I'm a new user, my old 1992 Chevy 1500 with a 350 is burning about 1 quart of oil every 100 miles, and I feel it is time for a 'new' truck.

Years ago, before I got the 350, I was originally looking at the 7.3's, but it just didn't happen.
I ran across a 1999 F250 with 300k miles on the clock. I drove it around a bit, it sounds strong, I don't see any smoke, pulls well, and is overall very clean.
The lot power washed the engine bay it looks like though, it has some dirt in it, but its just unusually clean for having 300k miles (though, it could have just been maintained very nice). So I can't see any signs of leaks.
One thing I did notice was very hard steering, and when we got back to the lot, I check the PS fluid, and it didn't even register on the stick, of course the dealer said they just missed that
They have it listed at $7,995, and aren't being very flexible despite my concerns with the mileage and power steering issue.
I have a VW TDI, and love diesel characteristics, so I'm leaning towards a 7.3 or Cummins (this is FTE, but I see the value in all brands!).
I only tow a 19 foot fiberglass boat, the 7.3 won't even notice it back there most likely, so I won't be doing heavy-duty with this truck.

Just trying to get feelers for what people feel about the power steering issue and mileage, if its still a good deal, or if I should keep looking at other 7.3s

Thanks!

*Edit
Link to car ad:
http://clients.automanager.com/00270...oor+truck.html

 

In my opinion, $8k is a little steep for a truck with 300k miles but not absurd. I would imagine the dealer did pressure wash the engine bay, its a common practice. As long as they didn't let any water get into the intake it should be fine. It's good to keep these engine bays clean because it helps identify leaky o-rings which are often an issue. Don't let them put power steering fluid in the PS tank. Our trucks use ATF for the power steering. The steering in these trucks tends to be a little harder than a half-ton, so without trying it myself I can only say it may be normal. $8k is not a bad price, if the truck otherwise looks well taken care of.

 

got any pics?

 

In my opinion 8k seems high as well. But...if I ever sell my truck I would hope for that, I would have doubled my money, and I'm at 277k miles! Depending on your area it may be an ok price for a well maintained rig.

I never notice the hard steering even with 35's but the girlfriend always says it's hard to turn compared to her prius lol. I personally think she presses the brakes harder than I do, and on these trucks they use the same PS pump.

If they will let you, check out some of things mentioned in this thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html

And I don't know if all the vehicles I've ever owned were slugs or not, but I've noticed any trailer I've ever had behind me. I really never understand the "don't even know it's back there" statements from anyone.

 

Rob, look at the link at the bottom of his post. The site's not blocked here at Udairi, surely you can open at Ali.

 

Thanks Bob, I didnt even see that link.

 

The PS was more than just tough, at a stop, i could only get the wheel about 1/8 of a turn, and it'd just groan, then snap back when I let go. Under power, the steering felt better, but it was jittery/notchy. The fluid wasn't registering on the stick, so hopefully it was just that.
I'm not familiar with the PS pump/brake pressure on this motor, but I'll read up to see if it is an easy fix (I see the PS pump is only ~$130, not bad)

 

Hey Bob, do you have the same sand storm that we have right now?

 

YES! I hate these things.

 

System on these trucks use hydroboost, meaning hydraulic pressure is used to intensify the pressure applied to the master cylinder giving you "power brakes".

If you buy the truck I would try flushing the PS pump first with good synthetic ATF. Ford Super Duty Power Steering Flush | Superdutypsd.com

 

$8k kinda pricey. but she looks good from the photo.

when ever i hear bout mileage-i have a buddy with 420k on his 97 pstroke

another who has 300k on his 00 f250. 3rd tranny. he drives it like he stole it.

when i tow my little ****** jeep, i sometimes forget she's back there

i remember every $ when ever i fill my 105 gallon aux tank

kurt

 

I bought the truck, Got off the lot with what I believe was a fair price (not $8k).

It drives well, added some ATF to the power steering, and the groan and stiffness is resolved for now.

In better light, I found some oil leaking down the back of the motor, but it doesn't seem like very much.
Sounds like it could be the oil cooler assembly, which could be trouble

Fairly happy with the purchase so far, should have no problem towing my boat this summer

 

Congratz on your purchase. Stick around and these guys and gals will help you through any issue that may arise with your 7.3. ( I know 1st hand already)

PS- Be Very watchful of the PMS it will hit you when you least expect it LOL .

To be nice- PMS= Power Stroke Modification syndrome

 

The oil cooler is on the drivers of the block. Check your EBP pedestol that your turbo is mounted on. Those are notorius for leaking. Also look around in the valley for any oil, it could also becoming from the HPOP. There is a small drain hole in the very back of the valley where the oil will drain from that can give false indications of something else leaking. If the eng is dirty then give it a good degreaser bath and then start looking for your leaks.