the BIG question
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
It costs me a whopping $230/year in maint. Two $85 syn oil changes w/filter, fuel filter ($17), $40 air filter. The only thing on top of that will be a trans fluid change (I factored that in with my mods budget, since I mod'ed my trans & put in Mobil1 ATF, $200 total cost), coolant (again, another mod -- ~$80 for Red ELC, good for 300k+, plus upgraded 'stat & housing).
So really, besides mods, the diesel costs a whopping $230 in maint for the year. YAWN..... The gasser folks that crow about diesel maintenance costs don't know what they're talking about.
So it comes down to this: What do you REALLY want? I didn't NEED a diesel by any means. Most of us here probably don't. I just always wanted one since I've been around them all of my adult life (military).
So really, besides mods, the diesel costs a whopping $230 in maint for the year. YAWN..... The gasser folks that crow about diesel maintenance costs don't know what they're talking about.
So it comes down to this: What do you REALLY want? I didn't NEED a diesel by any means. Most of us here probably don't. I just always wanted one since I've been around them all of my adult life (military).
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Homer, GA
Coolent can be fixed with some rotella ELC its 25 bucks a gallon you need 4 gallons and a gallon of distelled water but it will last you a life time avoid the green stuff.
Transmission takes 20qts I believe and that including the transfer case it cost me 75 bucks of Schaeffers and a 38 dollar filter.
Diesel kleen is 6 or so bucks but I have been using the truck stop brand.
Zmax is a crock of crap I used it and noticed no differnce at all in the truck.
Get you a good set of Isspro or Di Optix gauges I got my gauges from throughbreddiesel.com for 310 shipped but you need alot of stuff to get them to work they lack a lot in the kit.
Don't be afraid to ask questions thats what we are here for. Also I don't like optimas because of what they bailed out on us and they are way to much compared to other batteries that are just as good. Factory Motor Crafts work great and also Cat batteries will last you a life time.
Transmission takes 20qts I believe and that including the transfer case it cost me 75 bucks of Schaeffers and a 38 dollar filter.
Diesel kleen is 6 or so bucks but I have been using the truck stop brand.
Zmax is a crock of crap I used it and noticed no differnce at all in the truck.
Get you a good set of Isspro or Di Optix gauges I got my gauges from throughbreddiesel.com for 310 shipped but you need alot of stuff to get them to work they lack a lot in the kit.
Don't be afraid to ask questions thats what we are here for. Also I don't like optimas because of what they bailed out on us and they are way to much compared to other batteries that are just as good. Factory Motor Crafts work great and also Cat batteries will last you a life time.
thanks man, i appreciate the help. i really enjoy this site.. i just hope i can get enough knowlege to help people out as much as some of you guys do...lol
it doesnt sound that bad really... 100 for coolant, 100 for trans. how often do you do the trans?? (the one im lookin at is 2x4)
does the truck stop brand diesel kleen work?? does it work good in general?? how much is that stuff??
and the batteries dont sound too bad either... i take REALLY good care of my truck, car, and bikes now, so im not really seeing much of a difference yet... last oil change in my dodge truck was 80... i run Royal Purple in it...
what are batteries?? 5 years?? 140 for the pair of motorcrafts??
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Homer, GA
It costs me a whopping $230/year in maint. Two $85 syn oil changes w/filter, fuel filter ($17), $40 air filter. The only thing on top of that will be a trans fluid change (I factored that in with my mods budget, since I mod'ed my trans & put in Mobil1 ATF, $200 total cost), coolant (again, another mod -- ~$80 for Red ELC, good for 300k+, plus upgraded 'stat & housing).
So really, besides mods, the diesel costs a whopping $230 in maint for the year. YAWN..... The gasser folks that crow about diesel maintenance costs don't know what they're talking about.
So it comes down to this: What do you REALLY want? I didn't NEED a diesel by any means. Most of us here probably don't. I just always wanted one since I've been around them all of my adult life (military).
So really, besides mods, the diesel costs a whopping $230 in maint for the year. YAWN..... The gasser folks that crow about diesel maintenance costs don't know what they're talking about.
So it comes down to this: What do you REALLY want? I didn't NEED a diesel by any means. Most of us here probably don't. I just always wanted one since I've been around them all of my adult life (military).
$230?????????
thats it???????
not bad at all!!!!!! mine may be more since i drive 1500 miles per month...lol thats 18000 per year...
thats actually about the same or less than my gassers...lol
i can get used to that!!!!
oil still every 5k miles???
