I am thinking of selling my '99 f250 5.4l 4x4 SD, for a '03 f250 7.3 4x4. I found one that is basically the same truck with the 7.3diesel with less than 150K on it. I've never owned a diesel so what am I in for with the 7.3? I need a crash education so I can make a decision before the '03 is gone. Everything you guys can offer will be helpful. thanks

 

I bought my first diesel truck (the one in my signature) just over a year ago and love the truck. I hope to always own a diesel for the rest of my life.

As for education, you really need to just start reading and writing down questions you get from reading. Then search for those questions and continue until you either feel satisfied with what you have learned or get too tired.

To get you started, might I suggest clicking on the link below and having at it!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...ech-links.html

 

03 is the last of the 7.3's. To find one with less than 150k miles is outstanding. Check the turbo impeller wheel for any ware, the air box for leaking/dMage and the oil cap for blow by. If all of those are good, I say jump on it quick.

Owning and maintaining a diesel cost more. But with some basic maintenance it'll run longer than anything else.

Diesels need clean air, oil and fuel. Keep those in check and you'll be ahead of the game!

 

Here's a link to one of the buyers guides in the stickies at the top:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html The 7.3 is an entirely different animal from the 5.4. It's built to do real work, and do it well.

 

You didn't really say what motivating a possible change. For me diesels are met to work, if I wasn't towing, I would not own one. They do last longer, but I think you pay for it along the way.

This the first diesel I had owned, but I had owned a number of gassers and many of the basics are the same. Read over the info suggested and take your time going over it and you should be fine.

 

For me, getting a diesel has been amazing... more power, better fuel mileage (18-21 mpg, depending if I'm going 75+ or 60 mph), even though I rarely tow anything, the extra buy-in cost I hope will be worth it by having the truck last for 500k miles...
That is a good year with low miles, you better jump on it! Good luck!

 

03 was the last year for 7.3s. However 03 was the first year for 6.0s, not trying to question your knowledge but be sure it's a 7.3.

 

I have been driving diesel for half my life. I wish every vehicle was diesel.

 

I thought about that..... The VIN show it to be a 7.3.

 

If you can see the engine, it's likely a 7.3L.





A day of mulling without a deposit down on the truck means it's likely gone, depending on how much he's asking for it.

Rules: In the consumer diesel world, 7.3L is sought after - as is the Cummins 5.9L... but the Cummins has an unreliable wrapper.

The book says 0-60 MPH in ten seconds. If it can do that without blowing soot out the tailpipe, there is potential for it to be a healthy stocker.

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