1997 7.3 with 232.000 miles. Changed front brake pads at 221.000 miles and the rotors are still in good shape, changed rear last week at 232.000 miles and the drums are still good and the shoes were not that bad. Changed the turbo at 230.000 miles. Two front ends (tie rods and drag links, ball joints. Both gas tanks rusted through. Had the roof re-painted due to rust. Both wheel wells rusted through above wheels. Both front shock mounts broke when it was fairly new. 1 new starter. The trans in going although it would go into a limp mode for the past 140.000 miles in which I would just re-set the computer and it runs good again. Both auto hubs went and re-placed with manuals. 1 fuel filter assembly. New exaust system. Goes through shocks quickly. 5 sets of tires. The transmission and Turbo went before my rear brake shoes went, Ask me if I will buy another Ford truck ? Oh I forgot one, the front drive shaft coming out of the transfer case has a bunch of slop in it (bearing) and I do not use 4 wheel drive but maybe 4 or 5 times a year.
1997 7.3 with 232.000 miles. Changed front brake pads at 221.000 miles and the rotors are still in good shape, changed rear last week at 232.000 miles and the drums are still good and the shoes were not that bad. Changed the turbo at 230.000 miles. Two front ends (tie rods and drag links, ball joints. Both gas tanks rusted through. Had the roof re-painted due to rust. Both wheel wells rusted through above wheels. Both front shock mounts broke when it was fairly new. 1 new starter. The trans in going although it would go into a limp mode for the past 140.000 miles in which I would just re-set the computer and it runs good again. Both auto hubs went and re-placed with manuals. 1 fuel filter assembly. New exaust system. Goes through shocks quickly. 5 sets of tires. The transmission and Turbo went before my rear brake shoes went, Ask me if I will buy another Ford truck ? Oh I forgot one, the front drive shaft coming out of the transfer case has a bunch of slop in it (bearing) and I do not use 4 wheel drive but maybe 4 or 5 times a year.
did you buy that truck new? if not the PO beat the daylights out of it.
Yes I did buy it new and I pull a boat and pickup camper, Motorcycles, trailers and drive all over Michigan. I did not beat the crap out of it, in fact besides a few rust spots the truck still looks great. I am 50 yrs old and have been through allot of trucks in my life so just say I have learned my lessons with my previous trucks. The problem is that I live and travel on dirt roads every day and they can take there toll on any vehicle. I do not park in a garage and I do not drive around the city. Matter of fact I can not wash it from December to the end of April because it is useless, i would be at the car wash every day. Every spring I cleaned every inch of the truck. The truck has been taken care of the entire 232.000 miles. It has had lots of problems and judging from this web site so have allot of other Ford truck owners.
1997 7.3 with 232.000 miles. Changed front brake pads at 221.000 miles and the rotors are still in good shape, changed rear last week at 232.000 miles and the drums are still good and the shoes were not that bad. Changed the turbo at 230.000 miles. Two front ends (tie rods and drag links, ball joints. Both gas tanks rusted through. Had the roof re-painted due to rust. Both wheel wells rusted through above wheels. Both front shock mounts broke when it was fairly new. 1 new starter. The trans in going although it would go into a limp mode for the past 140.000 miles in which I would just re-set the computer and it runs good again. Both auto hubs went and re-placed with manuals. 1 fuel filter assembly. New exaust system. Goes through shocks quickly. 5 sets of tires. The transmission and Turbo went before my rear brake shoes went, Ask me if I will buy another Ford truck ? Oh I forgot one, the front drive shaft coming out of the transfer case has a bunch of slop in it (bearing) and I do not use 4 wheel drive but maybe 4 or 5 times a year.
Hey man, considering the mileage that doesn't really sound that bad!!! So no major engine problems? (other than the turbo?) I'd say you got a solid truck there. All the other stuff you mentioned will wear and break eventually. Have you been happy with it? Will you buy another Ford someday?
I love Ford trucks, they have been the only truck I have ever owned. Like I said things started breaking within the first 60.000 miles. Some of the things the Ford dealer has done make me want to try a different brand next time. Last August they installed an exaust system and beat the crap out of the downpipe, they just re-placed the cam sensor on a recall and did their 50 pt inspection and told me the back brakes were good, how did they know that without pulling the drums, they changed the entire fuel filter bowl for a simple problem. But the biggest complaint I have is the transmission, It has been acting up for 130 000 miles and of course Ford told me they had to pull it for $2500.00 to solve the problem. Thanks for letting me vent.
I love Ford trucks, they have been the only truck I have ever owned. Like I said things started breaking within the first 60.000 miles. Some of the things the Ford dealer has done make me want to try a different brand next time. Last August they installed an exaust system and beat the crap out of the downpipe, they just re-placed the cam sensor on a recall and did their 50 pt inspection and told me the back brakes were good, how did they know that without pulling the drums, they changed the entire fuel filter bowl for a simple problem. But the biggest complaint I have is the transmission, It has been acting up for 130 000 miles and of course Ford told me they had to pull it for $2500.00 to solve the problem. Thanks for letting me vent.
Hey everyone needs to vent now and then!
So it almost sounds like 2 things are going on here, some issues with the truck early in life, and the Ford dealer not really doing an adequate job working on your rig. I've never been a fan of ford's repair department, although it seems to be a roll of the dice! There are a few X-ford techs floating around on the boards here who I would have no problem wrenchin on my truck. Some of the Techs however may not be as educated as well (I'll put it nicely I guess...). As for the trans, the E40D is comparable to a Box full of gravel. The 4R100 isn't anything to write home about either. Thats was Ford's one BIG hickup in these trucks is putting a slush box trans behind a powerful engine. Well I'm glad that your still a ford guy for now. Good luck with the truck!
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). As for the trans, the E40D is comparable to a Box full of gravel. The 4R100 isn't anything to write home about either. Thats was Ford's one BIG hickup in these trucks is putting a slush box trans behind a powerful engine. Well I'm glad that your still a ford guy for now. Good luck with the truck! 
