So I have started looking at getting one of these beasts and would like some input on some things.

- I am looking at getting one for under $10,000 which for the most part seems to be either the 7.3 diesel or the V10, have only seen 1 5.4L and a hand full of the 6.0 diesels. Seems like I read somewhere that the first year or two of the 6.0 is not one you want to get, is that true? And between the V10 and 7.3 I know about the upkeep difference but have seen things all over the place on MPG, what is realistic on these two both towing and back road 55 mph driving?

- I have seen several of these that say new trans, was there an issue with the early models or is there a particular model year where one is much better than the other?

- I have also seen more than a few of the V10's with around 300K miles on them for under $5,000 if I were to get one of these I would assume that a rebuild would be in order before too long, is that safe to assume and if so what would it cost to get a rebuilt engine to go in it?

This is just what I have come up with so far and as I dig deeper I am sure more questions will pop us so any and all input is appreciated.

Oh and for the time being it would not tow anything but a little down the line would like to get a travel trailer big enough for a family of 5.

thanks

 

Hi Easterland,

I recently bought a used X and have been extremely happy with it. There's a certain comaraderie with X owners, just like there is with boat and motorcycle owners.

I chose the V-10 because I was buying the X to tow the boat. A few friends pull their boats with diesels, but I just had an aversion to pulling the boat for hours on end in diesel exhaust. I've had 300-6, 302-v8, and 5.4L engines in my F150s and all lost steam as they older, making pulling the boat down the highway more irritation than enjoyment. I wouldn't want a 5.4 in an X, especially pulling anything significant.

Anyway the V-10 is absolutely the smoothest motor I've ever owned. It's fantastic. If you're inclined to stay with a gas motor you'll be quite happy with it.

Good Luck!

 

Welcome to the group! You have come to the right place for advice. You should read through the pages of threads to get an idea of what you are getting into. Don't worry, you will pick up on things quickly. And there IS a LOT of info to help you.

Let me start you with some reading from a recent thread about prices, but will also tell you what these guys are getting for the money. Also, notice the locations where they're purchased. Generally a diesel will cost more than a gas engine, and 4x4 is more than 4x2, etc....

Here's the thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...old-price.html

Now, if you're going to tow there are definite advantages to diesels. I would encourage you to get one, but I don't own one so I will let the others who do counsel you about that.

The gas engine is very good, I personally have a V10 and one other guy who is a mechanic has one and he swears by it (and also does a lot of towing). His screen name is 'tdappleman' so watch for his comments. There are others, too though.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress. Feel free to ask us our opinion on any particular vehicle you are looking at. The feedback will be helpful for you. That's what we all are here for....the support of the group.

Sincerely,
Karl.

 

what do you guys think about this one, miles seem really high, which is why i was asking about doing a rebuild:

2002 LIMITED EXCURSION 4X4 V-10(GAS)RUNS GREAT CLEAN TRUCK

let me know what you think

 

You'll need to take a good look underneath for rust, especially near that area of the country where salt is used on the roads.

If you do get it, you may get some more miles out of it depending on how well it was maintained. But, you have to keep in mind that you may need to rebuild the engine and transmission. Front end suspension is another to consider.

 

EDIT: not towing PLOWING...

In that craigslist post, it states used mainly for PLowing.
Thus the trans would have been worked hard.

IT might also have lots of rust.
Don't be in a too much of a hurry.

Also, you'll need to test drive them.
Mileage doesn't equate to driving them.
Wander and poor riding/handling qualities no matter the mileage/price
matter too.

Check out cars.com and autotrader.com for more selection/information.

 

I've been towing boats and RV's for the whole 300k miles I've put on my (2) 7.3 PSD's. Even with chips capable of producing copious amounts of BLACK smoke, I have never seen ANY indication I was towing with a diesel on anything I've ever towed. Granted, the tunes I run when towing seldom produce the black smoke - but a stock truck will not leave any more 'residue' than a gasser.

Personally, I could not live with the dismal MPG's the V10's return - no matter how good of an engine that may be. I believe they are dependable, reliable and qualified to do the job - but 12mpg max is not practical for me. My 7.3 X gets about 18mpg unloaded the way I drive and has seen over 20mpg on many occasions...

