I just picked up a used F350, 1997 with a 7.3 diesel in it. seems to run alright except the previous owned cut the muffler off. What do I need to look for/at on this rig? Can I put an aftermarket muffler on it? should be cheaper than an OEM one. Doesn't leak any oil that I can see. Is is worth changing out the intake or putting some kind of programmer in it>? thanks

 

How many miles does it have on it? Auto or Manual? I would do the usual fluid changes since you just bought it, and check for rust on the core support, wheel wells and rear spring hangers. besides those things I would just drive it and enjoy.

You can put any muffler you want on there, the stock exhaust is 3.5" or you could look into MBRP, etc...... If it is a straight piped exhaust and you like the sound, I would not worry about it.

An intake is fine but many people would reccomend getting some gauges before you get a programmer.

 

It has 175,000 miles, is an automatic. Did the fluids and I don't think they have been done for a long time. Had the tranny checked and they report it in good shape. It was used as a plow truck and I have found a fairly competent frame repair about 1/2 way down on both sides adjacent to the fuel tank. Without taking the tank out I can not see exactly how cracked it was.