95 F250 what should I do?

hey all, im kinda new to the whole "4x4 world", I mean Ive been out in some fields with a truck before but thats about it.

I just bought this 95 ford F250


And I dont exactly know what to do with it, lol. On the outside, or I dont know if I should do anything on the inside. Its basically all stock, and I want to start doing some light/mild off-roading. Nothing Extreme. Money is kind of light.  So...any suggestions?  

Thanks!!

 ~Metalic  
'95 Ford F250

Just drive it and enjoy it.  Then you'll know what you need to do.  If you need better tires, then that is what you do.  If you think that need a lift, then start mild.

My general philosophy is to keep it low, trim fenders, install bigger tires.  Lockers will come later...if you need them.  For mild wheeling, this will be an good truck.  Maybe body protection wouldn't hurt.  Its hard to give suggestions because I don't know what is important to you about this truck.  

I want to do like a 3-6in lift, i've looked at skyjacker, but dont know which brand is the best. I have new tires on order, also I want a cheap pair of rims, they dont have to look good just CHEAP, they can be used, any place with cheap used rims?  It feels like its being held back a little too, is there anything i should check in the engine? I am pretty sure that it hasnt had a "tune-up" in probably 5-6 years. It was used as a hunting truck before and he didnt care about it.

Thanks for helping me out!! =)

~Metalic    
'95 Ford F250

Whats the engine in it?  
Dying ain't much of a livin'
From my favorite movie.
Trucks...
1989 150(200k) 33 inch hawgs and a blown 302.
1995 Pathfinder(178k)and still going with 31s.
Bikes.
2004 Yamaha TTR 225,barly used.
Kawasaki 750 (26k) Not ran right since carbs rebuilt.
!972 Yamaha mini enduro.The niceest one I've ever seen thats never been painted.
New 2002 f150,fx4,5.4v8,after market tranny coolers and unirol tires.

I would not lift that truck in its current configuration.  That leaf sprung IFS is not great for off road.  Its not bad, but if you're going to put money into it, find a Dana 60 out of a similar year F-350.  If you lift this truck, it'll be very tough to find a good riding/flexing kit.  Then, aligning it will be hit or miss.  If its the latter, then you'll eat up any tires you put on it.  The Dana 60 is a direct bolt in swap.  If you've got money to spare, then Contact Alcan or Deaver Spring for a set of good lift springs.  Get a good set of mono tube shocks.  Sky manufacturing makes a set of rear shackle flips to help lift the rear.  Bolt on kits are generally designed to look good and don't always enhance off road performance.  Then when they do, they charge big for it.  If you swap the front end to a solid axle, then contact Offroad Unlimited for possible steering upgrades.

I'd just contact 4 Wheel Parts Performance for wheels and tires.  That is usually the best price you'll get.  If you search, you could find better.  Get a set of steel wheels (not 16.5s because they don't have safety beads), they're forgiving if you smack a rock or curb.  

I don't know what to tell you about your engine, since I don't know what you've got.  A tune up is a great idea.  

I could go on and on, but take that info for now and don't be afraid to search Google.  You'll find all sorts of cool links both to and from the sources I've listed above.  Let me know if you've got more questions.  

I believe it is a 5.8L.  

Ok, wow thanks so much, I was planning on adding 3" in leaves before I lift. So ok.  

Thanks for the info!  


~Metalic  
'95 Ford F250

I would leave it close to stock maybee a 2-4 inch lift at most to keep your center of gravity low chop the fenders and put on some tires.Then wheel the piss out of it.A tune shouldn,t include more than spark plugs spark plug wires cap and rotor oil and filter change and a fuel filter. Bet it will run much better  
Can't beat an old Ford

I agree totally with the guys. Before you go big tires I would think about selctable locker for front once you do the dana 60 up front. having the ability to be full posi and limited slip or open for daily driver is huge. A full posi truck in the mud will sometimes do better than those big tire trucks that are not posi'd up. Good winch and bumper up front and alternator upgrade also. A smaller tire truck with full posi capability is awesome but still use like a daily driver. I personally do this with mine because I have to drive on highway a lot. Posi is nice but ice will kill you!! Plus posi on highway/town isn't as driver friendly. A good tuned truck is always nice and better on mileage. I like trucks that are play and work horse.