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,241
Likes: 1
From: Powder Springs, East TN
Transmission fluid can be changed every 50K I believe, Fuel Filter every 15K, Air filter every 15K thats about the same with a 6637 air filter. Coolent like Joe said it will last a while.
IF you go with Syn. escpically Schaeffers you can go over 10K after the first oil change if you wish. I haven't priced batteries in a bit I need some.
IF you go with Syn. escpically Schaeffers you can go over 10K after the first oil change if you wish. I haven't priced batteries in a bit I need some.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
From: Millbrook Alabama
actually, If you stick with dino oil in the rotella, or Delo variety, the oil changes cost pretty much the same as a gasser.
I pay $53 per oil change right with Delo, I go 6000 miles per oil change in my truck, on my wifes Expedition I pay $25.50 for the oil change, and run that 3000 miles.
One other thought, If you do buy a diesel then plan on excersizing it a little from time to time. short trips that do not allow the oil to come up to temperature are detrimental to a diesel engine.
I pay $53 per oil change right with Delo, I go 6000 miles per oil change in my truck, on my wifes Expedition I pay $25.50 for the oil change, and run that 3000 miles.
One other thought, If you do buy a diesel then plan on excersizing it a little from time to time. short trips that do not allow the oil to come up to temperature are detrimental to a diesel engine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
If you go with syn ATF, you can extend it. I plan on sending a sample off at 30k to Blackstone, but I plan on 50k+. Keep syn tranny fluid cool, and it'll last a long time.
Syn oils can go 8-10k on just your normal filter. I change mine at about 7500. Some guys invest in bypass filter systems and get 15-20k OCIs. Not my thing, but that's another debate.
Syn oils can go 8-10k on just your normal filter. I change mine at about 7500. Some guys invest in bypass filter systems and get 15-20k OCIs. Not my thing, but that's another debate.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
From: VA
I got my batteries at auto zone...100 bucks a piece for the yellow/gold series. I would expect you to pay somewhere around that range for a decent battery. The maintenance costs, like Joe said, can be minimal if you do you own work and come here if you notice something strange going on. Once you get ontop of things it wont be hard to scchedule and keep up on things and it should last you a very long time. Someone posted an ebay link that showed a 99 7.3 with 452,400 or so miles on it and its still running.
I personally have owned mine since I was in 10th grade of high school. Ive done all but maybe 5 oil changes on it and its still goin strong. Ever since I joined this family here Ive made a list on things to do, done some of them and some of them Im waiting til it gets warmer. Coolant switch to ELC...transfer case drain and refill...front differential drain and refill...and prolly a tranny flush and refill by the time it gets warm.
Welcome to guzzle's Ford PSD Web Page
That site has saved me more than once...
I personally have owned mine since I was in 10th grade of high school. Ive done all but maybe 5 oil changes on it and its still goin strong. Ever since I joined this family here Ive made a list on things to do, done some of them and some of them Im waiting til it gets warmer. Coolant switch to ELC...transfer case drain and refill...front differential drain and refill...and prolly a tranny flush and refill by the time it gets warm.
Welcome to guzzle's Ford PSD Web Page
That site has saved me more than once...
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Homer, GA
Transmission fluid can be changed every 50K I believe, Fuel Filter every 15K, Air filter every 15K thats about the same with a 6637 air filter. Coolent like Joe said it will last a while.
IF you go with Syn. escpically Schaeffers you can go over 10K after the first oil change if you wish. I haven't priced batteries in a bit I need some.
IF you go with Syn. escpically Schaeffers you can go over 10K after the first oil change if you wish. I haven't priced batteries in a bit I need some.
Yeah, idk if I would be brave enough to go 10k...lol... Good to know though... I'm startin to really lean torward the diesel... Seems like everybody loves theirs and haven't heard anybody slamin one yet...lol
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Homer, GA
actually, If you stick with dino oil in the rotella, or Delo variety, the oil changes cost pretty much the same as a gasser.
I pay $53 per oil change right with Delo, I go 6000 miles per oil change in my truck, on my wifes Expedition I pay $25.50 for the oil change, and run that 3000 miles.
One other thought, If you do buy a diesel then plan on excersizing it a little from time to time. short trips that do not allow the oil to come up to temperature are detrimental to a diesel engine.
I pay $53 per oil change right with Delo, I go 6000 miles per oil change in my truck, on my wifes Expedition I pay $25.50 for the oil change, and run that 3000 miles.
