Best Year / Problem Years to avoid? ?
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Best Year / Problem Years to avoid? ?
I'm in the market for an X. I wanted to know your inputs as to the best years or problem years to look out for etc when shopping around. My plans are for a full overhaul including Kelderman 10" kit, 37's on 18's, diesel upgrades galore and full interior and paint job. Basically I know that I wanna get something cheap so I can spend the money where it counts. Mileage on the motor doesnt really matter right, but I'm worried about the trans. but I guess I'll upgrade that to a beefey one anyway so I can tow my pig of a Jeep around. [44's on a YJ with 383 LT1 and full custom chasis]
Any input from you experts is appreciated. Thanks.
Any input from you experts is appreciated. Thanks.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,254
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
First off Welcome to FTE AirExcursion! 
As far as the diesel is concerned, you have two options 6.0 and 7.3. Those of us who owned or have owned a 7.3 know that it's a tried and true workhorse that doesn't break a sweat under the heaviest of loads. The 4R100 transmission behind it is relatively stable, but it's had some small issues over the years. The said issues weren't anything serious, but minor things a visit to the dealership would fix. As for the 6.0, 2003 and early '04 seem to be the real trouble years with the engine. However, flashes as well as a few redesigns and part changes made the engine much better than it was. The transmission had issues, but as said before, it wasn't anything a simple flash wouldn't fix. An '03 or '04 with current flashes and a clean history should fit your budget leaving enough room to do all the upgrades you wanted. Check around your area and get the VIN off of the truck. I'll be able to have an OASIS report run and we'll know what we need to about the truck. An OASIS report is basically the repair history of any Ford vehicle. It also lets you know of any open recalls or any major/minor repairs made. Happy Hunting!
As far as the diesel is concerned, you have two options 6.0 and 7.3. Those of us who owned or have owned a 7.3 know that it's a tried and true workhorse that doesn't break a sweat under the heaviest of loads. The 4R100 transmission behind it is relatively stable, but it's had some small issues over the years. The said issues weren't anything serious, but minor things a visit to the dealership would fix. As for the 6.0, 2003 and early '04 seem to be the real trouble years with the engine. However, flashes as well as a few redesigns and part changes made the engine much better than it was. The transmission had issues, but as said before, it wasn't anything a simple flash wouldn't fix. An '03 or '04 with current flashes and a clean history should fit your budget leaving enough room to do all the upgrades you wanted. Check around your area and get the VIN off of the truck. I'll be able to have an OASIS report run and we'll know what we need to about the truck. An OASIS report is basically the repair history of any Ford vehicle. It also lets you know of any open recalls or any major/minor repairs made. Happy Hunting!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 149
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Get an 03 with the 7.3 diesel. I'm in a business where we use E-350's, and they get beat hard. Only problem with the 7.3's ive ever seen are cam sensors and minor oil leaks. Lots of problems with the 6.0's. they are constantly in the shop. Fun to drive...lots of power but whats it worth when they eat up 500 dollar injectors after the warranty period is up? Just 2 cents from a guy who wish he had gotten a 7.3...... 
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 76
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From: Cape Coral, Fl.
Toreador Diesel... I just purchased an '03 X that was a corporate leased truck. Could I get you to do an Oasis report on mine? Muchly Appreciated.
VIN # 1FMSU43P63ED06300
VIN # 1FMSU43P63ED06300
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,684
Likes: 1,001
From: Near Yosemite CA
We have an 02 4x 7.3 Ultimate Limited, 80k+ on the ticker, cam sensor went out about 72k, HPOP oil line had a leak, other than that, been pretty good, I have a Hypertech 3 stage programmer, K&N, and straight pipe exhaust (sounds and runs Awesome) My cousin has an 00 with 128k, only thing he has done is new turbo, about 115k cost $700 approx, I wouldn't get a 6.0, heard to many troubles with them.
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