A Few Questions...
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
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A Few Questions...
Guys,
Thinking of picking up a F250 possibly. If I do, it would be preferebly an extended or crew cab, 4x4, diesel, automatic, short bed. My questions are:
-What are the common problems to look for on the F250's/diesels/4x4's?
-When was the 6.0L offered vs the 7.3L?
-Typical expected mileage out of the diesel?
-Most notable diesel specific expedatures for maintenance?
-Which is more desireable and why? 4x4 on the floor, or switch on the dash?
-Best place to look for one? (I know Autotrader, eBay, etc. but I'm looking for a good classified section on a forum) Based on the amount of forum traffic here, the classifieds here seem a bit weak.
Rather than purchasing the truck, I'd actually be looking to trade two vehicles for it which is why I'd rather be looking on forums for one.
Thanks in advance.
Thinking of picking up a F250 possibly. If I do, it would be preferebly an extended or crew cab, 4x4, diesel, automatic, short bed. My questions are:
-What are the common problems to look for on the F250's/diesels/4x4's?
-When was the 6.0L offered vs the 7.3L?
-Typical expected mileage out of the diesel?
-Most notable diesel specific expedatures for maintenance?
-Which is more desireable and why? 4x4 on the floor, or switch on the dash?
-Best place to look for one? (I know Autotrader, eBay, etc. but I'm looking for a good classified section on a forum) Based on the amount of forum traffic here, the classifieds here seem a bit weak.
Rather than purchasing the truck, I'd actually be looking to trade two vehicles for it which is why I'd rather be looking on forums for one.
Thanks in advance.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 4
From: Western NC
WELCOME to the forum!! Do as much reading as you can here and in the other forums that apply to your application and you will learn MUCH! Also, become intimately aquainted with the search feature!
Personally, I'd choose the F-350, simply because it will haul/tow more, legally. There is very little difference between the F-250 and the F-350, so if you want to have a real workhorse, then go for the F-350. I also recommend the crew cab, but I would advise against the auto tranny unless you buy a newer truck, say 2003 and up. In previous years, the auto tranny is the weak link in the system. There are ways to beef up these trannies, but plan on $3K or better for a real bullet-proof upgrade. Other problems to look for are dusting inside the intake and auto-locking hubs that don't work. Some of the trucks from a few years back had a nasty habit of the air-filter housing coming loose or not sealing or leaking and allowing dirt to bypass the filter. This is definitely bad news for the turbo. Do a search in the 7.3 forum for Tymar, AIS or K&N air filter set-ups. The vacuum system oft times fails leaving the vacuum-actuated hubs inoperative. The best way to avoid the auto-hub problem is to go for the manual hub set-up. As far as the 6.0L goes, I think they started offering it in late 2003, but I may be wrong. Someone else will know that for sure. With either engine, I'd be willing to say that 300K or 400K miles isn't unusual, with the proper upkeep. Maintenance is a little more expensive than a gas engine, but the maintenance is more critical with the diesel. My 7.3 holds 16 quarts of oil and and 18 quarts of coolant, I think it is. The trucks that used the green coolant require the anti-cavitation additive, but newer trucks with the yellow coolant do not. Again, do a 7.3 forum search to read all about that. I think I give about $6 per gallon of Rotella 15w-40 oil at Wal-Mart and a little over $10 for a Motorcraft FL-1995 oil-filter. I go a little longer than the "normal" 3000 miles between oil changes with mine, so that helps a little. Oil change cost is a small amount to pay actually for the insurance it gives. Also, I change my fuel-filter about every 10,000 miles. You may be able to find a fine truck on ebay, but I would have to see the truck and check it out before I committed any money. I'd feel more comfortable shopping for a truck at my local dealers. Either way....good luck with your purchase. When you finally get your truck, I am sure you will love it as much as I do mine. No one will be able to wipe that huge smile you have while behind the wheel off your face.........
Personally, I'd choose the F-350, simply because it will haul/tow more, legally. There is very little difference between the F-250 and the F-350, so if you want to have a real workhorse, then go for the F-350. I also recommend the crew cab, but I would advise against the auto tranny unless you buy a newer truck, say 2003 and up. In previous years, the auto tranny is the weak link in the system. There are ways to beef up these trannies, but plan on $3K or better for a real bullet-proof upgrade. Other problems to look for are dusting inside the intake and auto-locking hubs that don't work. Some of the trucks from a few years back had a nasty habit of the air-filter housing coming loose or not sealing or leaking and allowing dirt to bypass the filter. This is definitely bad news for the turbo. Do a search in the 7.3 forum for Tymar, AIS or K&N air filter set-ups. The vacuum system oft times fails leaving the vacuum-actuated hubs inoperative. The best way to avoid the auto-hub problem is to go for the manual hub set-up. As far as the 6.0L goes, I think they started offering it in late 2003, but I may be wrong. Someone else will know that for sure. With either engine, I'd be willing to say that 300K or 400K miles isn't unusual, with the proper upkeep. Maintenance is a little more expensive than a gas engine, but the maintenance is more critical with the diesel. My 7.3 holds 16 quarts of oil and and 18 quarts of coolant, I think it is. The trucks that used the green coolant require the anti-cavitation additive, but newer trucks with the yellow coolant do not. Again, do a 7.3 forum search to read all about that. I think I give about $6 per gallon of Rotella 15w-40 oil at Wal-Mart and a little over $10 for a Motorcraft FL-1995 oil-filter. I go a little longer than the "normal" 3000 miles between oil changes with mine, so that helps a little. Oil change cost is a small amount to pay actually for the insurance it gives. Also, I change my fuel-filter about every 10,000 miles. You may be able to find a fine truck on ebay, but I would have to see the truck and check it out before I committed any money. I'd feel more comfortable shopping for a truck at my local dealers. Either way....good luck with your purchase. When you finally get your truck, I am sure you will love it as much as I do mine. No one will be able to wipe that huge smile you have while behind the wheel off your face.........
Last edited by RedTaurus94; Sep 29, 2004 at 05:39 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Scranton, PA
Redtarus was pretty accurate on everything. I would stay away from '03 6.0L, that is the first year they came out and there were problems. The 7.3L was still available in '03 also. The auto hubs suck. I had mine fixed three times and they still don't work. Definitely look for the regular shift tansfer case. As for the trannys I have heard mixed stories. The autos aren't very realiable, especially when towing or adding performance mods. However, I have heard that the manuals aren't built very well either. I currently have an auto with 43K. It was replaced once, before I bought the truck(I bought it used), and I am prepared for when it goes again. By the way I love the crew cab, lots of room. I wouldn't trade my truck for any other vehicle. Good luck shopping.
