Hey Guys,

I'm considering buying a 95-97 F250 CREW and wanted some feedback from you guys as to whether I was nuts for going this route. Basically I'm looking for a reasonable cost 4-door truck, so I can go older (95-97) or pay a lot more and go newer (2004-2005 F150).

What are your thoughts on the life of a 7.3? If for some reason the 7.3 needed to be rebuilt, what's the average cost for this?

Mind you, I wouldn't consider buying an 95-97 unless it was very well taken care of.

Thoushts?

CMOS

 

The 7.3 is a very proven motor when properly taken care of with oil changes and the like. even trucks with 250K miles will still have a lot of life left in them. They are costly to rebuild, but shouldn't need it unless they have been really neglected.

 

Like superduty said, I know of two 95-96's that have over 500,000 miles on them with no major problems (just common things water pumps, power steering, etc.) I have 210,000+ on mine and no problems. I would buy the 95-97 before I bought a newer one with a big payment. Just my .02.

 

These trucks and engine are great! No reason not to buy on as long as it has been taken care of. high miles aren't a great concern as long as maintence has been done all long. Rebuild costs for the engine depends on whether you do the work or somebody else does the work. Rebuild kits with pistons, oil pump and all other bearings, rings, ans gaskets are about $950 then any machine work. You would have between $1000 (hone and go) -$2000 (bore the cylinders and head refresh w/labor) If some body else has to pull the motor and do the work you could be looking at another $1000-1500.

But as stated many of these engines don't need rebuilding for a long time

 

I wouldnt say you're nuts at all...

in fact, i just bought one. its a 96, and it was taken care of better than any other truck i've ever seen. it starts, runs and shuts down better than most of the 01's or 02's i was testing. it has 260k miles on it, still has all the power, comfort, towing capability... you get my point. just make sure you get one that has been well taken care of.

Dan

 

I'll keep my eyes open but it is unlikely that I'll find one that has been well taken care of.

CMOS

 

1995 F-350 PSD, CC, SRW, 330K miles, regular maintenance, 18 - 20mpg on the hwy, 14 - 16mpg in the city. Daily driver. Nuff' said.
Craig

 

CMOS:
There is a great buy on E-bay 38K in Texas. Look it up

Rog

 

If your handy with wrenches and want to have some fun get one! Had an '87 2 door and went to a '96 4 door. love 'em. I just worked thru some issues with mine. These guys will help you solve almost any problem that comes up if you've got the sticktoitiveness. Keep an eye on tranny service if it's an auto. I opted for a manual to dodge that bullet. They go a long time if the engine oil is kept clean and full.

 

A CREW Cab?


CMOS

 

I am planning on something near that year in a crew cab when I finally need a new truck. Right now I am have a 97 ext cab that just turned over 189K and still running strong. I bought it w/ 9000 miles on it in 1997. I towed a 87 ext cab w/ 6.9 this past weekend to Camp Lejune NC from Augusta Ga and averaged better than 14.5 mpg. I figure that was close to 13000-14000 lbs total including my truck.

If you find a clean one jump on it, sure bets 500.00 a month for a new one.

 

For those who responded with a positive answer, do you have manual transmissions?...if so, OEM clutch and dual mass flywheel?

Thanks,

salty.

 

Having a auto trans would not be a deal breaker!
The old get them while you can.

Bill

 

DITTO what he said but I have a manual in mine. Don't know about the clutch (except that it was replaced by the previous owner) or flywheel

 

I have an auto, the guy before me rebuilt it at 220K miles, shifts very well, strong over all... actually i should say he had it rebuilt.
you should be able to find a good one for 7-8k i would expect.