Things to check pre-purchase
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
Ryan, it's at Middlekauff Ford in Twin Falls, ID
Talyn- I've drove a lot of stiff clutched vehicles before and this one definitely takes the cake. It feels new, good engagement and doesn't act weird or grabby like worn out ones tend to.
Talyn- I've drove a lot of stiff clutched vehicles before and this one definitely takes the cake. It feels new, good engagement and doesn't act weird or grabby like worn out ones tend to.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
Well, sounds like I've landed myself a PSD! The truck is in service right now getting some stuff taken care of, financing is all lined up at the bank, just need to figure out how to get my truck from there to here! I'm hoping I don't regret buying the 5 speed but I don't think I will. I know I will probably have a few things to address myself too once I get it, like cleaning the EBPV, but that will be half the fun. Then I'll get to start doing some MODS! 
I'm already planning on 6637 air filter (currently has a K&N on it- looks like I'll be able to jerk the filter out and drop the 6637 in it's place), 10K mod, and EBPV brake. Can't wait!
I'm already planning on 6637 air filter (currently has a K&N on it- looks like I'll be able to jerk the filter out and drop the 6637 in it's place), 10K mod, and EBPV brake. Can't wait!
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
Potential monkey wrench in the works- wife just found an AutoTrader ad- 97 F350 crew, 4x4 PSD, 5 speed, gauges, repainted recently, turnover ball in the bed, 81K original miles!!! It's almost the same price as the one at the stealership and only 6.5 hours from me versus 8, but I'd have to figure out how to get down there to get it and no warranty of any kind. Chances are its on the original clutch and it has done a lot of sitting with only 81K on it (lots of leaks and problems potentially)... which one to buy??!? I never thought I'd be in this situation!
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Medford Oregon
New paint, why at that low millage. Humm, guess it's your call with guages and all, sounds like maybe a great deal or ? 
Good luck either way. After I purchased mine found one down the street for 2K less, go figure.
Good luck either way. After I purchased mine found one down the street for 2K less, go figure.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
Originally Posted by tjbeggs
New paint??? thats interesting......
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
So here are the two contenders. Both trucks are 97 F350 crew cab 4x4 PSD 5 speed, decent tires.
#1- dealership truck, 126K, new clutch, factory AIC, rocker panels, grille guard, rubber floor (this is a huge deal with the wife in a not good way), new clutch, white spoke wheels.
#2- private party truck, 81K, new paint (?), drop in plastic bed liner, turnover gooseneck hitch that is stuck in the "up" position, CARPET! (again, a big deal with the wife), gauges, aluminum wheels.
I've drove #1 and really liked it, if I went for #2 it would be sight unseen. #1 will have at least a bit of a warranty, #2 will not. #1 did have some minor issues (small oil leak, occasional diesel fumes in cab, EBPV acting weird) and a few minor cracks in the front door panels but was a nice truck overall. Decisions decisions...
#1- dealership truck, 126K, new clutch, factory AIC, rocker panels, grille guard, rubber floor (this is a huge deal with the wife in a not good way), new clutch, white spoke wheels.
#2- private party truck, 81K, new paint (?), drop in plastic bed liner, turnover gooseneck hitch that is stuck in the "up" position, CARPET! (again, a big deal with the wife), gauges, aluminum wheels.
I've drove #1 and really liked it, if I went for #2 it would be sight unseen. #1 will have at least a bit of a warranty, #2 will not. #1 did have some minor issues (small oil leak, occasional diesel fumes in cab, EBPV acting weird) and a few minor cracks in the front door panels but was a nice truck overall. Decisions decisions...
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From: Medford Oregon
Originally Posted by superduty4x4
So here are the two contenders. Both trucks are 97 F350 crew cab 4x4 PSD 5 speed, decent tires.
#1- dealership truck, 126K, new clutch, factory AIC, rocker panels, grille guard, rubber floor (this is a huge deal with the wife in a not good way), new clutch, white spoke wheels.
#2- private party truck, 81K, new paint (?), drop in plastic bed liner, turnover gooseneck hitch that is stuck in the "up" position, CARPET! (again, a big deal with the wife), gauges, aluminum wheels.
I've drove #1 and really liked it, if I went for #2 it would be sight unseen. #1 will have at least a bit of a warranty, #2 will not. #1 did have some minor issues (small oil leak, occasional diesel fumes in cab, EBPV acting weird) and a few minor cracks in the front door panels but was a nice truck overall. Decisions decisions...
#1- dealership truck, 126K, new clutch, factory AIC, rocker panels, grille guard, rubber floor (this is a huge deal with the wife in a not good way), new clutch, white spoke wheels.
#2- private party truck, 81K, new paint (?), drop in plastic bed liner, turnover gooseneck hitch that is stuck in the "up" position, CARPET! (again, a big deal with the wife), gauges, aluminum wheels.
I've drove #1 and really liked it, if I went for #2 it would be sight unseen. #1 will have at least a bit of a warranty, #2 will not. #1 did have some minor issues (small oil leak, occasional diesel fumes in cab, EBPV acting weird) and a few minor cracks in the front door panels but was a nice truck overall. Decisions decisions...
Fumes in cab .. fuel pump and other related stuff, no big deal.
EBPV, unplug it and make it go away, I did.
Difference between 126K and 81K for 97, not much on these engines. Would be a bit concerned on 81K in SF area .. but who knows?
Warranty .. humm, that sounds nice.
Any pic's on either?
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
No pics on the truck at the dealership, but they are both almost the same right down to the color:
Those are the CA truck. I found out after my last post that some time ago someone had broken into it and jacked up the dash, but the owner has a replacement piece (it's the pad piece that got messed up) and that makes me even more nervous.
And that "get the truck, dump the wife" had me ROTFLMAO!
Those are the CA truck. I found out after my last post that some time ago someone had broken into it and jacked up the dash, but the owner has a replacement piece (it's the pad piece that got messed up) and that makes me even more nervous.
And that "get the truck, dump the wife" had me ROTFLMAO!
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From: Newport, WA
Forgot to add- when I talked to the mechanic at the dealership about some oily goo on the oil pan, his response was "yeah it leaks oil like every diesel out there." Does this guy need a good kicking in the nuts or is it common to have a oil residue all over the pan?
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From: Medford Oregon
Mine was a mess down there but most of it was from the fuel pump leaking. Once replaced it is pretty dry now. Think Cali trucks, if it is one, are a bit harder to work on such as replacing the fuel pump. You might want to ask "kawa" as I know he has one. He can give you the pro/cons on that model.
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From: Newport, WA
Hussler I gotta ask, what are you doing on FTE at 5 in the morning bro? I would imagine the Cali models have more emissions garb and stuff that makes it harder to get everything, I shot kawa a PM and I'll see what he has to say.
I would imagine the Cali models have more emissions garb and stuff that makes it harder to get everything, I shot kawa a PM and I'll see what he has to say.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
I vote for #1. The new paint concerns me on #2. Even if it was just to change the color it could look like crap. I would wonder if they cut in the inside of the doors and door jams, back side of the cab, ect. there is a good way to change colors and there is a not so good. IMO doing not so good look really bad!!
BTW for the rubber floor truck you can buy new carpet for under $200 or just get some nice floor mats to make your wife happy.
BTW for the rubber floor truck you can buy new carpet for under $200 or just get some nice floor mats to make your wife happy.