New to diesels (85 F350 questions)

[GIJoe4500]

I'm lookin at picking up a 1985 F-350 diesel dually. Has the 6.9L, np435. Its a 2wd truck. Although, I don't know much about the diesel trucks, or the 2wd F350s for that matter. What are common problems I should look out for? Rust isn't too much an issue around my part of the country. I'm looking more for mechanical problems. I've never owned a diesel, this will be my first.

Its not the prettiest truck, but something about it draws me in.
http://images.craigslist.org/3n73kc3m75Z35W45S6a8l51da98ca1c3a1801.jpg

[Traveler]

The 6.9 diesel was a good engine.

The only thing you can really look for is Anifreeze in the oil, or steam out the exhaust. Everything else is pretty easy to fix.

Fuel leaks and glow plugs are common on a truck that age.

Not a speed demon but it does the job. It will be a good truck.

Have you test drove it yet?

[GIJoe4500]

Nah. Haven't a chance to test drive it yet. I can't get the guy to respond to texts, calls, or emails. Might just have to blow it off or keep looking. I REALLY like the way that truck looks though.

[Traveler]

It does look like a beast.

[GIJoe4500]

It does look like a beast.

Yup. My "plan" if I could have gotten it, was to strip out the drivetrain and interior, clean up and recoat the frame. Have a buddy of mine freshen up the body, and respray it, probably black, and I was gonna reseal the engine and transmission, and give them some fresh paint.

I'm gonna try to get a hold of the guy again today, but if he doesn't answer, I guess the search is back on! Hopefully I can find another sweet 80-86 dually. That thing looks badass.