Hey everyone, I’m looking at buying my first 7.3! Got two of them in mind, one is a 99 f350 with 302k miles, new transmission and transfer case at 248k. The other one is a 00 F350 with 280k, not much history on it, both about the same for price. I am struggling to figure out if the trucks are gonna be reliable enough for me. Plan on driving them across country with a camper that fits the truck.

So the question is, how do you guys tell when the truck will be a reliable fit or not. What do y’all pack for extra parts?

 

First off google early vs late 99 differences. There's some good reading to inform you between the differences. I have a 4/99 V10 4x4 CC F250 and it has early 99 parts on it from ford so all is per the mfg date may not be exactly so.. As any used vehicle its always a crap shoot. Dealer used?, you'll get a bunch of lies or "we have no idea" about its history. Buying from a long time owner can provide maint and repair logs and receipts. Is the Sellers house like like a crack palace, or owned by a 16 year old kid? Id run away cause you can imagine how it was treated. How were they used? heavy hauling or grocery getter? My take is a diesel engine last longer then a gasser, no dispute there. That being said would you buy a 99 or 00 5.4 or V10 gasser? Think suspension, steering, diffs, trans, T case and body as far as worn out parts. Lastly, my wife just about made me sell our 99 CC after she found out and saw a few rolled local trucks after swerving to miss an elk out here in our neck of the woods. Ford had some structural issues and lawsuits from deaths as they flatten out abnormally easily. After seeing the last 00 CC at the local tow yard after a swerve to miss an elk it was pretty ugly. Just saying as food for thought. My buddy has a 01/CC 4x4 7.3. Its pushing 400K. 2 sets of injectors, 2 transmissions, some front end parts, rebuilt drive shaft, new interior, OE HPOP and T case. He really has babied it, I will add its broke down in TX currently with a random intermittent extreme oil use problem. I say 90% of its use has been long trips from SD to AZ.Thats about all I can offer for what its worth.

 

Mine only leaves me stranded when I have my travel trailer in Colorado. Usually near 4th of July. When everybody is on holiday and closed.

 

Engine - pretty darn reliable. 7.3L Power Stroke engines have few systemic issues. Visit the 7.3L Power Stroke engine forum for more information on the care and feeding of the engine.

Transmission - probably your weakest link, especially with the torque of a Power Stroke sent to it. Some very stout rebuilds have been created. Heat is a big enemy of the 4R100. A transmission cooler from a 6.0L Power Stroke is a great bolt in modification.

Truck - brakes tend to be problematic, especially in regions where salt is used. Slide pins seize without regular maintenance.
The early steering box was weak. Aftermarket boxes were superior.
Check for rust, especially in the bed supports, rockers and cab corners.
Front axle - check the stub axle U-joints. They tend to rust up and seize.

 

I carry a spare IPR and cam sensor in my 7.3 camper van, a spare IDM is a good idea too if worried about being stranded is your emphasis. Some type of laptop diagnostic program is a must also.