I am looking at buying another ps diesel. I have it narrowed it down to two different trucks.
Truck A is a 03 F250 crew cab 4x4 lariat with 17,500 miles
Truck B is a 05 F350 crew cab 4x4 ariat with 42,500 miles
Both truck have virtually the same options and are both equally clean. The 05 has a sunroof and the 030 does not.
Both trucks are within $2000 of each other on price.
In the long run, which one will make me a better truck?
Are both engines close to the same?
Is there any major signs I should look at from either truck or engine?
Both have a clean Car Facts report.
Thanks for your help.

 

get the vin and post it on the oasis reports at the top of the forum, It might save you alot of hair removal later!

 

The 05 has the swing arm type front suspension, which is suppose to improve the ride quality and reduce the turning radius.
The engine has several modifications: higher capacity water pump, different design heads & intake manifold and other design changes as well, but based on what I have read on FTE both years have there share of problems, such as head gasket failure, EGR valve clogging, EGR cooler failure, VGT Turbo sticking vane issues.

The 03 evidently has not been used much, so I would stomp on it to see what shakes out of it.

 

The '05 also has larger brakes. May be another deciding factor if you do heavy towing/hauling.

 

Need to correct this info, the front axle on an 05 an newer 4WD SD is a Dana 60 solid axle with coil springs instead of the Dana 60 solid axle with leaf springs on the 04 and older SD. The use of coil springs allows for a smaller turning radius. There are no swing arms on the front suspension of a 4WD SD.

The rest of the post is correct. Also look in the 6.0 tech folder and there is a link listing all the running changes to the 6.0 from 03 - 07

 

Pick the '05 - hands down. Much better front end, better brakes and 6.0 updates. The best 6.0s were manufactured after 01.01.06. But you choice is b/t and 05 and 03. Assuming no other issues with either truck, the 05 is a much better set up for the long run.

-Mike

 

it's your decision bro...
there are different looks to the truck.
the 05 has coil springs, the 03 has leaf springs.
i would do an oasis report on both trucks first thing. i think the 05 is a better looking truck, but it has more sensitive computer stuff as far as emissions etc.
but an SCT will take care of that.

if the Oasis reports come back clean, i would take the 05 even with the extra miles.

 

davidcam.

Here is a link to the "What's new guide" for the 05 SD.
http://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/...atsnew2005.pdf

Basically, larger brakes, Higher load & Tow capacity, Larger rear axle shafts in the 05 F350, Integrated trailer brake controller, upfitter switches, Electronic A/C & Heat control with steering wheel controls.

Also the 03 is just about out of the 5yr/100K engine warranty, whereas the 05 still has alot left on the 5/100K warranty. Also numerous engine changes.

Post the vin#'s in the Oasis thread at the top of this forum and if they are clean i would buy the 05 over the 03 any day.

Good luck

 

Well i would go 05 its up to you but 05 looks a bit better to me both loook good but well try both and go from there

 

Thanks for all the helpful info. I am going with the 05.

davidcam

 

I'm glad you decided on the 05. The ride is nicer than an 03, you get a boost gauge, larger brakes, more time on the warranty, and brake boosters. I had am 04 and replaced it with an 05--world of difference.

 

I was in a simular situation. Looking at a super clean 03 with 17K.....looked like it just rolled off the show room floor......and an 05 with 61K, some obvious work truck issues with the bed. OASIS indicated a new motor in the 05 just 1K prior....so I went with the 05 and LOVE it. Good Luck!

 

Where is the Oasis on the top of the page?

 

I went with the 05 and really like it. It does drive better than the 03. Thanks for the input.

 

it is the first thread in the forum