2003-04 PSD's
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
2003-04 PSD's
In an earlier post I mentioned I was in the process of buying a used F250 PSD. A salesman at a local Ford dealer mentioned that I may want to stay away from 03-04's because that is when the 6.0's first came out and there were a lot of recalls and problems.
Comments?
Thanks,
Comments?
Thanks,
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts, USA
do your homework
I purchased a 2003 f-350 with a 6.0 and knock on wood have had little trouble with it. I did not run the oasis until after I bought it. This I would not reccomend doing. There is a place on the sight to have an oasis report ( ford warranty work - its like a carfax only from ford) pulled for your vehicle and sent to you. Take that info and make an informed decision or ask one of the many Guru's on this site for their specific input.
As I said in the heading do your homework, be educated and have fun with your new truck!!!!
Oh yeah Welcome to FTE
As I said in the heading do your homework, be educated and have fun with your new truck!!!!
Oh yeah Welcome to FTE
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 810
Likes: 34
From: Sarasota, FL
I have an 04 F350 with the mods listed and i drive it hard! No problems to speak of other than sway bar bushings and end links.
And as mentioned an OASIS is key before buying any year truck IMO.
And as mentioned an OASIS is key before buying any year truck IMO.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
I have A may/03 built truck with a 6.0 and was cursing it a month after I bought it. Turbo problems like mad, and never could get fixed (just remove, clean and reinstall different 6 times). I went to a different dealer for a different issue and they replaced the turbo, and now the truck runs amazing!! I have quit looking for a new truck and won't be looking for some time. I say 03-04 is just as good as anything newer.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
I got lucky with my 03. I had one performance issue (lag/coughing smoke) only on long drives. First dealer flashed ECU, and said to bring it back if it happened again (as well as they replaced the turbo pedestal mount that was leaking)
A few months later, I had it start missing, bucking predictably, on the way home (while towing) on a 6 hr trip. Acted like an IC pipe was off. I pulled over and double checked those. Took it in (different dealer since this one would allow you to SCHEDULE service versus having to have the vehicle on site for the same week of waiting, which is crap). They replace the turbo and cleaned the EGR. (knock on wood) it's been happy, and more responsive since. They said the ECU showed a low boost code, and the vanes appeared rusted, so they replaced it. Also, the EGR was coked, hence they cleaned it.
I don't know what the previous owner did in the 29K he had it, but it obviously wasn't drive it hard :P
I make sure since I bought it to drive it hard everytime I get behind the wheel (at least one or two WOT to speed when up to operating temp) and Diesel Kleen every 2-3 tanks. Also, I only run ULSD in it, usually from BP, Exxon, Mobil, or Amocco (yes I know half of them have merged).
I'm a believer that these trucks are MADE to be worked hard, and that not working them out really gets them pissed off in the long run.
HTH
A few months later, I had it start missing, bucking predictably, on the way home (while towing) on a 6 hr trip. Acted like an IC pipe was off. I pulled over and double checked those. Took it in (different dealer since this one would allow you to SCHEDULE service versus having to have the vehicle on site for the same week of waiting, which is crap). They replace the turbo and cleaned the EGR. (knock on wood) it's been happy, and more responsive since. They said the ECU showed a low boost code, and the vanes appeared rusted, so they replaced it. Also, the EGR was coked, hence they cleaned it.
I don't know what the previous owner did in the 29K he had it, but it obviously wasn't drive it hard :P
I make sure since I bought it to drive it hard everytime I get behind the wheel (at least one or two WOT to speed when up to operating temp) and Diesel Kleen every 2-3 tanks. Also, I only run ULSD in it, usually from BP, Exxon, Mobil, or Amocco (yes I know half of them have merged).
I'm a believer that these trucks are MADE to be worked hard, and that not working them out really gets them pissed off in the long run.
HTH
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 695
Likes: 2
From: arizona
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Find a good Dealer. Had turbo troubles with my 04 three shops later its a screaming machine!!!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 0
From: Rural WV
I've got an early 2003 (it was # 812 off the line) with 48K on it and not a single powertrain issue.
IMO, the 03s were either really good or really bad. The OASIS report is the defining factor for most.
Good Luck and welcome to the site!
Joe
IMO, the 03s were either really good or really bad. The OASIS report is the defining factor for most.
Good Luck and welcome to the site!
Joe
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
Likes: 8
From: Great State of Texas
Originally Posted by krsmitty
In an earlier post I mentioned I was in the process of buying a used F250 PSD. A salesman at a local Ford dealer mentioned that I may want to stay away from 03-04's because that is when the 6.0's first came out and there were a lot of recalls and problems.
Comments?
Thanks,
Comments?
Thanks,
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 0
From: Outer Banks, NC
We got an 03 excursion with the 6.0. Its got 50k on it now and (knock on wood) not one single problem. Oasis report is the key. I believe most of them with big problems reared there ugly heads in the first thousand miles or so.