look for lots of rust. While rust is always a given, you'll know what I mean when you look. Also check the spare tire cable, if it's frayed or not there, you're in for $70 from ford .. ( people on here sell them for ALOT cheaper )
2 - Brake systems ... Check the caliper bleeder screws ( mine were so rusted, I could not bleed the brakes; so no brake job for me ) That means new calipers. Check the rear wheel cylinders for leaks and check for cracked drums ... Also look at the brake lines... Lots of rust ? Check the lugs for rounded or cracked heads
3 - Suspension ... Check the leaf springs for broken leafs that slide out when the rear is jacked up ... Original shocks ?? I'm not a suspension guy, so people on here will know what to tell you. Any missing bushings ?
4 - Motor ... Pull the dipstick and check for " milk " ( anti-freeze in the motor ) .. Pull the rad cap and check the color. Is it a nasty, dirty brown color ?
Take it for a ride. Does the 4x4 work ? Does it pull to the left or right while driving? An alignment can run from $65 to $150 on X's. Any high rpm vibrations ? ( is sign of u-joints on their way out ) Check on how it idle's and the temp gauge ( for a thermostat that's stuck )
