New truck...
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Livonia, MI
New truck...
I was looking into getting a new truck in the very near future. i found a 2003 f-350 SRW 6.0L Diesel with 140,000mi. i have a 2002 f-150 now. i was wondering if this year had any major problems i should be aware of? it is sold by a ford dealer which is kind of nice. just looking for input.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 126
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From: Aurora, IL
I bought a 2003 f350 5.4L used with 70K. I love it. It has the start of a little rust at the body seams under the cab, at the bottoms of the doors and the bottom of the tailgate. All typical stuff. I would check for that. Just about every f250/f350 I looked at had some of that.
I have a manual trans, so I can't tell you much about the auto. If you are getting a manual, I can tell you that mine seems to shift smoother when it cold. This is also something I've noticed in other cars/trucks I've owned, so not out of the ordinary.
Do a search for "death wobble" in these forums and then take the truck for a test drive. I learned a lot by checking this stuff before I bought.
Take it to your mechanic and have the front ball joints checked, these fail regularly in the SD's. You should be prepared ahead of time for the expense to replace or for the the amount of work you will have to do. You can check out Racerguy's excellent procedures at:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html
You might also want to check the 6.0 PSD forum, I know zilch about diesels, but I seem to remember reading that there are a few things to watch for with the 6.0.
Jim
I have a manual trans, so I can't tell you much about the auto. If you are getting a manual, I can tell you that mine seems to shift smoother when it cold. This is also something I've noticed in other cars/trucks I've owned, so not out of the ordinary.
Do a search for "death wobble" in these forums and then take the truck for a test drive. I learned a lot by checking this stuff before I bought.
Take it to your mechanic and have the front ball joints checked, these fail regularly in the SD's. You should be prepared ahead of time for the expense to replace or for the the amount of work you will have to do. You can check out Racerguy's excellent procedures at:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html
You might also want to check the 6.0 PSD forum, I know zilch about diesels, but I seem to remember reading that there are a few things to watch for with the 6.0.
Jim
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,156
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From: Drain Oregon and Sacramen
Originally Posted by 150mudder
I was looking into getting a new truck in the very near future. i found a 2003 f-350 SRW 6.0L Diesel with 140,000mi. i have a 2002 f-150 now. i was wondering if this year had any major problems i should be aware of? it is sold by a ford dealer which is kind of nice. just looking for input.
Good luck
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,634
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From: bricktown NJ
Do a oasis report on the truck.It's In the 6.0 forums.It will tell what was done to the truck with repairs.Also check out "redfords"post on buying a used truck,what to look for it was posted a week or so ago.It's good info...good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,634
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From: bricktown NJ
Originally Posted by 150mudder
i am going to look at the truck this saturday. if all goes right, ill have it in my driveway.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Roman Forest, TX
I have a 2003, but also the 5.4L. So engine and tranny are NA in this response. As for Jims response above, I don't think rusting is as common as he thinks. I don't have a lick of rust on my truck anywhere. If not for the couple of little "boo boos", the body would be showroom quality (well, maybe a bit overboard, but aren't we all with our own trucks). Anyway, no rust, no "death wobble" (no 4X4 either), no ball joint problems, actually no real problems at all. It could use some new shocks, and I had to throw in a half a can of R-134, but otherwise it has been just a great truck. 81,000 miles and knocking on wood!!!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 10
From: Drain Oregon and Sacramen
Originally Posted by edjunior
I have a 2003, but also the 5.4L. So engine and tranny are NA in this response. As for Jims response above, I don't think rusting is as common as he thinks. I don't have a lick of rust on my truck anywhere. If not for the couple of little "boo boos", the body would be showroom quality (well, maybe a bit overboard, but aren't we all with our own trucks). Anyway, no rust, no "death wobble" (no 4X4 either), no ball joint problems, actually no real problems at all. It could use some new shocks, and I had to throw in a half a can of R-134, but otherwise it has been just a great truck. 81,000 miles and knocking on wood!!!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Livonia, MI
yea the name will be changed, no doubt about it. but i do love my f-150, first truck i bought all on my own. but now its time to step it up. if i get this new truck, hopefully in a year ill have a 4" lift and 35" tires on it. along with some banks power goodies!!!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 10
From: Drain Oregon and Sacramen
Originally Posted by 150mudder
yea the name will be changed, no doubt about it. but i do love my f-150, first truck i bought all on my own. but now its time to step it up. if i get this new truck, hopefully in a year ill have a 4" lift and 35" tires on it. along with some banks power goodies!!!
I'm in the process of selling my F150 to a good friend. At least in my case I will still get to see my old 150 and even use her if needed. Its hard to part with her though. But the new SD is also a sweet thing but not so easy in the parking lots.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Livonia, MI
yea i love my truck....its black fx4 option, fully tinted(including windshield) a few stickers on the rear window, cb, custom tailgate(courtesy of tow chain) and my list of mods are in my signature. im actually kinda sad thinking of selling her. 
im getting emotional, lol.
im getting emotional, lol.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 10
From: Drain Oregon and Sacramen
Originally Posted by 150mudder
yea i love my truck....its black fx4 option, fully tinted(including windshield) a few stickers on the rear window, cb, custom tailgate(courtesy of tow chain) and my list of mods are in my signature. im actually kinda sad thinking of selling her.
im getting emotional, lol.
im getting emotional, lol.