Submitted by: Amy Nut

Purchasing any used vehicle comes with its share of risks. You never know if you are getting value for your money. When it comes to buying a used truck there are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure that you get a quality vehicle.

Evaluating a used truck can include the following:

* There are a number of helpful internet sites designed to educate the consumer about specific used vehicles. For instance, Consumer Guide Automotive provides reliable information, reviews, and ratings on thousands of used cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. Doing research beforehand can really help when selecting a used truck.

* Read reviews about used trucks that include an evaluation of a truck’s specifications. As well, there are many online sites that rank used vehicles which can be very helpful when selecting a used truck. Some makes and models are a better quality than others. You should find out which used trucks are the most reliable. Look for details about brakes and suspension, radiator and cooling system, and the gearbox and clutch.

* You should request a vehicle history report. Auto dealership sites provide this type of information and used truck sales companies should also be able to provide you with the information. When dealing with a used truck dealership, make sure you know how much you are willing to spend. When calculating your budget, make sure you include insurance, registration fees, and any taxes you will have to pay.

* Mileage is an important aspect of evaluating a used truck. Used trucks that average more than 12,000 miles per year are considered ‘high mileage’ vehicles. It is important to ask if the truck’s accumulated mileage is from highway or urban driving. Town and city driving tend to cause more wear and tear on a truck.

* The condition of the exterior of the vehicle is an important factor to consider. You should look for dents, scratches, paint touch ups, rust, and any extensive body work that has been done on the truck. Ask for a history of maintenance work that has been done on the truck. If new parts have been installed, make sure there is a warranty. Don’t purchase a truck that has not been recently inspected.

* Don’t buy a specialty used truck. You want to make sure that your used truck is common so that you do not have any problems acquiring any used parts.

* The mechanical features of a used truck are another aspect that should be considered. Stick shifts tend to be rougher on a cars engine and performance. As well, diesel fueled vehicles have motors that last longer than gasoline fueled engines. Make sure that you test-drive the truck at different speeds so that you get a feel for the quality of the engine, transmission, and breaks.

* Incidental factors that affect the value of a used truck include how well certain features operate such as the air conditioning, heater, radio, seat belts, gear shift, and windows.

* Look under the truck for fluid spots. A puddle of fluid can indicate there is a leak somewhere. Also, make sure that you look underneath to check for rusty pipes and mechanical devices.

Each year, more than a million used trucks are put on the market. The chances are that you will not have a problem finding a truck in your price rage. However, the key is to arm yourself with the right knowledge so that you don’t get stuck with a lemon.

About the Author: Find reputable

car dealers Edmonton

to buy with confidence. Buying

used trucks Edmonton

can be hassle free.

Source:

isnare.com

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Have A Diesel Exhaust Leak? Bellowed Up-pipes Are The Perfect Solution

by

Clay Note

Installing Bellowed Up-pipes on your diesel truck is the perfect solution to the all too common diesel exhaust leak. The stock Ford up-pipes are designed using a crush donut gasket to seal the up-pipes into the y-collector. Over time, expansion and contraction cause the donuts to leak, hurting engine performance and mileage.

When your factory up-pipes leak you will start to see a loss of power, mileage and a gain in EGT’s. The International Up-pipe kit comes complete with everything you need to swap the leaking factory up-pipes for the new bellowed style, including hardware nuts and bolts International Bellowed Up-pipes are exactly what you need to cure those leaking stock up-pipes. Diesel exhaust leaks aren’t a matter of IF, just a matter of WHEN. Your factory style up-pipes will start to leak, and when they do this is your permanent answer. Because International bellowed Up-pipes use a bellow rather than a donut gasket these kits won’t leak ensuring you are utilizing all your boost to spool the turbo. The tell tail symptoms of an up-pipe leak are black soot present around the up-pipe/y-collector, and even soot deposits on the firewall and nearby engine components. Using aftermarket gauges, a 7.3L Powerstroke owner can also see a drop in boost and higher EGT’s. The International up-pipes are bellowed and do not use crush donut gaskets. The bellows allow for expansion and contraction and rarely leak over time. Although not a diesel performance part (unless you get the ceramic coating), the International up-pipes are a worthwhile investment when exhaust leaks are found, and serve as a proper fix for Ford’s “flawed” design. What makes The Diesel Performance Version unique is using Ceramic Coating. The Turbo Black ceramic was formulated for exhaust temps up to 2000*F and will hold in at least 60% of the heat from radiating out under your hood. Not all black coatings will achieve that function. These coatings have been specifically formulated for use on military aircraft. By retaining the heat energy your 7.3L Powerstroke turbo will spool up faster and more efficiently. A double coat to the outside of the pipes will protect them from rusting and it results in a much longer more attractive finish while retaining heat. The two main functions of the coating is appearance and longevity of your engine parts and gaining a more efficient running engine. What comes in the International Bellowed Up-Pipe Kit? The complete kit Contains: — Collector, L/H Pipe, R/H Pipe, & Bolt Kit (2 gaskets, 4 short bolts, 4 long bolts, & 4 nuts) A couple helpful tips before installing: 1) Soak all exhaust bolts and turbo clamps down with penetrating oil several times over a couple days prior to starting replacement. This will make the job go a little easier. 2)Disconnect the batteries. 3)You’ll be on top of the engine a lot. Get some blankets or a topside creeper for comfort. 4) Clean all component thoroughly prior to assembly.

Clay Note is the owner operator of Riffraff

Diesel Performance Parts

, one of the internets premier diesel performance parts websites. Clay specializes in

7.3L Powerstroke parts

and Diesel Performance parts for Ford Diesel Trucks.

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Have A Diesel Exhaust Leak? Bellowed Up-pipes Are The Perfect Solution