Hello everyone,

I am looking at used full size trucks to replace my Toyota pickup in order to tow a small 20 foot (6,200lbs fully loaded) camp trailer. After looking at the Chevy's and Dodges I like the Ford, 2001 SD XLT Crew cab short bed 7.3 PSD the best. The cost of the truck, the extra crew cab seating, towing ability, fuel economy and length (which will fit in my garage), are my primary considerations.

However, my initial observation is that the average miles on the 2001 trucks I have looked at are in the 65K to 95K range. That seems like a lot (when I think in terms of gasoline engines). Just how long will a properly maintained 7.3 run? Is it true that standard warranty on the 7.3 TD engine is 100K miles?

A buddy of mine has a newer Ford with the smaller more powerful engine and says that the 7.3 TD is fantastic and I should not be worried about the older technology as it has many may years of bullet proof service behind it.

Also, I have read the occasional complaint about the automatic transmission, front rotors warping and front brake problems, but it looks like installing a few aftermarket parts would take car of any potential problems that may occur? That and driving like a sane person.

Also, I live in <st1:State w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">California</st1lace></st1:State> and was wondering what DMV registrations costs run for a big truck like this?

I appreciate advice suggestions or comments anyone may have regarding my choice of truck with respect to my application.

Thanks in advance,

Mark Nicholson
Redding Ca.
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If a 2001 appears to have been well taken care of I would have no worries.

That 7.3 engine has a lot of history of running 2 or 3 hundred thousand miles with no issues. I sold my 2001 with about 90,000 miles on it, and it had been flawless. I often wish I had kept it rather than selling it to get my 2005 6.0.

HDCarl

 

That's not a lot of miles when talking about the 7.3L PSD or Ford's Triton series gas motors. Any problems with a truck with this many miles would be transmission (small chance) or front wheel bearings/hubs/ball joints or the brakes (bigger chance). I would not worry about the motor. However, when buying a truck with that many miles immediately change all the fluids; transmission, coolant, oil, power steering, etc. Price the truck accordingly going into the deal to allow for some replacement of front end parts or brakes and you should do great. One warning though, after having a Super Duty you will be hard pressed to go back to a "lesser" truck. The capabilities and interior room make everything else look small

 

What they said. As for the 5 yr/100K warranty on the engine/related parts, it's automatically transferable and begins at original owner delivery date. Be advised there may be service history verification issues if not purchased from a dealer. If buying from a dealer, specifically resolve that issue at time of purchase.

Good luck and regards,

Sam