One other thought, If you do buy a diesel then plan on excersizing it a little from time to time. short trips that do not allow the oil to come up to temperature are detrimental to a diesel engine.
Yeah, I'm not one to take off cold motor... I hate that...
I drive 40 miles one way to work, and after that, I drive city but I have about 10 miles of highway before I hit city...lol
but also, I let one warm up before we we hit the road...
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 2
From: Seneca, SC
7.3L PSD...the only way to go. If you keep it up you wont have to worry too much about repairs getting expensive, the power is always there if you need it, and it will just flat out outlast anything else you would buy. I bought mine when I was 19 as well. Two years later and it has turned out to be the best investment I have made up to this point. I use mine for towing a decent amount, but not as much as some guys on here. The truck has become sort of a hobby for me, and I love it. I wouldn't get ride of it for the world. When she does finally die on me, I plan to throw in a new motor and keep on goin. Get a diesel, you'll understand why after you've bought it. lol
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
From: VA
Same here! My friends wouldnt know what to do or say if they didnt hear the "school bus" when I show up anywhere! Actually think I could handle the motor deal all by myself along with the great people here!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
im used to optima yellow tops... how much are these batteries comapred to those??
yeah, i would be workin on her myself or i can get free labor...lol
oil, coolant, filters, trans. fluid... what else is there to do on these puppies?? diesel kleen in the tank and zmax in the oil?? does that help??
and gauges... i know i need gauges... lol
you say expensive coolant changes??
how bad and how often??
sorry... dont mean to bombard with questions...
yeah, i would be workin on her myself or i can get free labor...lol
oil, coolant, filters, trans. fluid... what else is there to do on these puppies?? diesel kleen in the tank and zmax in the oil?? does that help??
and gauges... i know i need gauges... lol
you say expensive coolant changes??
how bad and how often??
sorry... dont mean to bombard with questions...
Coolent can be fixed with some rotella ELC its 25 bucks a gallon you need 4 gallons and a gallon of distelled water but it will last you a life time avoid the green stuff.
Transmission takes 20qts I believe and that including the transfer case it cost me 75 bucks of Schaeffers and a 38 dollar filter.
Diesel kleen is 6 or so bucks but I have been using the truck stop brand.
Zmax is a crock of crap I used it and noticed no differnce at all in the truck.
Get you a good set of Isspro or Di Optix gauges I got my gauges from throughbreddiesel.com for 310 shipped but you need alot of stuff to get them to work they lack a lot in the kit.
Don't be afraid to ask questions thats what we are here for. Also I don't like optimas because of what they bailed out on us and they are way to much compared to other batteries that are just as good. Factory Motor Crafts work great and also Cat batteries will last you a life time.
Transmission takes 20qts I believe and that including the transfer case it cost me 75 bucks of Schaeffers and a 38 dollar filter.
Diesel kleen is 6 or so bucks but I have been using the truck stop brand.
Zmax is a crock of crap I used it and noticed no differnce at all in the truck.
Get you a good set of Isspro or Di Optix gauges I got my gauges from throughbreddiesel.com for 310 shipped but you need alot of stuff to get them to work they lack a lot in the kit.
Don't be afraid to ask questions thats what we are here for. Also I don't like optimas because of what they bailed out on us and they are way to much compared to other batteries that are just as good. Factory Motor Crafts work great and also Cat batteries will last you a life time.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
$25 a gallon sound high for ELC think I payed $18 at NAPA and $16 at a reputable truck parts store
You can't add the whole trans change to the soup cause 150 or SD need changes at 35k miles,don't know how much 150 trans holds
I don't need my dually either but I sure like it
You can't add the whole trans change to the soup cause 150 or SD need changes at 35k miles,don't know how much 150 trans holds
I don't need my dually either but I sure like it
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Homer, GA
dang... getting more replies than i thought...lol
i think my mind is made up. i have found a 03 f-250 with a 7.3 in her, cc lb, lariat, 2x4...
got 70k miles on her... $18,000... is that good??
its a flawless truck... not a scuff on it. no wear on interior... burgundy over tan...
im shooting for march first so i can get my taxes back to help with a down payment...
i appreciate all the help guys!!
i think my mind is made up. i have found a 03 f-250 with a 7.3 in her, cc lb, lariat, 2x4...
got 70k miles on her... $18,000... is that good??
its a flawless truck... not a scuff on it. no wear on interior... burgundy over tan...
im shooting for march first so i can get my taxes back to help with a down payment...
i appreciate all the help guys!!