I just purchased a 1985 F250 6.9idi 4 speed 4x4, it's got 55000 miles. I was wondering what all I should watch out for since this is my first idi. Any wise words would be greatly appreciated

 

are you sure its 55k and not 155 or 255? those trucks only had a 5 digit odometer

 

I can confirm with the condition of the body, and the brake and clutch pedals look brand new but they also could have been replaced. The guy I had bought from confirmed that it is 55000 miles

 

There are still low mile vehicles out there
Glow plug failure
Leaking external slave and the clutch pedal support bushings
If Sterling 10.25 rear axle, watch for leaking hub seals leaking gear oil and needing a slinger kit with the new inner bearing
Head gaskets failed on those old 6.9 IDIs quite regularly (I'd run a coolant additive like they want, use the Ford stuff)
I'd run a fuel additive too and keep some fuel filters around
Might want to replace yours now and see how hard it is to bleed the air out and get it to start up again
You'll need to crank it over and bleed the air from the schrader valve about 10 times before it'll start

 

Thank you is there anything else I need to watch out for

 

You could also try a 250 forum.....