^^^^ sounds like your friends van needs a good tune up and some glow plugs.

My van fires off instantly as cold as 10*F, and doesn't have trouble pulling weight around.... does have a fresh IP and injectors though. They are typically 100k mile wear items.

 

most idi trucks you'll find used today are in a sad state with well under 100hp if n/a.to little surprise really.an idi tune up can set a guy back about 1/4 his purchase price on the whole truck and it may never have gotten dialed in properly, even if fresh parts were added.
find one cared for,and the owner probably isn't selling.if he does,and if it sports a turbo with updated down pipe,then she should hold her own close enough to a stock 94-97 psd and start like it's 90F out unassisted down to 0 inside a couple seconds.but your not gong to find many all setup fresh like this anymore.that's why i always caution guys to be careful how much they spend on one.just tuning 'em up isn't cheap.by the time you replace battery cables,glow plugs,add in a decent water/fuel filter system,injectors,ip,timing equipment,your in some coin,and the 20-30 yr old truck probably needs more attention than the engine lol.there's nothing cheap about an old cheap idi truck.

 

Yeah that van needs more than a tuneup, thats for sure. Anyways, I wasn't trying to bash all IDIs. Just relating the only personal experience I have with one. On the other hand, I've had no major problems with two 460s I have currently ('73 wagon and '89 truck). The 460 in my truck tows with ease, though I have never had occasion to tow more than about 7k.

Back to the poster's original questions though. IMHO it will be very, very hard to find a diesel truck in good condition for under $3,000. Pretty easy for a gas truck.

 

Im in the same boat and I learned alot from this thread. Not really the same boat actually because I don't tow. I just want an older pickup. Found a 94 crew cab dually 460 auto for 4k. Pretty clean inside and out. 121k miles. I reallllllly want a diesel, want a diesel excursion but didnt wanna spend the cash. Ill likely save my diesel purchase for a newer ford truck, for me its easier to finance one than buy an older one and come up with the extra cash.

Plus from reading this thread Id be more interested inthe psd 7.3 rather than the idi.

So with that being said I think ill go check out this 460 tomorrow. Im prepared to make an offer lower than their asking price of 4k. But not sure how low I should go. My budget is pretty much the same as the OP. Around 4k or less. It's pretty clean and its everything I want except diesel. Crew cab dually. I believe its 2wd which is fine because my excursion is 4x4 if I need it.

 

Thanks for your input folks.....

After much consideration, I think I'm going to save some more money and buy something a little newer.

I've always made do with whatever I could get cheap.....

Wife says lets save and get something newer..who am I to argue

Like I said this won't be a daily, but I want something nice, that will last...

I don't have the time, or inclination anymore, to do a rebuild or restore.

I'm now thinking 05 or newer F250/350 SRW Crew Cab 4x4 6-3/4 box, V10, 4.30 gear.

I've seen some of these trucks, in like new condition,loaded, with 50-70k on them for around 15 grand.


In 05 the V10 got a three valve head...362 HP and 457 ft lbs..90% of that 457 ft lbs comming in at at 1600 rpm, the 5 Speed torque shift trans also became standard.

Coil sprigs up front,

Beefed up frame etc...

12,500 tow rating on the hitch on back, and 17,000 on a 5th wheel....

I think a truck like that could last me along time and make me happy.

Its cold here in the winter (about 5months worth). (Think gas)

Gas is also cheaper than diesel here.

For me, in a used truck, I think the 3 valve V10 gas pot, with the torque shift trans, will make more sense for me for reliability, and cost of repairs if needed.... (I think that motor and trans are pretty reliable) Versus buying a used diesel.

Thanks again folks

 

if i were you i would wait for a good deal on a newer used 7.3 or a 6.4 but if you like that v10 then getter-done!

 

My 01 v10 excursion was 8k

 

Excursions never got the 3 valve V10

In 05 the F250/350 got the 3Valve V10 and the 5 Speed torque shift trans