Ok i found this truck on a lot of course. Early 1999 ford f 350 supercab lariat srw, 7.3 auto 80300 miles. Body in great shape, cap, liner , new tires new batteries, warn winch out front all stock. Came from a small local farm looks elderly owned (just picture it). My problem is the truck looks and runs out great but the best price i could get it for is 14,500 plus fees,. I just dont know if i can pull the trigger on a 14 year old truck for that kind of money. I am looking at a 06 ford F350 with the 6.0 regular cab, 8 bed dually auto with 21070 miles on another lot BOTH 4X4 Trucks by the way for 21000 out the door all stock xlt trim? HELP what to do?????????????? I gotta make my mind up ASAP or move on.

 

Well, since you are asking in the 7.3 forum, you're going to get a lot of guys telling you that the 7.3 is hell of a lot better decision than the 6.0. I'm one of those guys. With that said, a bullet proof 6.0 can make a lot of dependable power...

If the 7.3 looks good and runs good and appears to have been taken care of, with only 80K miles on it, I don't think 14,500 is that bad a price. The only thing that would concern me with that price is i'm not sure of the market on the E99s (or for the market in your location, where are you?) They can be converted up to late status fairly easy (kit from riffraff in my sig). Anything with less than 100k is going to be several grand more than one with 180-250.

To give a little perspective, I did a lot of shopping in November and December, and settled on the truck in my sig for 13,300 with 219K. The only difference being crew cab and late truck (year doesn't matter that much for price, it's all mileage).

With a 99, you will have forged connecting rods, which is desirable if you want to go above 400 HP.

Oh, and mileage isn't that crucial. You can find that same truck with 200K on it, in just as good of shape (physically and mechanically), for several grand less. If you want the mileage that low, you have to pay for it.

Good luck

 

Since I am somewhat biased I must RECOMMEND staying with the 7.3. You need to check this truck out and make sure there are no codes nor any other issues that could bite you in the rear. These trucks are typically far better than the 6.0's. The 7.3's definitely command a higher price due to its popularity and dependability.
Good luck partner.

I understand that John Wayne once said that (paraphrased)...."Pilgrim, life is tough.........AND it is even tougher..........if you're STUPID".

Good hunting.

 

Ha, yeah. to put that into perspective, when I totaled my 2003 (with far less than 200k) the insurance company quoted me 14k. I laughed and asked to look at the appraisal documents. They were required by law to look at comparable vehicles of the same model year or newer. Over half of the trucks used in the appraisal were 2003-2004 6.0s. I forced them to hand select individual trucks with the 7.3 engine because the 6.0 wasn't "comparible" to the 7.3. The Appraisal increased to over 17K. Definitely command a higher price.

 

hi

i was thinking of selling my late '99. Its a reg cab but run nice and just got new "sticks" . Its a former Tx truck so no rust. Would be less $$ ...

 

Pick your poison.

The 6.0 doesn't have the best reputation for known reasons. You can spend a few grand getting it to 7.3 reliability with a good transmission that most don't have any problems with the 5r110 I believe it should have if its an automatic.

The 7.3 is normally a stout reliable engine that you shouldn't have to do much to. The 4r100 transmission is junk though. So once again you can spend a few grand and get it up to the 5r110 transmission reliability.

Either way look to spend money on either one of them eventually. Good luck.

EDIT: if your really looking to save some money expand your search a lot farther maybe even to another state. I bought my truck 3 years ago with 89k miles and paid a lot less than what your looking at spending.

 

I wouldn't say that the 4r100 is junk. Atleast behind a stock engine and well maintained. The cooler is lacking a bit, but that's an easy, reletively inexpensive upgrade. It has been shown though, that increased horsepower, heavy loads, and too much heat, can and will wear it out quicker than most people prefer.

Common upgrades to the stock 4r100 are Ford HD4r100, the John woods transmission(for thise in the northwest) and the BTS transmission (for those in the central region).

The stock 5R110 has a much better reputation.

 

A friend of mine just sold his early 99 literally two hours ago for 12k. Crew cab short bed 4x4 with intake and exhaust and 180k on the odometer.

 

That 99 certainly sounds like a good truck. I owned a 6.0 once, and I would not consider owning another one.