Hey y'all. I am gonna be buying a 3/4-1 ton 4wd truck by this fall/winter and need some guidance/advise.

I will be using it to tow a landscape trailer (open at this time) that weighs 3k-3500lbs loaded. I may look into an enclosed that will increase the weight, but not too much. I also might be towing a skid steer occassionally. I'm currently pulling a 5x10 open trailer with a 4wd double cab Tacoma. While I love Toyota's, it's quite a struggle at times with my truck, mainly brakes. I cannot afford one of the upcoming 2007 Tundra's, and the 2006 and earlier Tundra's would be sufficient currently, I plan on growing into installs/ renovations in the future and a skid steer would put a hurting on a Tundra.

I would prefer the newest 7.3L 4wd that I could afford. Minimum of supercab, but would like crew cab. Prefer short bed also.

My experience with Ford diesels is with emergency vehicles only. I know quite a bit about the motors and maintenance, but not much else. I also know the auto's can be quite hit and miss, but most depends on how they are treated/maintained.

What I would like to know is what to look for when looking at used trucks. I'm gonna try to do a UOA on the motor if I feel I have the time if I find a good truck.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

I purposely bought a 2002 because I knew it had the 7.3
I have a supercab long bed, bought it with 79K
I paid $26K it is a Lariat 4x4
I def recomend a 2001-2003 mid year

 

Make sure you check the ball-joints and brakes...they have a tendency to wear out quickly ! and if is a 7.3L PSD, check for oil leaks...most likely the High Pressure Oil Line O-rings...other than that , no worries! Except maybe power door lock actuators...

Good Luck !

Scott

 

Hi....I'm new to this forum....but not new to problematic used vehicles.

I got an early 1999 SD F-350 CCSB 4x4 7.3L last year with 70k on it. I love it! I brought my creeper to check it out so i could see any damage or signs of a snow plow underneath. It did have a plow and a 5th-whl hitch on it at one time, but no apparent frame or suspension damage. I'm hesitant to purchase a used truck that was used for plowing, but i did and am fortunate. The only sign of premature wear is the sloppy steering box. I was able to tighten the backlash adjustment and take up most of the slack in the steering.....but not all.

I was putting new shocks on last week when i noticed that it had 3 broken leafs in the rear springs. So new springs.

OEM brake rotors are known for warping. I got aftermarket crossdrilled/slotted. Seem great for the last 8k.

Automatic tranny (my only regret) still shifts fine and isn't showing any signs of wear.

I mounted an 8' plow and occasionally tow either a 24' flatbed or 31' airstream. I installed a tranny temp gauge to keep tabs on it. (I've gone thru 2 trannys in my old F-150.)

Other than that....I think an SD is alot more truck than the Toyota. It won't ride as nice.....but i've had no problems towing up to 8500lbs. I would have liked to have been able to afford a 2000-2003.....but i settled for a 99 since it was a CC 7.3L in great shape. I'll buy another SD when this one quits. Hope this helps.

 

Things that spring to mind: rotors, pads, condition of injectors - best to buy in cold weather so condition of glow plug relay and circuitry will be truely tested. Look for smoke and color if present. Black, white blue etc. White is unburned fuel oil and is a sign of possible cylinder/injector problems. Look for oil leaks particularly around the HPOP area. Check ball joints. Really check them if the truck was used for plowing.

Post this question in the 99-2003 Diesel Forum for a better response.

Reg

01 F350 CC dually 7.3L 4.10 rear.

 

pull the dipstick, wipe it on yer fingers, wipe it off with a rag, if ya gotta stain on yer fingers, walk away, otherwise yer butt and yer eyes should be useful and helpful.