/ORG/ :

Why not buy used?

What is a stock F150 4x4 with rear locker capable of? I don't want to break things

Tbh I have not even looked in depth at it, and I only found out when trying to find out what transfer case was in it according to the Vin.

With any luck, the trans is probably bad, and not the engine.

Tyres?
Rear lockers will get you over rocky passes and some deep mud issues. Centre lock will help in general coast through anything remotely difficult.

Are you trying to keep up with your local club or just have fun around by yourself?

So did you test that the glow rail is getting power before and after changing the relay?

The only other couple things that may effect the starting of a stone cold diesel are valve clearances (won't seal the cylinder when cold, thus lowering compression) or the fuel injection advance should that be applicable.
Depending on the engine fuel injection system, some engines have a separate water temperature sensor which controls both glow timer and fuel injection advance.
But we still need to know if your glow plugs are getting power first, run a test light (or better yet a multi-meter) on your glow rail.

The K5, saving money for the LQ9 swap, hope to have it installed in mid January. Gotta have a full manual valvebody (reverse style) installed in the 700r4 since the drive by wire doesn't have a provision for the TV cable. Also I then have full control over the shifts, and gears, while still having a torque converter. Gotta order a higher stall converter, 2000rpm, to go with the LS engine.

The current TBI 350 is on its last legs, rod knock and isn't running right. But apparently someone took the rev limiter off since it'll make it to 6200rpm before it floats the valves. Anyone who knows anything about TBI engines knows that that is way too high, rev limiter should be at no more than 5000rpm, and that would be generous. This engine probably doesn't make any power above 4000rpm.

I'm gonna miss half the winter with no working 4wd, but it'll be worth it when it's running again. We usually don't get hit hard snowstorm wise hear in south central PA until after the 1st of the year anyway.

Also need to buy some 2" spacers for the rear axle, keep the rear tires from rubbing on the inner fenderwell at full stuff. Will run the 1/2 ton axles until next winter, they cost a lot to build up right.

Just have fun by myself

A rear locker will take you many places that an open rear and open front wouldn't. Just make sure to have good tires that match the terrain you're wheeling.