[A/S] Ford diesels & trannys

["John Hilty" <hilty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I looked at and drove an older ('89) F250 xcab Lariat 7.3 non-turbo 
diesel yesterday. It was cheap enough (<$3,000) that I could make a 
project out of it, and let it sit until I made it pretty. Motor was 
strong, body mostly straight, paint original and old, interior needed 
work, but no mechanical problems that were readily evident. All the 
problems that I detected were relatively minor or cosmetic. Keeping
in mind that my Airstreaming is an occasional weekend and vacation 
thing at this point, it might suit the purpose as a dedicated tow 
vehicle, and not a daily driver.
 
Questions: It had a 3 speed auto w/o OD tranny that seems to be a
good shifter, but 3rd gear puts it at about 2,000 rpm @ 60 mph. Is 
this about right? Where would rpms be w/ an OD. Would fuel use
improve substantially w/OD? Are there any inherent problems with
this motor or tranny that should be considered.

John H.