I just posted a few days ago about buying a used F-350 DRW and have been really looking for a 2008 with the 6.4. I just came across a sweet 2003 F-350 7.3 today by chance. It is a very clean babied truck, DRW,FX4,Lariat, 1 owner, 73K certified miles! It just got traded in at a local Ford dealership and we are going to look at it in the morning. The salesman says it's immaculate in and out just like the pics I saw. It had a sprayed in liner, never has been cut out for a 5th wheel hitch yet. He checked for me and it has a 4:10 axle ratio. I asked if I could get an OASIS report tomorrow and he said absolutely yes. I can save a ton of money buying this one compared to an '08 or '09. I am only considering it because of the 7.3. What else can you guys tell me about the '3 on question? What should I check tomorrow when we look at it? I think it would serve us just as good as the '08 would since it won't be a daily driver and just used to pull our camper.
Read that over, it's a very good buyer's guide. Also come check out the 99-03 7.3L forum for a bunch more info.
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Chase
1999 F250 PSD CC SB 4x4 - his
2000 Explorer XLT 4x4 - hers
PAA Member #2 God speed Markadeck, you will be missed ThumperTalk / All Things Moto! / SnoWest / SAWS / BRC
I've been really happy with my 7.3 lariat, and kinda wish it were the Fx4. Is the seller asking a reasonable price? (With all the new EPA stuff, I'd actually take a good condition 7.3 over any of the newer ones. (less to go wrong, no head gasket issues, I don't have to get it smogged here in CA, easier to modify for added power, etc) The only arguments I can think of in favor of the newer trucks are aesthetic - although a lot of the cosmetic parts and interior parts are interchangeable. Even the a small difference in power can be made up with mods that cost less than the difference to buy the new truck. (You'll get more out of an intake, exhaust and tuner on a 7.3 than you will on the other trucks.)
The most common issue I know of are the ball joints and tie rod ends - considered normal wear. (I finally did mine at 130,000 miles with new ball joints that have greasable fittings - so should be good for another 130k.) These would be pretty obvious as play in the steering - but not something I would consider a deal breaker by any means, since it's considered normal wear.
At 70k miles, it sounds like the one you're looking at is just getting broken in.
Edit: It did occur to me that the 08 had a few pleasant features like the avail brake controller and power folding mirrors as options - but I can't imagine a truck like the one you're looking at wouldn't already have a brake controller installed and the mirrors are interchangeable. :-) Since I'm sure someone will come along to point this out.
Definitely check out the suggested reading in the post before this one - it's good to get to know as much as you can. It's also a good idea to get a reputable mechanic to check it out. Some will do it free of charge.
Keep in mind, these are personal opinions - but if something happened to my truck tomorrow... I'd be looking for another good condition 7.3.
If you get a chance - we'd love to see a couple pictures of the truck you're looking at.
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RoB
F250 2WD Crew w/ bigger torque converter, ISSpro guages
Currently working on: 6637 intake, MBRP 4" exhaust, Riffraff High Pressure Crossover, Garrett Power Max BB turbo, Stage 2 Single Shot Injectors, BP tuner... and new cup holders. Thanks to Clay at Riffraff.
Read the article linked above as to what to look for. As for the salesmans statement as to the condition of the vehicle, trust him as far as you can throw him.
The 08 - 09 will have more creature comforts, but the 7.3 may serve you better. The newer 6.4 has things like an EGR and all sorts of other emissions related stuff that might not do so well sitting in the driveway too much. Since you're not looking for a daily driver, the fewer emission component laden motor might be beneficial.
With an older truck, some issues should be expected, but the 7.3 is much easier to work on and change the typical o-ring issues than it is to even change the serpentine belt on a 6.4.
We have a diesel section with both a place for the 6.4 and the 7.3. Do some reading in both areas and maybe you'll get a better idea of which direction to go. Having to remove the cab off the truck to do most work to a 6.4 motor scares me.
I have a 2003 F-350 Lariat Crew cab with the 7.3 also. Very STRONG truck. I work at a rv dealership and our lot trucks are Ford gas engines and 1 Chevy diesel. I choose my truck for towing travel trailers over the company trucks. Everything is stock on my truck, no add ons. I had to regrade my back yard for proper drainage and had to remove 7 honey suckle trees. I tried to dig with a shovel for about 10 minutes and said "forget this". I hooked a log chain to the truck and to the trees and popped it into 4 wheel drive. The power was great and the neighbors had a great show! I have some front end issues at the moment but that will be fixed soon.
The 7.3 is a great engine! Good Luck on your hunt for a good truck!