I would not consider a 6.0, but mostly because I've learned ALOT about 7.3's and I'm no longer intimidated by them at all. I've had several friends with 6.0's and they ALL had more problems than I could tolerate! Even totally stock trucks that were well maintained and driven accordingly still puked injectors and plugged up EGR coolers, etc - ultimately needing head gaskets. I do believe you can 'fix' most of these problems and MAKE a 6.0 reliable, but ya need to factor in the cost.

The 4R100 trans found in early X's is OK. If you'll monitor trans temps, add a cooler if needed and maintain it right - it can be a very reliable transmission. For $4500, BTS will make it the ULTIMATE RELIABLE transmission. Avoid the 'diode' version found in '01 models (IIRC??). The 5R110 found behind the 6.0's is a great transmission and tows better than a stock 4R100 - especially with its tow/haul mode option.

As far as miles go, there are some inherent issues these trucks have - but they can be checked for or budgeted if ya find a 'good deal'. Others can expand the list, but I'd look at ball joints, suspension/steering components, etc - since these things could tip the scales away from 'good deal'. As long as there is no rust, there is little that cannot be fixed. You want a diesel to start easily when COLD, be smooth and make good power when warm and never 'smoke' under any condition. Check for proper coolant and cooling system maintenance and regular oil changes/proper oil. For the most part, if it meets that criteria I wouldn't worry much about the mileage.

Good luck and enjoy the HUNT! Be sure to let us know what ya find!!!

 

I don't think you'll have too much luck finding a 7.3 for under $10k unless 2WD is OK for you. You don't have a location listed or in your profile, so maybe 2WD is just fine - only you can decide that.

I have 2 7.3PSDs and while I know the V10 is a good engine, I prefer the diesel personally. Figure out your budget for fuel, modifications/repairs, etc. up front and then do the math based upon how you realistically expect to use the rig.

 

My ignorance of all things diesel and one too many horror stories of costly ($3000 and UP) diesel repairs scared me to the V10. Throw in the added cost of buying a diesel, and I figured in my situation that extra cash could buy a lot of gas. That's not a knock on diesel's, seems that those who have them love them. Just didn't fit quite right for me on this truck.

I would suggest getting a southern truck. As previously stated if there is no rust, anything else can be fixed. Might require a road trip or some careful searching, but well worth it in the end since you are looking at a 7-12 year old vehicle. The handful of Ohio trucks I looked at were well on the way to being rust buckets underneath. Mine came from GA, and it's amazing how rust free it is.

 

BTW, I am getting around 13.5 in mostly rural driving. V10, 3.73 gears. Haven't towed with it yet, but I expect dismal then. Then again, anything dragging a 7000lb sail behind it will get dismal mileage.

 

I'm getting around 13.5 highway with my V10, too -- as long as I stay under 70. Then it drops off to 12.5 - 13.0.

Towing takes its toll. 9.5 to 11.

 

On the way back from Alabama to California I got 17-18+MPG depending on the speed we traveled.

I got a 2003 4X4 with the 7.3. But I also tow a race car so that was my main reason for going with the diesel. It sounds like from everyones posts that V10 guys like the V10's and the diesels like the diesels. You probably cant go wrong with either one, both that their pluses and minus'.

 

That says a lot about those two motors. Each has their own fans and those fans are pretty loyal. Not much dissing the other motor, just "I like my motor".

 

I dunno what repairs cost $3000+??? Upgraded injectors - (8) of them are just over $1000 in parts. Upgraded turbo is about $1700. Upgraded HPOP about $600. Those are about the most expensive parts I can think of - and with almost all common tools, you can do any of this yourself. I'm sure the stealership can find $3k every time they open the hood - but thats why we call'em stealers. The 'issues' mentioned are all cheaper than that!

My X was $10,500 in May of '08 - 160k miles. The ONLY engine issues I've had were failed GPCM ($130ish) and recently turbo failure ($500 rebuilt van turbo). I also converted it to run on WVO, so I only start up and shut down on diesel - the rest of the fuel is nearly-free WVO. The X has almost 90k miles now on the high-cholesterol diet!

 

What do you guys think about this one.
Seems to be about the same price as the limited models with leather and power seats but has 20 to 40K less miles on it.

Jim Riehls' Friendly Automotive Group Inventory | Lapeer | Clinton Township | Warren | Michigan | Dodge | Chrysler | Jeep | Cadillac | Honda

Seriously thinking about this one.

thanks,