I just bought a 2001 Stroker today. It is a regular cab srw. It is my first diesel truck and I am just wondering what I should go over and check out before I start driving it regularly. It has a service body on it currently but I am going back to and 8 foot bed. Anything I should check out that usually goes bad on these trucks. Its a manual trans and the truck has a little over 100k on it. How much would a reading service body go for and how much would a used bed cost?

 

Congrats on your new truck. Reading is a pretty good bed, but it all depends on the condition of it. You could always run an ad on craigslist looking for an even swap. Maybe someone with a bed is looking for a service body.

Engine oil is the lifeblood of these motors and the fuel injectors. The first thing you should do is change the oil and filter. Then for good measure I'd change the fuel and air filter too just so you have a good starting point. Also go ahead and change the tranny fluid (it takes ATF) and flush the power steering fluid (it also takes ATF). Ford Super Duty Power Steering Flush | Superdutypsd.com

Then I'd check the 6 rubber boots on the intercooler plumbing to make sure none of them are loose. The orange boot below the turbo on the passenger side always seems to be the one with the loose clamps.

 

I agree fuilds FIRST !! Then check safety issues: ball joints, tie rod ends, u joints, brakes and make sure all lights work.

 

The cost (and availability) of a used bed depends greatly on whether you live in the rust belt. Check Craigslist for the value of your service body and for beds. As for the rest of the truck, assume that no maintenance has ever been done, and change all the filters, the rear diff oil, and the transmission (manual) fluid. Pull the clutch cover (if it has one) and check clutch lining thickness. Drain the fuel bowl when you replace the fuel filter.

 

Today, I got the oil and oil filter changed, transmission flushed, both diffs flushed, brakes checked, k&n recharged, battery tested, power steering topped off, brake fluid topped off, and antifreeze topped off.

 

Next thing is to get rid of the K&N. Not real well like around here.

 

Like Barry said about the K&N...They have been know to dust turbos.
Check this out....We can help you service this truck.Just ask.

Riffraff Diesel: RDP 6637 Filter Kit

 

HI, and please forgive me for hijacking this thread but it is along the same lines. I am also new to diesels, and just did first oil change. I used Rotella T syn, and paid 100 bucks for the oil. If it is necessary, so be it. But, is it? I know there is also regular Rotella T about half the price. I am planning on change intervals 5k, but coming from a gas background really feel nervous going longer. Used 15-40wt. Motorcraft filter.
Thanks.
trekbasso.

 

I'm still getting my Rotella Syn from Walmart for about 20 bucks and yes, I think it is well worth it. The cold weather starts is enough to convince me. I'm going about 6500-7000 between changes.

 

What part of the country are you in? The folks up North really like the synthetic for the cold weather. Some even switch back to regular oil for the summer and only run synthetic in the winter months. The good news is it won't hurt anything switching from regular to synthetic. I'd suggest you try regular 15w-40 next time and judge for yourself which one your truck seems to like better.

I run regular in mine.

 

Thanks. I am in Houston for a home, but will be heading to Colorado this summer and fall, with a 30' 5th wheel trailer. With people getting thier oil tested ??? Might stick with syn. just to be sure, but darn it hurts.
191k on it, but we have had it less than one month. I have 302k on my Honda Accord, but I have owned since new and kept oil changed 2500-3k.
But 4 qts vs 4 gallons!!