Hey guys,

I am new here and am in the market for a 1999-2003 f250. I have some time to do some research before I pick up a f250.

I have in the past bought a vehicle and then joined a forum and found out all of the things I should have known before I bought the vehicle, so this time I am doing it right.

As of now I am eyeing up a few f250s. I am looking mostly at 250's although I don't actually need a 250 at this time I will likely need one in the not too distant future so I would like to just start with one.

I was thinking a f250 extended cab long box 4x4 but if I find a nice 2wd one I would go for that too. I live in Canada and I like to ride my motorcycle and that just can't happen in the winter so my girlfriend and I were talking and we think it would be nice to just toss them in the bed and drive to the states and spend a week riding around in the colder months.

In addition I will be needing to do some towing probably in two years. Just and car and a trailer, something a 1500 could probably do but really with it comes to towing I would rather have a better platform to start from.

Naturally I do like diesels but I can't justify the price of one so I will be going with gas. Is there anything I should be concerned about with the 5.4.

Next up is the transmission, is there anything I should be aware of, prone to failures?

Lastly I am wondering if you guys can point out any things I should look for or be aware of when purchasing a f250. Weak points, f250 specific signs of neglect? Also what are some general maintenance things that would probably need to be done? I'll probably be looking at f250 in the mileage range of 150,000mi/240,000km

I suppose it is worth mentioning that I have no intentions of lifting the truck or doing any sort of performance modifications. I really just want this for hauling my car, motorcycle and any materials I need for renovations around.

 

dont bother with a 5.4 engine. especially if your towing. both the 5.4 and the 6.8 in these years are known for spitting spark plugs. I believe if the person who puts new plugs in know what they are doing and torque them right, this isn't a major issue. Also there is a issue with the timing chain tension failing and/or timing chain guides breaking. this will cause the chain to become loose and the chain will slap the engine cover and eventually wear a hole in the front cover. i am currently dealing with this on my 5.4 with only 94000 miles . in these trucks the later 03 they put the 6.0 diesel in . they also have major problems but again with the right mechanic can be worked thru. I would shoot for a 6.8 v10 or a 7.3 diesel. thats my two cents

 

The jump in price from a 5.4 to a diesel is more than I want to spend. The amount of towing I will need to do is minimal. Also this will not be my primary vehicle.
Lastly I am pretty mechanically handy. Did three years of mechanics in high school and I have been working on my own cars for the last 8 years. Done a few full engine rebuilds and a lot of head gaskets. So I am assuming that with a manual and some spare time I should be able to work through these issues.....hopefully.

The way I see it is a diesel is much more than I need. But if I do run across a 7.3 at a good price, I would jump on that in a heartbeat.

 

If you can swing it, look at the same configuration in the 05-07 years. The 5.4 with 3v per cyl. Once you get the plugs done your good. What bikes do you plan on tossing in the back? If they aren't smaller endure or dirt bikes you might want to trailer them. It becomes a PIA to keep running them up, lashing them down, ramps etc. (I know). Yes on the the long bed.

 

I am open to newer years to, but I really just want to keep costs low.
I don't mind pushing them up and down the ramps. I would rather deal with that instead of parking a truck and trailer at a hotel.

Theses are the bikes.

 

if your mechanically inclined , that will help. The trucks in these years aren't horrible, all manufactures have there issues.
If your gonna stay in this year range, i would find the v10. Or the 3v 5.4 for later years.

 

Nice, I like her,I mean them.lol deff go with the long bed. I had three trucks in those years,99-03. The only problem was manifold studs on my 03. Good luck.

 

OK so I have looked at a few 05's. Are there any problematic areas I should be aware of?

 

Not sure if all the SD's in 03' got the newer trans but believe 04'+ did it has less failure rates than the earlier models at least behind the diesels. The ride and turning radius is a little better as in 05' ford went to coil springs up front. A integrated trailer brake controller was offered. I like the dash better in the 05'+ and the front end looks nicer to me. Either years with 150k you will want to ask and check the front end around that mileage it may be needing ball joints tie rods and wheel bearing nothin terribly hard but if you can score a truck that's solid it's a plus. Some of the later 5.4 had cam phaser problems I've never owned one so I am not sure how serious or what exact years that was a problem.