I have a 97 F350 DRW 4x4 with a 9'utility body it has 85,000 miles See pix.........My problem is that she is starting to rust out the floors are going on the utility the front crossmember on the utility needs replacing thier are a few broken welds in the utility bed and underneath the rocker pannels have rust the bottom of the fenders and the doors whare the mirrors mount are starting to rust.........I was thinking about a new truck I was thinking about another F350 or maby a dodge 3500 or the other day I saw a STERLING 4500 (MADE BY DODGE) but i was also concidering a new body fenders and doors and rockers (my floors are good) add a new paint job I should be around 5-6 Grand and drive it for another 5 years what do you think ..............
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At 85K you are barely broke in. If it is mechanically sound and you can afford to get rid of the cancer that may be your best bet. Does it have to remain a utility bed? Could it be converted to a P/U? Would that be a better choice for you?

That really is a tough call. You don't indicate how long you have owned this truck but you did say "Or drive it for another 5 years."

I'm sure you will be hearing from the Guru's and their advice is generally pretty sound unless they have a burr under their saddle.

I wish you luck in your decision.

Rog

 

What the heck is p/u?

 

p/u = Pickup.

Have you seen the cost of a new truck, lately? If the mechanicals are good, I'd bet you could replace the entire body and bed for less than the cost of a new truck AND get more than five years use.

I have about 128K miles on my '97. Click on the links in my signature to see pictures of her.

 

Yes It has to stay a utility I'm a heavy equptment operator and mechanic so it is my work truck........Yes it runs great....I know what a new one would cost by the time i'm doon with it about 50 Grand but I keep my trucks for a long time I bought this one in 99...maby i should just price what fenders,doors,radaitor support, rocker pannels,utility body,paint,a spray in linner,and signs and pinstripes......than i'll have a better picture of what im up against....I realy do'nt want another payment...within the last year and half we bought a new car,boat,RV......so a forth payment might make me go from homicidal to suicidal

 

Looks like you have done a lot of work already to the old girl. Keep her. Get the cab and fender work done, repaint and throw on a new service body as a reward.

 

fix it or part it out.

 

I vote to fix it. Depending on how the utility body is built it might be fixable but it depends on how heavy gauge the steel is and whether the doors and what not are rusting out. But what do I know, I might have a burr under my saddle!

 

I vote fix it. I'm sorry that I don't have any burr's for you. I went to the burr store the other day to restock but they were sold out. Seems that someones hogging all of the burr's.

 

Maybe I meant BEER!! not burr.

Rog

 

I figured thats what you meant. I don't drink beer but I'll take a Mountain Dew!!

 

I'll take a Sweet Tea, please.

 

Well I went to the dealer today and drove a 08 F350 XLT with a 9' utility body It was nice I also was told i could order a c&c with the lariat option I didnt think that was availble.... tha unet i drove was only a single altonater, no plow prep, no skid plates, no block heater, one fuel tank, and a bench seat(vinal).....I bet hwo ever orderd that unit got fired.....I got the book and this weekend i will try to put together a truck and get pricing....I wonder if i can get a ambulance package and what does it include.......

 

I see. You want us to talk you into a new truck. Sorry, not here. Old Iron Rules!

 

NOOOO way. Sell it, you can never get rid of rust, takes about a million dollars. Sell your truck to me. I have a idea for it......>LOL