diagrams and service manual recommendations

[bramilford72]

hey everyone. i'm a newby with a 72 shortbed f100 302. i barely know
an a/c compressor from an a/c on switch. there are excellent diagrams on the fordification site,
but i need to learn the names of the parts.
what service manual would you guys recommend?
thank you

[forrestbump]

Hey bramilford72...Great Question! It's wonderful that you're asking about parts identification as most guys don't want anybody to think they don't know everything about their vehicle...shows courage on your part.

I general terms, just about any automotive magazine found on news stands will go into detail about various automotive parts names and their applications/functions. That's one place to start but they are not necessarily specific to your truck.

The multi volume Ford Shop Manual Set for your year truck is probably one of the best resources available. It's time consuming and a rather 'dry' read but they're full of all the minute details of your entire vehicle and you'll learn the most through reading it over and over again.

These manuals are available through sellers on ebay, craigslist (spotty at best there) or book sellers found online. Great investment for maintaining your truck, educating yourself how to do repairs, trouble shooting and parts identification.

And of course posting your specific questions right here on FORDification is another way for you to learn.

"There is no such thing as a stupid question, tis better to ask than live in the dark out of fear that you'll look foolish for not knowing".

[bramilford72]

thank you, forrest bump. great handle!

[robroy]

Good evening BramilFord72,

What Larry said is excellent. And you're actually not the first to ask this question.

One technique that I've used in the past is this: I take the best photo I possibly can of an area of the truck, or even a series of photos. Then I use photo editing software on the computer to put bold letters over each item. Then I post the photo here, and ask folks to tell me what each item is and what it does.

This was worked really well for me in the past. People are happy to help by letting you know what things are and how they work, when you provide them with this!

Here's an example of what I mean. If you click on this link, and then scroll down you'll start to see photos containing a letter which corresponds to each part. Then you can see the classic, top quality FORDification responses I received.

Could I ask for advice on attaching my Teleflex/V3 gauges?

Robroy

[Ranchero50]

Paper versions of the OEM Forrd manuals are still worth their weight in gold. They describe the function of the circuit and how it works, then how to diagnose problems and finally how to repair them. They are not overly technical either and make a good evening read before tackling something new.

Jamie

[MrMajestyk]

I found a full set of manuals on CD on E-bay

I like the fact that I can print up a page and not worry about it
getting messed up and I can make the prit & pictures bigger

[Madman]

On rockauto.com I found the CD of the full manuals for the best price, I think around $25. It is the best resource for your specific year of truck.

[bramilford72]

thanks guys.
i got the ford service manual on cd.
it's a little dense, but it's been very helpful.
best.

[davbell22602]

You can get the cd from rockauto like Madman said or you get the paper manuals from here http://www.faxonautoliterature.com/default.aspx