I just posted a few days ago about buying a used F-350 DRW and have been really looking for a 2008 with the 6.4. I just came across a sweet 2003 F-350 7.3 today by chance. It is a very clean babied truck, DRW,FX4,Lariat, 1 owner, 73K certified miles! It just got traded in at a local Ford dealership and we are going to look at it in the morning. The salesman says it's immaculate in and out just like the pics I saw. It had a sprayed in liner, never has been cut out for a 5th wheel hitch yet. He checked for me and it has a 4:10 axle ratio. I asked if I could get an OASIS report tomorrow and he said absolutely yes. I can save a ton of money buying this one compared to an '08 or '09. I am only considering it because of the 7.3. What else can you guys tell me about the '3 on question? What should I check tomorrow when we look at it? I think it would serve us just as good as the '08 would since it won't be a daily driver and just used to pull our camper.
Michael
Just buy it. Ask no more questions, and buy it.
__________________ 2002 F-250 - V10, Crew Cab, Short Bed, Lariat 4x4 aka My Lovely Big Girl.
Click HERE for my full review w/ pictures of the Banks Powerpack Exhaust System.
You haven't bought it yet? The most expensive issues I know of on the 7.3L trucks is the automatic transmission is weaker than the newer Torqueshift automatics. If you do you maintenance and install a 6.0L PSD oil cooler and don't over heat it, it's a good tranny. And for the money you'll save over a newer 6.4L you can buy a lot of transmissions. If the OASIS is clean buy it. I doubt you regret it.
I bought a used F250 7.3 last year. Very satisfied. I would suggest that you get all the fluids changed in the deal, unless they were the servicing dealer and can produce the service logs. Jim
Just got back and wish I could say I had a new truck. The salesman lied about it in his ad and on the phone to me. We drove 1 hour and pulled in and there it was! I was excited because it was a very nice well taken care of truck. It was like brand new inside and out. I knew this truck was going home with me. I popped the hood and my heart sank and I told the guy that we have a big problem here. I said this is NOT a 7.3L! He looked confused and I showed him the VIN code and other obvious differences. He then tried to convince me that it was just as good and he could sell me a warranty also. My wife and I said we were done and left. So I'm back to truck hunting once again.
DANG!!! That really stinks!! But, there still are quite a few deals out there, and even a few 7.3s I'm sure. Maybe not with only 73k on the clocks, but my 99 is at 167k and is going strong.
__________________ Brendan
1999 F250 CC SB 4x4 7.3 PSD named "Nyx"
BTS VB;6637;A-pillar (pyro, boost, trans temp);XM radio;Alpine CDA-9831 w/RCA inputs;Leveling kit;Adrenaline HPOP;UnderCover tonneau cover;05 headlights
Just got back and wish I could say I had a new truck. The salesman lied about it in his ad and on the phone to me. We drove 1 hour and pulled in and there it was! I was excited because it was a very nice well taken care of truck. It was like brand new inside and out. I knew this truck was going home with me. I popped the hood and my heart sank and I told the guy that we have a big problem here. I said this is NOT a 7.3L! He looked confused and I showed him the VIN code and other obvious differences. He then tried to convince me that it was just as good and he could sell me a warranty also. My wife and I said we were done and left. So I'm back to truck hunting once again.
Michael
Really suck when a salesman cant tell the difference between a 6.0 and a 7.3
Sorry to hear that - nothing more disappointing than someone wasting your time because they're an idiot. Good luck in your search.
__________________
RoB
F250 2WD Crew w/ bigger torque converter, ISSpro guages
Currently working on: 6637 intake, MBRP 4" exhaust, Riffraff High Pressure Crossover, Garrett Power Max BB turbo, Stage 2 Single Shot Injectors, BP tuner... and new cup holders. Thanks to Clay at Riffraff.
Just got back and wish I could say I had a new truck. The salesman lied about it in his ad and on the phone to me. We drove 1 hour and pulled in and there it was! I was excited because it was a very nice well taken care of truck. It was like brand new inside and out. I knew this truck was going home with me. I popped the hood and my heart sank and I told the guy that we have a big problem here. I said this is NOT a 7.3L! He looked confused and I showed him the VIN code and other obvious differences. He then tried to convince me that it was just as good and he could sell me a warranty also. My wife and I said we were done and left. So I'm back to truck hunting once again.
Michael
What engine was it then?
__________________ 2002 F-250 - V10, Crew Cab, Short Bed, Lariat 4x4 aka My Lovely Big Girl.
Click HERE for my full review w/ pictures of the Banks Powerpack Exhaust System.
Yeah, some salesmen are crap. I was test driving a suburu many years ago, and the salesmen tried to tell me how they raced them in Sewden where they were built. Now I do my own homework and quit listening to the sales guy.
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They told me it's not rocket surgery!
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Thanks to Clay at Riffraff.
