I am looking at a 2000 7.3. Told it has the following issues.
1-Autolock hubs don't work.(Are there manual locks on these? Solenoid bad?)
2-Front axle seal leak
3-Fuel leak at drain(??)
4-Swaybar link knocking in front end(?? Bushings??)

What do I HAVE to fix and how much would it cost? Could I do any of these my self?
Thanks for the help ahead of time.

 

Any of that you might fix if you are mechanically inclined.

The swaybar is perhaps the easiest to verify and fix yourself. New bushings should run around $20 or so in parts and should take minimum amount of time for any shop to do(figure whatever their minimum labor charge).

The front axle seal is likely the most mechanically involved since you'll have to remove the axle to replace the seal. If you're not able to tackle this you're likely going to pay for around 2hrs labor cost. Your local dealer can give you an upfront estimate on that cost btw.

The fuel leak at the drain may be simple or it may be complicated. If something has come loose then just tightening may be in order, but if the rail has cracked then replacement of it is necessary. Again, something you may or may not be able to do depending on skill, tools, etc.

The Autolock hub issue could be simple as a fuse, or weak signal/vaccum, or as complex as actuator failure. Paying someone to track it down you're going to get charged a minimum of 1hr labor I expect and probably more like 2hrs(more if issue is greater of course) unless they are honest and it is a quick fix.

In my opinion cost wise paying to have all the work done by reputable shop might be $600-1000avg depending on how quick the fixes and reasonable the shop. Some areas might be higher than this but not likely lower.

 

1. As long as the manual hub locks, work, you don't HAVE to fix the ESOF (auto-lock).
2. You will want to get that fixed pretty quick.
3. Huh?
4. Annoying, but not dangerous if not fixed. Eventually though, depending on exactly what is wrong with it, it may wallow out its mount which would make for an expensive repair.

As far as doing things yourself, all of this stuff can be done in a home garage/driveway by someone with tools, knowledge, and time.

Remember though, maintenance is ALWAYS cheaper than repair.

 

3. Fuel leak at drain.... he's got a diesel. They have a drain for water in fuel unlike the v10.

 

Paul- is that the drain that they are talking about? If so I just have to replace that plug.

 

It may be that simple or it could be this drain. In either case, not complex or expensive to fix.


There are tons of threads in the Ford Trucks forums for the diesels on this issue. I'm sure some of the diesel guys will chime in soon.

 

Is it possible that it could not have manual locking hubs with the autolock hubs?

 

No, the manual hubs will be there. Just turn them to the locked position and then you can turn 4x4 on in the cab when needed if the ESOF system isn't working. Like Ben said, you don't need to fix this if you don't want to. Some people run them locked all winter.

 

Ooh, the fuel-water separator.

 

So what could I expect to pay total for a front axle seal?

 

Are you doing the work yourself or having a shop do it? If doing it yourself, look up the parts on RockAuto.com.


If having a shop do it, call around and get estimates.

 

$500-1000, depending on other needed fixes they find while disassembled.
A good chance to check other front end components for wear.
You're doing just one side or both?

 

The seal itself is cheap, less than $35 but you may have more you'll have(or want) to replace because you are disassembling the whole axle from that side of the truck so any other seals, bearings, etc might need to be replaced so the full one-side kit is like $150 for the cheap set(more if you go with some aftermarket kits). If you've got the tools and knowhow you can save yourself the labor which is the major cost, likely in the range already given.

 

I don't think most of the problems you are talking about are major. But, honestly, anoyone considering a diesel Ex should be prepared to spend at least $3K unless they are buying something that is exceptional. Something like this, you want to do all the maintenance on the motor, trans and sounds like you'll need suspension and brake work to get the thing driving nicely. BTW, my 3K number assumes you'll do a lot of the work, way more if you want a mechanic to do it. I haven't had mine long enough to know if it ever stops, but owning a diesel Ex is not for the faint of heart/time/wallet.